" 1800 YF Correspondence Book"
[cover]


" From Mr Ballanden
to Mr Whitford Gordon House
York Factory Sept 15th 1799
Dear Sir
By the Indians who brought the packet Inland they now being ready to return. - I with pleasure acquaint you that the King George & Queen Charlotte are both ready for sea. - The few Men that remain at York this season prevents me from sending a Boat as usual with Goods for Gordon House. accordingly Have sent you by the Bearer as much of the things you requested as I could conveniently spare. enclosed is a list. wishing you a pleasant winter.
I remain
Sir
Your Most Obt.
J.B.
PS. I do intend sending you a Packet before Christmas if Indians can pofsibly be procured.
JB."


" from Mr Ballanden
to Mr Stayner Churchill Factory
York Factory 17th Sept. 1799
Dear Sir
The Queen Charlotte Captain John Turner arrived at York the 13th Inst. and is now anxiously waiting for your Packet we have had a series of fine weather during the Ship's stay, which enabled us to get our Cargo landed sooner than usual and the Ship King George put in the greatest forwardnefs for sea - The Cargo now on Board for England is [blank] MB. the smallest that has been sent home for many Years past, and what is worse. - I have no great prospect of its ever increasing. We all here Shudder at your narrow escape on your Journey Inland and sincerely hope that in future you will have no occasion to venture yourself with such unexperienced people.
Mefs Tomison McKey Oman & Ward returns to England by the Ship as does Thirty other Servants. such a Number going home at one time and none to supply the places, it will distrefs me much. - Mr Tate was intended to have gone Inland in order to make a Settlement in opposition to a Canadian House that intercepts a Great part of our Home Guard Indians Trade? but not having Men to send with him we was oblidged to drop the expedition. - Mr Tomison was fully bent on returning Inland before the Ship arrived. since then he has changed his Mind on account of no Servants coming out & some other reasons which he intends explaining to the Hon. Committee.
Be pleased to except my warmest thanks for the Articles sent by Captain Turner. they shall be duly carried to account in our Books. - wishing that you and all under your command may experience every happinefs is the constant prayer of
Dear Sir
Your most Hum. Servant
JB
PS My Mefsmates join me in compliments to you and all around your Table."


" from Mr Stayner to Mr Ballanden
Churchill Factory Sept. 10 1799
Dear Sir
I have sent you as pr list inclosed every thing I could spare, all other things such as I have sent am particularly short of myself - provisions in particular, but I suppose you are as badly off therefore I can say nothing further than that
I am
Dear Sir
your Hum Sert
T.S."


" From Mr Stayner to Mr Ballanden
Churchill Factory Sept. 13 1799
Having written so lately to you I can have nothing new to communicate only to inform you Churchill never was so badly situated as at present for both Trading Goods Stores & provisions. of the latter I was oblidged to serve out to the Men short allowance before the Ship left me. it uselefs to complain now. I must make the best of it. here being only 2 Casks of Meat consigned here. and but 7 the last year. - We had 32 Men to provide for all the winter & have 33 this year. I leave you to Judge what must be my situation. I shall be gland? to hear that your are better provided for. - I am happy to learn that Mr Tomison has recovered from the stab he received. the Indians must be very daring indeed up there to attempt such a thing in the House - wishing you a plentiful winter
I remain
Dear Sir
Your Hum. Sert.
T.S."


" From Mr Ballanden to Mr Stayner
York Factory Sept. 23d 1799
Dear Sir
Wilks and Kisecawpeshim arrived here last coming about 24 Hours too late. as I am sorry to inform you both Ships sailed the day before. - The wind being fair nothing could perswaid them to wait longer. from the date of your letters I find the Indians has been very dilatory in coming had they made dispatch they could have arrived early enough to delivered your packet to Captain Turner. it grieves me much for your Disappointment. - I have only given the Indians half of what I promised them as an example to others to be more attentive to what they are desired.
It gives me much concern to hear of your scanty supply of provisions from England and the Number of Men you have to provide for, sincerely hope the seasons for country provisions will prove favourable and that you may not feel the lofs so materially as you imagine.
Both Ships complain'd much of being short of provisions. I supplied them with what I was able, altho my Indents was sencibly curtailed from what I expected, and what I have now I would willingly divide it with you were it pofsible to get it conveyed. May you and all with you experience health & every felicity is my sincere prayers off
Dear Sir
Your most Hum. Sert.
JB."


" From Mr Ballanden to Mr Whitford Gordon house
York Factory Nov. 27 1799
Sir
The Ships King George & Queen Charlotte sailed from hence the 21st September with a continuance of a fair wind for some days, but it grieves me to acquaint you by the delay of Indians from Churchill with the Company's papers belonging there to be sent Home by the Ship arrived a day too late to get them on board and accordingly the Ships sailed without them.
The following Gentlemen went pafsengers to England in the Ship King George. - Mefs Tomison, McKay, Oman & Ward. Mr Tomison had a full wish of returning again Inland and accordingly had every thing in preparation that was necefsary packed up for the journey, but as soon as the Ship arrived he changed his mind, whether he returns again to Hudsons Bay I have no Knowledge off.
It will give me great pleasure to hear that you are enjoying health & plenty. - Had I not been fortunate in getting your winter supplies sent by the Boats in the Summer am sure I could not have done it since - for a very short time after the Ship sailed we had Ice driving in the River. tho' it cleared again afterwards and became fine weather. The fall in general has been remarkably pleasant very little snow has fell as yet. The Ice closed in abreast the Factory 7th Inst.
I have three Tents of Hunters abroard besides the Afsistance of two or three Indian Lads, and it is with difficulty I can muster from them all at the weeks end sufficient Game as to admit me to serve out to the Men at the Factory one Day's allowance of fresh provisions. However I flatter myself with hopes we will ? the winter over tollerably well. The number of Men I have to provide for is far short of last year and thank God all are healthy excepting one poor Man who cut his Leg at the Wooding Tent. he is in a fair way of attending duty soon.
You will on receiving this make a strict overhaul of your Trading Goods Stores & provisions as well as the Number of Bales &c you may have laying in your warehouses &c transmit me account of the same by the Bearers, that I may know what you pack up for Inland next spring. My Honourable Employers difsaprove much of having great quantities of Goods &c Laying at your Settlement. therefore I am in hopes next season that we shall be enabled to give our Masters that satisfaction by leaving little or no Goods at the Rock house.
No Indians has visited me since the departure of the Ships excepting two young Lads and they brought no Furrs worth mentioning. I shall be happy to hear more favourable accounts from your quarter.
- Wishing you all manner of Happinefs I remain with Destinguished regard
Sir
Your most Obt
JB
PS. The Gentlemen at York join me in compliments to Mr Whitford. A list of Articles sent by the Bearers is inclosed."


" from Mr Ballanden to Mr Sinclair Oxford House
York Factory Nov. 26 1799
Sir
Being on the Eve of dispatching a packet for Mr Whitford at Gordon House I gladly avail myself the opportunity in care a conveyance from thence to inform you all are well at York, and hope the same happinefs attends yourself and all with you.
The Ships King George & Queen Charlotte sailed the 21st September and am sorry to inform you Mr Stayner was disappointed of getting his Books & Papers containing the transactions of his Settlement, sent home to the Honorable Committee by the delay of Indians who had it to convey her.
We have had a remarkable fine fall with little snow and as yet with us a person may walk any where without Snow Shoes. - Game of all Kinds are exceeding scarce and it is with great difficulty I can procure one Day in a Week fresh provisions for the Men who remain at the Factory - Trade also comes in but slowly and If I may Judge from accounts that I hear there is no better prospect than last year. . However I will still live in good hopes yet I may be disappointed in my fears. .It will give me pleasure to hear of more favourable accounts from your Quarter.
As undoubtedly you must have a great quantity of Trading Goods & Stores now laying in your Warehouse ready for taking Inland you will oblidge me much by informing me should you get an opportunity what will be most necefsary for packing at the Factory next Spring to add thereto and for your own use. As you hear'd read the Honorable Company's General Letter - I need not remind you their wishes to have as little Goods remaining at Gordon House as pofsible.
My Mefsmates join me in compliments to you wishing you and all under your direction health Happinefs and a good Trade.
I remain
Sir
Your most Obt.
JB."


" From Mr Whitford to Mr Ballanden Chief Factor
Gordon House Dec. 7 1799
Dear Sir
Your Indians arrived here with the packet the 5th Inst. and delivered every thing very safe they had in charge for me for which I return you my most greatful thanks. - we have had a very early winter tho' remarkable warm. the Hill River is not yet set fast with Ice owing to the prodigious quantity of water in the River. The Rock carrying place is scarcely to be seen. I am apprehensive we shall have a heavy deludge in the spring. -
I have no news at present to inform you Having not seen any Indians except one Family since the middle of last summer, neither do I expect to see any this winter from what Mr Sinclair told them neither to bring Furs or provisions to this place. this I confefs is very hard to be debarr'd? from trading Furs as well as my Neighbours. although I am deprived of getting fresh provisions from the Natives yet providence with a little industry on our part has amply supplied us for this winter by sending us plenty of Deer the latter end of October last.
According to your orders I have made a minute overhaul of the Trading Goods Stores & provisions in my custody. I hope it will give you satisfaction. you will see the remaining stock of provisions on hand, it will give you an oppertunity of Fitting out your Boats with a greater Cargo of Trading Goods next Spring in the mean time
I remain
Dear Sir
Your Most Ob. Hum. Ser.
JPW
PS. JP Whitford presents his most respectful compliments to you and all the Gentlemen at your Table at the same time wishing you a Good Trade and a plentiful Spring."


" from Mr Ballanden to Mr Stayner Chief Factor Churchill Factory
York Factory March 3d 1800
Dear Sir
Having a sincere wish to dispatch to you the few Articles you requested when I was at Churchill and it now being a leisure time I have accordingly agreed with two Young Lads. Indians to convey the same to you.
What a remarkable winter this has been for fine weather surely the oldest Residenter living that has ever been in the Company's Service never hear'd or knu? the like. - Am sorry it will also be remarkable for its scarcity of Game and altho' I have eleven Hunters abroad it is with difficulty after all their exertions to procure so many Partridges weekly as to serve the Men one day's allowance God only knows what we should have done had not our small quantity of Fresh Beef & Pork killed in the fall been well Stewarded. To make the same go as far in serving out to the Men as pofsible I even pinched my own Table in hopes that I would be able to keep that dreadful disorder the Scurvey from again making its appearance at York. but it seems I cannot for one Man at this present and for sometime past is very bad with it. It is not only us that suffers by the scarcity of Game this winter but the poor Home Guard Invalids who harbour annually near the Factory. finding our Grain of all kinds running very short and likely still to be more so. I was under the necefsity of being oblidged to send near Fifty of them away from the Factory to endeavour to make a help to provide for themelves. still too many remains for what I am able to spare them.
I have heard no news from Inland since the departure of the Ships. - Indeed Sir I fear a great deal from that quarter, both in respect of the Trade falling short and the trouble there will be in Settling and Appointing Men to different stations as they have for many Years back been endeavouring to get into a combination which I am sorry to say they have but too well succeeded the last season - However I am satisfied that every Officer Inland will do his utmost endeavour for the Honorable Company's affairs prospering. no Men for Inland having been sent out last year to supply the place of those that returned to England will encourage the combinations much to have their demands of wages granted, or to say in their own words. - we will leave the service and then see what you can do without us. This in a great measure would have been done away had Men come from England as was expected Mr Tomison went home upon no other account than that he saw how difficult it would be to carry on the Company's affairs Inland with such a few Men as he would have had for the ensuing Year. He seemed to be much fretted at the disappointment of his wishes.
The Trade as yet collected at York scarce worth mentioning about five hundred made Beaver. Indeed its present situation little can be expected more than what the Home Guard Indians Trap and oftentimes not that, as they trade it at our Neighest Settlements either up Hayses River or North River - I may say that the whole of North river Trade is composed by the Natives that was called Homeguards a few years back.
May the Company's Affairs prosper under your direction & you enjoy every happinefs.
I remain
Dr Sir
Your Ob. Ser.
JB
PS My Mefsmates join me in compliments to you and all around your Table."


" From Mr Stayner to Mr Ballanden Chief Factory YF
Churchill Factory March 18th 1800
Dear Sir
I had the pleasure to receive of the 4 Inst on the 14th of the same and all the articles safe as pr list for which I beg you will please to except of my most sincere thanks.
To the Mildnefs of the winter I attribute our wonderful succefs in Fishing upwards of 5600 lb weight have been procured since the Frost set in. A quantity ten times greater than is commonly obtained here. - I do not know wether? to the same cause we can justly ascribe the great scarcity of Partridges which has prevailed here as well as with you - Thank the Almighty God my Stock of provisions is likely to spin out tollerably well until the usual time of the Geese coming about which was what I scarcely expected . when the Ship sailed from here . and indeed but for the extraordinary interference of providence in sending us such abundance of Fish we would but have barely existed great part of this Winter.
I have served out but one day in the week English provisions you may judge how I must have been situated considering that Partridges failed of their usual supply.
I am extreemly sorry to hear that the Scurvy as again made its appearance with you. thank God we are all in good Health at present except Mr Donald who has been very Ill ever since your departure I wish for his sake we had a Surgeon here. - such a Number of Invalids as you have . must be a great Burthen to York . I can afsure you we have very few of that sort at this place.
Since I had the pleasure of seeing you I have not hear'd any News from Inland - by a Letter which I received from Mr Auld last Summer the Men appear also to have entered into a combination here . every Man whose contract expires next Year has written for Home . one uselefs hand excepted. - There happens to be betwixt 25 or 30 of them and there the best Hands Inland . from this circumstance I imagine they expect their demands for Wages will be complied with . However unreasonable they may be and think the Company cannot dispence with their services but in this they will be much mistaken . for I am determined they shall gain no advantage and If by any means I can discover a ring Leader among them . he shall most afsuredly be sent Home agreeable to the orders of the Hon. Committee never to be employed again . It is necefsary that some stop be put to this prevailing Custom of standing out for exorbitant wages. - I am not aware of any plan more likely to have the desired Effect than the one you & I agreed to propose to the Committee . I mean that of fixing the Wages according to the particular station each Man occupies. - were this method adopted and fresh Hands sent out Yearly to supply the place of Old Servants going Home. - I make no doubt but the Hon. Company's Affairs would prosper better. - At present the Men in fact are your Masters for if 60 or 70 of them should stand out at such a place as York which is by no means unlikely so great a number going Home in one Year and none coming out . must I should think occasion a very sensible diminution of your returns. - perhaps a few examples made by sending Home some of those Men who make use of such threatening exprefsions to obtain their unreasonable demands as we will leave the service and see what you can do without us . would deter others . for depend on it the Hon. Committee will never employ them again.
I received about 500 MB. since the Ships departure; my prospects of Trade I confefs are a little more flattering than yours . as I have every reason to expect an increase both at the Factory and from Inland.
Your observation respecting North River confirms me in the opinion I first imbibed of the Settlements in that Quarter . I always thought the Furs collected there would never add much to the Companys profit . it is very well known that some years back many of the Chipoyans were stopped visiting this Factory by ? Traders and if the remainder of their? was made up by the York Homeguards who I am given to understand annually visit . Notwithstanding they trade their Furs at the Inland Settlements and no doubt must put the Company to a very considerable expence and really I find Indians much more difficult to please when they come empty handed . than to use a North West exprefsion When they are well Fur'd . Admitting the above to be a true Statement of what use is it keeping up there Settlements and employing 20 to 30 Men out at a time when their services are so much wanted up the Saskatchawan.
Notwithstanding your apprehensions of the Trade . I hope you will find it otherwise & that the Company's Affairs may prosper under your management is the sincere wish off
Who Am
Dear Sir
Your Obt Hum Ser.
(sign'd) Tho. Stayner
PS Mefs Donald & Topping joins me in Compliments to the Gentlemen of your Mefs."


" from Mr Ballanden to Mr Whitford Gordon House
York Factory May 28th 1800
Sir
As it is so lately since you and I communicated about Affairs of Inland , in consequence I can have but little at present to inform you off - have ventured to send the Boats with small Cargoes for the Rock Stores Notwithstanding the River is as shoal as ever was known - should they be fortunate enough to reach it . you will on their arrival overhaul the packages sent by them in case any should be got wet . and dry them with the greatest care. I have sent Mr Kennedy a steady Young Man to give you Afsistance at the Rock whilst the Inland businefs is going on there . Dispatch the Boats back as fast as pofsible . so that if pofsible they might return again to you with a second trip. you must be careful in the expenditure of the provisions of what you have in hand as well as what I now send you . as perhaps it will be out of my power to send such large supplies as I did last season indeed were it . I have it not to send . Keep an exact account of every Article you send from Gordon House . a fair Copy you are to send down by the last Canoes . also an account of your own expenditure since the close of your accounts last Year together with what Furs you may have Traded.
I am
Sir
Your Most Obt.
JB."


" from Mr Ballanden to Mr Stayner Chief Factor Churchill
York Factory May 29th 1800
Dear Sir
As some of the York Indians has exprefsed a wish to visit their Friends & Relations at Churchill I have gladly embraced the opportunity to acquaint you that all at York are well, except Nichol Tate who has been long ailing and still continues in a helplefs state. - Our River Ice broke up the 18 Instant and the Evening of the same day we had a Clear Channel not the least rise of water - At present our River is so Shoal that the Indians found a difficulty to come down in their small Canoes. However I yesterday made as? attempt to send two Boats with Goods to Gordon House I have little hopes of their succeeding.
I have had no News from Inland this Year as yet in consequence I can have but little knowledge of their proceedings . I much dread the trouble I will have with the Men to engage and return Inland. However whatever I do shall be done with an intention for the best.
No distant Indians have visited York this Year or do I expect . so that the trade procured here is by the Homeguards only . which will be no worse than last Year . shall be happy to hear you receive good news from Inland with a great increase of Trade and that Health and Happinefs may be your inseparable companions
I am
Dr Sir
Your most Obt Serv
JB.
PS. My Mefsmates join me in Compliments to you and the Gentlemen at Churchill"

" From Mr Whitford to Mr Ballanden Chief Factor YF
Gordon House May 30th 1800
My Dear Sir
I am very sorry to relate an accident which happened yesterday Evening the day After my Arrival from York . the little Boy Wah-kage . was playing with Gun on the plantation not thinking it was loaded. it went off and shot his Brother (Ethe nis kis) in the right Cheek . am much affraid by the time he gets to York it may prove fatal to him . I have dispatched them down with all pofsible expedition I have nothing further to relate then to mention that Steel River is remarkably shoal . the Hill River is not quite so shoal & their is no Ice to prevent the Boats from proceeding immediately.
I am
DrSir
Your most Obt Serv
JPW"


" from Mr Whitford to Mr Ballanden Chief Factor YF
Gordon House June 8th 1800
Dear Sir
Your Batteaux did not arrive here till the Evening of the 8th Instant when Mr Kennedy delivered me your favour of the 23 Ulto . he informed me that the Men have had a very troublesome pafsage occasioned by the Shoalnefs of the River by which both Boats were broken I am sorry to say . that the Roll & Cut Tobacco received much damage and some of the provisions got wet . but not to hurt it materially . as to the other Goods they came all very safe . incase the summer proves dry I am apprehensive it will be very difficult to get the Furs down to York when they arrive here . as it is almost an impofsibilty to load a Boat with Furs in the state the River now appears.
You will be pleased to send by the next Boats Powder, Tobacco, Brandy & Provisions equivalent to the Bale Bundles already received . this will be sufficient to send all the Canoes off that may arrive the first trip . and by that time they return . providence may order a good flush of water in the River to enable you to send up more Goods.
A Duplicate of the Cargoes received and of the Furs now sent is inclosed.
Nothing have transpired since my arrival here worth relating therefore I shall conclude . that you may have a swift and pleasant pafsage to the Rock is the sincere wish of
Sir
Your most Obt. Hum. Serv.
J.P.W.
PS. please to omit sending pitch or Tar . up this time . as I have sufficient to serve Inland this summer."


" from Mr Kennedy to Mr Ballenden Chief Factor YF
Gordon House June 8th 1800
Sir
As Mr Whitford has wrote you concerning the state of the Rivers . and the damage some of the Tobacco has received owing to the Shoalnefs of the River. it would be unnecefsary in me to say any thing on that subject but we were Oblidged to leave a Cask of Salt and another of Flour at the mouth of Hill River which I see he has not mentioned in his public Letter to you & which was impofsible for us to carry farther .
The Number of all the packages remaining at Gordon House he say's were sent you last fall and he brought you a true account of his remains at present when at York - Mr Whitford has sent you two Men in case they may be wanted to Afsist in bringing the Boats up next trip . one of which Tho. Loutit he recommends as a Bowsman for your own Boat.
I Remain
Sir
Your Most Obt. Serv.
Sign'd A Kennedy"


" from Mr Sinclair to Mr J. Ballenden Chief YF
Oxford House February 29th 1800
Dear Sir
Being at the Necefsity of sending to Gordon House for some Files . I take the opportunity to inform you of my proceeding's since I left the Factory . The 9th Sept. at 3 PM . we arrived at Gordon House . The latter part of that Day was employ'd sorting and packing a few Articles of Trading Goods that was wanted for immediate use the latenefs of the season prevented me from puting full cargoes in the Canoes at Gordon House, according to Mr Tomison's Order . I was Apprehensive that the Goods would get damaged the same as last year if the Canoes was overloaded in the lower Rivers. To forward the bufsinefs I left the Canoe that was to winter at Oxford House at the rock to come up Hill River by themselves, and as their was only three Men in the Canoe . I gave them orders to take their own time . I proceeded on with the other Canoes to Oxford House where we arrived the 5 of September and the Eleventh Day from the Factory . I fit'd them out of Oxford Stores with bundles of Trading goods to complete their Cargoes they embarked for Cumberland House the seventeenth day . I think they arrived there betimes as the weather was very much in their favour after they left this house . I am sorry to inform you that the few Natives that is about this Settlement is not exerted themselves this Winter in Hunting of Furs, the Deer being so numerous the first of the Winter they did nothing but hunt them and since the Deer as been all gone they have supported themselves and families by Angling of Pike & Trout. their is no beaver I will admit for them to look after any place near to this Settlement there? by Ten or Twelve Days walk and that is in the Bungee country where they are afraid to go, yet if they had exerted themselves their was a plenty of Cats, Martins & Otters to hunt. I trusted them credit as usual expecting from the encouragement that I had given them that they would have endeavoured to pay. I have remonstrated with them concerning their inactivity but to no purpose. Am dubious that they will not pay one half of their Debts this Winter, as the best season of traping is nearly over. I have collected 400 MB which is a very small quantity for the Number of Indians that is hunting about this House. - We have not caught so many fish this year as we did the last by three thousand . but the Number of Men being fewer . I have made out a tolerable livelihood with fish and what provisions is been procured from Natives. Since Christmas the Men is been employed at sawing of Plank and falling palisades . when finished I hope will complete the Store houses at this place . & likewise the number of Palisades that is wanted to surround the buildings . Wishing you a good trade and a plentiful spring and all under your command health & felicity
I Remain
Dr Sir
Your Obt. & Hum. Serv.
Sign'd Wm Sinclair"


" from Mr J Ballenden Chief Factor to Mr James Sutherland YF
Hay's River 18th June 1800
Dear Sir
Some Canoes appearing in sight and Judging they are for the Factory. - I gladly embrace the opportunity to inform you we are all well. - We are now abreast of what is generally called the upper woods and expect to get well up with Steel River this Evening. The River is remarkable shoal indeed. - This Instant the Canoes has appeared more in sight . They are the Englishmen's. at 11 oClock Mefs Bird & Longmoor Landed . which I did at the same time - 3 Canoes going to the Factory for goods . not having sufficiently at the Rock House to make a Trip to Trout River - You will please to Load them with the quickest dispatch and should Mr Bird want any thing that may not be already packed for Inland . It is my wish that he gets it if it is in the Factory and it can conveniently be spared. Adieu Yours with regard.
Dear Sir
Your Obt. Servant
JB."

" from Mr Sinclair to Mr John Ballenden Chief Factor
Oxford House June 2nd 1800
Dear Sir
Two Canoes having arrived this Morning from Swan River with the trade of that Settlement I have sent the Canoe belonging to this House down with them . if they are not detained at Gordon House . I expect they will be up here with a trip of goods before that Mr Bird & party arrives from the upper Settlements since I wrote my last Letter . have collected 1800 MB which is more than I had at that time . it makes the Trade at this House at present 2200 MB part of the Indians is not paid their Debts as yet . I expect a few Skins - during the summer which shall be sent down. - We have been busyly employed this Spring in puting up the Stockheads . three quarters of them is up and the fourth quarter is ready to put up . I hope to get this place completed this Summer . wishing you a plentyful Summer and all under your Command Health & happinefs
I Remain
Dr Sir
Your most Obt & Hum. Sert.
Sign'd Wm Sinclair
PS Shall be glad if the Articles is sent as pr List inclosed by the first conveyance. WS."


" from Mr Sinclair to Mr J Ballenden Chief Factor
Oxford House June 18th 1800
Dear Sir
Since I wrote my last letter four Bungee Indians is visited this Settlement from the popular river . They brought sixty MB they were on their pafsage to this House with the produce of their Winters Hunt. when they were met by the Canadian Master that winter'd at the Crofs Lake - in the big lake he having Brandy along with him traded most of their Furs. I lost nearly three Hundred beaver by his meeting with them . these Indians have traded with the Canadians there many years past. they wished very much for a House in or near to their Wintering ground . and I realy believe that six Men would make out very well with a proper afsortment of goods to Winter at or Near the Wonni,nee,peg,oo,shish. - the Canadians is intended to have a Settlement the ensuing winter up that way to cut off the Indians from this House. - I hope that a few Men will be able to winter along side of them or near to them to be some oppisition to the Canadians. I am likewise informed that they intend to build at or near to this House. - iff they do they shall pay well for all they get - any Young Man that you would appoint that was a careful person .- would do very well to go up their as Master they could be fitt'd out from this Settlement if no Men can be spared to go their in the Summer. I hope two Canoes will be able to go their in the fall, as I am in hopes of seeing you again in the fall of the Year - I shall add no more at present wishing you a safe & pleasant pafsage up to Gordon house.
I Remain
Dr Sir
Your Obt. Hum Serv.
Sign'd Wm Sinclair
P.S. I hope you will send me up a little of English provisions. I am realy Loath'd of Fish - Nothing but fish every meal without either Bread Butter or Vinegar - is but very poor living - hardly fit to keep in the life."


" from Mr J Sutherland to Mr J Ballenden Chief FactorYF
York Fort June 23nd 1800
Sir
According to your desire their is three Canoes dispatched with what Articles Mr Bird thinks is most necefsary and the other two will be fitt'd out with all the Speed we can as soon as the Men recovers from their Illnefs . Among there Canoe Cargoes you will find 64 Guns that we have packed since you left the Factory likewise 20 Steel Traps of which there is a regular Account taken of here. - Mr Cook arrived here the 21st with two Indian Canoes & four Indian Men and we expect the Trade of Nelsons Settlement to be here tomorrow which I understand is rather better than last year. - Mr Cook informs us of the Death of John Budge on the 17 Inst - the Brother of the diceased being here & being desirous to have the whole of his property for which he is to be responsible to their Father . we have valued it at a fair price and delivered the Chest to him after taking an inventory of its contence . We have been tolerable succefsful in procuring provisions since you left us . our Nets has supplied us with several good Meals of fine fish and yesterday we received twenty Deer from the Natives. - The few Miserable Wretches that were left here is still Ailing, Nay even geting worse. - in short they are so bad that none of them is able to weed the Gardens . so you need not expect any thing to be done before your Arrival. I have sent you an Account of the three Canoe Cargoes in order to prevent any Mistakis that might arise at G.H. wishing you soon at York. Mr Longmoor remains here the reason of which Mr Bird will no? doubt explain to you.
I am
Sir &
Sign'd James Sutherland"


" from Mr Sinclair to Mr J Ballenden Chief Factor YF
Oxford House June 24th 1800
Dear Sir
The Boats arrived here the 22nd Inst with their respective Cargoes in very good condition. the Eight Canoes arrived the 23d from Gordon House and brought their cargoes all safe, the same day three canoes of Indians arrived with a few Skins. - Ninety three Bundles of Furs is sent down pr Canoes - and Sixty four bundles remains as yet at Oxford House . I am busyly employ'd with one thing and the other & flatter myself that I shall have every paper belonging to this Settlement ready for your examination in a little time after the last Canoes embarks for the upper Settlements wishing you a pleasant and safe pafsage to the Factory.
Dr Sir
your Obt Hum Ser
Sign'd Wm Sinclair


" from Mr John Ballenden Chief Factor to James Sutherland YF
Gordon House 25th June 1800
D Sir
Yesterday at noon I arrived here - with the small Cargo of goods I brought from the Factory all safe - I found the Rivers very shoal indeed and was often of the Opinion I would never be able to get the Boats to this place. Notwithstanding all the care we pofsibly took of them the Mercury Boat got twice broke - their rubbing against the Stones makes me doubtful whether they will be ever useful again . I have ventured to send them down with only a few Bundles of Furs in them the Charlotte Boat you will send up again as she is the most likeliest to get up. Perhaps Sir before you see me Mr Cook will arrive at the Factory - if there is any Goods that he may want that is not already packed for him and it is in the Factory let him have it particularly if it can be spared by any means as it is my particular wish to Afford every Gentlemen on the Estblishment what Afsistance is in my power - as the Trade may not suffer from my innatention thereof. - Send Mr Cook's Canoes away again as fast as pofsible after they have rested themselves from their fatigue of Journey to York. wishing you every happinefs that one friend can wish for another.
I remain
D Sir
Your Obt. Sert
Sign'd JB
PS My Compliments to the Gentlmen with you the quantity of Furs sent down in the Boats is as follows. Mecury Boat 27 Bundles. Charlotte Do. 25 Do.
JB."


" from Mr J Ballenden Chief Factor to Mr Sinclair
Gordon House June 27th 1800
Dear Sir
On my pafsage here I was favoured with your letter . I do afsure you it gave me infinite pleasure to hear that you and all at Oxford House are well . My anxiety was great not hearing from you since the Fall . I am happy also to hear that your Trade is increasing I wish it may do so annually . Am sorry to hear it has fail'd in other parts . may it take a speedy turn. It has much greived me that I had no Men to send Inland last fall to winter amongst the Bungees. - The Number of Men going home this Year and none coming out last fall makes me dread I shall be under a simular situation this Year . However nothing shall be wanting on my part to do all in my power to forward such an undertaking - Keep the Indians in Memory that there will certainly be a House settled there as soon as pofsible . I much flatter myself with the hopes that there will be plenty of Men come out by the Ship for the want of Men some thousands of Beaver has been lost to our Hon. Masters this year so I am inform'd . I had great difficulty in getting up Goods to this place this Summer very little Water being in the River to carry Boats up with it yet I am in hopes I shall be able to get a sufficiency . Wishing you all that you can desire for yourelf.
I remain
Dr Sir
Your Obt. Ser.
Sign'd JB."


" from Mr James Sutherland to Mr J Ballenden Chief Factor YF
York Fort June 27th 1800
Sir
The arrival of Mr Cook's people on the 25 Instant enables us to dispatch Mr Bird's two remaining Canoes to Gordon with Cargoes as pr List inclosed. William Tate, Robert Garrock, & George Gutcher remain here dangerously Ill . and having no Men here to supply their places . Necefsity compeled us to Appoint two of Mr Cook's Men to Afsist them up . which I suppose will meet with your approbation . you are please to observe there is four Gallons of Brandy to be taken from the Account of Robert Garrock . that he his charged with in Mr Bird's debt Book . likewise the Men mentioned in the inclosed List is to be charged with the contents as they have been taken up since Mr Bird left York. - in the Evening of the 25th three Canoes of Bungees Arrived from whom we received near 300 MB. Deer is Middling plentiful we have received 50 since you left us . as you know the bustle that the departure of Canoes creates at York . I have no hesitation in supposing you will readily excuse the laconism of this Letter.
I am
Sir
Your Hum. Ser.
Sign'd James Sutherland
PS Shall be glad when you return to York. I should never have thought some years back, that the famous York Fort once the principal Settlement in the Country would be thus distrefsed for Men. I have given to Ja. Spence a Hat & 2 Gallons of Brandy as a kind of recompence for his Afsisting the Englishmen down."


" from Mr James Sutherland to Mr J Ballenden Chief Factor YF
York Fort July 2d 1800
Sir
I received yours the 28th Ulto. on the arrival of the Boats & Canoes who brought their Furs up safe . altho' with much difficulty owing to their being in a very leaky state. the Mercury in particular is rendered intirely unfit for any further service this season . and of course shall be taken on the Bank to repair the first oppertunity. - According to our desire I have dispatch'd the Charlotte with what Cargo the Shoalnefs of the water will admit off and likewise the Fly which I presume will be of service in transporting the Furs down to York.
Mr Cook is employed packing what Articles he can be supplied with here and when done his Canoes shall be dispatched as quick as circumstances will admit off. I have sent by the Canoes 32 Gallons of Salt which is all that can? absolutely be spared . there not being twice the quantity of White Salt remaining - I have also comply'd with Mr Bird request as far as I could which you perceive by the inclosed list of Cargo.
The people is very much difsatisfied at there not being a sufficient quantity of plain blue Cloth and Cotton Shirts to supply their wants and I afsure you Sir it was with difficulty I got them to leave the Factory . and I am apprehensive you will find a dale of trouble at Gordon house on the same account.
I am
Sir
Your Humble Serv.
Sign'd James Sutherland"


" from Mr James Peter Whitford to Mr J Ballenden Chief Factor YF
Gordon House July 11th 1800
Sir
Nothing having transpired since your departure except the arrival the Boats yesterday for the Canoes arrived here last Monday & staid four days here waiting the arrival of the Boats. their Cargoes was laid out the last night & early this morning they embarked for Trout River - It is entirely out of my power to get up the Flour & Salt Lying at the mouth of the River . the Old Canoe is in a Wretched condition . as the Men who left her entirely destroyed her & not fit to venture acrofs the River. Should you my Dr Sir have an Oppertunity of sending again for the remainder of the Furs that are left here . be so kind as to order those people to bring it up as my Stock is very Small of that Article. An account of the remaining packages Spirits Tobacco Powder &c is now inclosed . the accompt Book together with the loose remains shall be sent the first Oppertunity.
I am
Sir
Your Hum. Ser
Sign'd James Peter Whitford"


" from Mr Stayner Chief Factor Churchill Factory to Mr J Ballanden Chief Factor York Factory
July 14th 1800
Dr Sir
Your Indians arrived here on the 4th Inst. only 3 Families, the rest I am inform'd stopp'd about Owl River. - except Mr Donald we have all enjoyed our Health but he has kept his bed ever since you left us.
The Goose Season was among us the worst I have seen at this Factory only 716 Geese killed but we have been tolerably fortunate in procuring Venison. - The River Ice gave way amd form'd a clear Channel out to Sea on the 4th Ulto. and on the 16th at 3 oClock in the Morning . Mr Auld with three Batteaus, two of which were from Beaver River and Isle a la Crofse . and one from the Indian Lake arrived here . with a Cargo of upwards of 4,000 MB.

The strong oppositions Mefs Auld & Linklater met with in a Country were the name of an Englishmen is almost forgotten (so long is it since most of the Indians visited this Factory) that the Canadians seem to bear all before them . it was of no small importance I afsure you that many of the Chepwoyans owed us Debts. this circumstance alone was the means of keeping some among them in our Interest, there is a likelihood of our people in that quarter being able to recover great part of the Debt due to this Factory amounting to upwards of 10,000 MB - - If you send people to the Northward a plan which I am inform'd is in agitation, it will be in direct contradiction to the order which the Gentlemen of the Committee afsured us in last years General Letter had been conveyed to York - The paragraph runs thus "York Factory having now by our Orders withdrawn their Men from the Athapiscow Country . we have appointed Mr Rofs to conduct the businefs in that quarter with the extra Men Mr Geddes may engage for your Factory"? - If you really have more Officers and Men than be necefsary to the support of the Settlements established in the Saskachawon River. why not make the surplus over to Churchill at once, it would surely be much more beneficial to our employers than for Mr Bird to send people into our River to collect Furs and carry down to York. - I have to acknowledge my Obligations to Mr Bird for the supply of Pamecon and various Articles of Trading Goods with which he furnished Mr Auld at the Green Lake, and likewise the two Canoes, also the readinefs with which he permitted John Forbes one of his Men (in exchange for Wm Johnston a Churchhill Man) to take Charge of the Goods at the Green Lake during Mr Auld's Journey to the Factory. - The very particular inconvenience which we have ever labour'd under for want of Traders, induces me to request your permission for the above to be made over to Churchill in Lieu of Wm Johnston, it will be rendering Efsential Service to this Factory, as such, I am convinced must meet the approbation of our employers, it is a Matter of real importance to us, on which account I presume not undeserving your consideration . I hope to be favoured with your Answer on this Head pr Ship Packet. - Mr Auld waits the arrival of the Ship, after which he will proceed up the Beaver River in a light Boat to where he Wintered last year. It is expected he will be able to reach there in one Month after he leaves the Factory. - Four Batteaux only were fitted out from here this Spring . three of which are destined to the Isle a la Crofse and Beaver River Settlements . the other proceeds to Nelson House only . and return again to the Factory.

It was out of our power to attempt any further to the Northward for want of both Officers & Men . I am really concern'd to see how much our Hon. Employers suffer, for want of giving us that support so Necefsary to the Businefs we are engaged in and at a time too when something considerable is to be made from the Northward which I fear will not be the case when this new Company of Canadians gets a footing among those Indians . At present we stand no chance with our Opponents . they have men detatched in all directions from their principle Settlements which gives them an advantage 6 to 1 over our people. - The Factory Trade is something better than 4,000 MB but as the Furs are not yet packed . I cannot tell the exact amount of the agregate . I have seen very few Esquimau this year . Wishing you good accounts from Inland an increase of Trade at the Factory & an early sight of the Ship.
I remain
Your Obt. Hum. Serv.
Sign'd Tho. Stayner"


" from Mr Thomas Thomas to Mr J Ballanden Chief Factor YF
Severn House Aug. 1 1800
Sir
On the 10th of last Month I received a Letter from Mr John Hodgson of Albany . he informed me that the Trade sent home from Albany last year was 23545 MB that they had enjoy'd health but had been so unfortunate last Fall as to lose the Sloop. her Cargo . which was also lost . consisted of above half the Flour, 120 kegs of Shot, 8 Pipes of Brandy and many other things.
One of the Men at Severn Magnus Cromarty wishes to go Inland; if you think he can be employed to advantage in that service . and will be so good as to send a Man in his Room by the return of the Brig . he shall be sent to York Next Winter pr Packet Men. his time expires next year and he expects, should he go Inland the same wages with others who engage for Inland at the commencement of their second contract. He is a stout able young Man and a very civil good fellow . I therefore can have no reason for wishing to part with him, but that he may do more for the Company & himself.
I beg leave to refer you to Mr G Taylor for Information respecting occurences at Severn since I had the pleasure of seeing you last.
If you can spare any of the underwritten Articles you will greatly afsist the service at Severn and very much Oblidges
Your Obt. Hum. Servt.
Sign'd Tho. Thomas
PS. I shall look for a packet next winter unlefs I hear to the Contrary pr Brig. - 1 Bale YF No. 158 . Containing 15 Strip'd Blanket . came by Mistake to SR last Year . and was taken on account here.
List
Blankets strip'd, or of any kind you can spare
Cloth, blue, red, or green
Needles Quilting
Gartering"


" York Factory Aug. 26 1800
Dear Sir
On the 10th Inst. my Indians arrived from your place and brought me the pleasing accounts of all being well at Churchill. Mr Donald excepted whom I am very sorry to hear continues still indisposed.
We have at this place had no Material reason to complain of not enjoying that great Blefsing Health. but Country provisions has fail'd us much this Summer more than I ever knew. We hope to weather it until the Ship arrives when we than flatter ourselves to enjoy plenty.
Mr Bird arrived at York the 19th June and am sorry to relate his accounts of trade was far from my expectation. I have great consolation in saying he did all that an able and well qualified Officer could do. His trade no more than 14,500 MBeaver - much short of last year - It gives me pleasure to hear that the trade Inland from Churchill is likely to encrease. It is more than I can say here from reports. What with the scarcity of Animals and the great opposition it does not Argue? good signs . Want of Servants last Winter to leave at Settlements was some measure a great cause of the decline of trade Inland.
It is not my wish or do I think any Officer on this Establishment has any desire to interupt you from proceeding to the Northward. Wherever you think proper . Altho' I am inform'd there is Room enough both for Churchill & York exertions in the Athapascaw Country . From what I learn from the Gentlemen Inland Nothing is more easier to penetrate in that in invaluable Country . If Servants can be procured However you may depend I shall never give you reason to complain. Whilst it can do without our Afsistance.
If any Officer on this Establishment can be perswaded to go to Churchill I shall not prevent it whilst it can Answer the purpose more for our Hon. Masters Interest with you than here as to John Forbes being permitted to remain with you in exchange of William Johnston I can have no Objections if Mr Bird or the commanding Officer Inland can dispence with him.
all I have to say it is the highest of my ambition to render every Service in my power to my Brother Officer in what ever place they may be stationed wishing you a Speedy sight of the Ship with good news from England.
I Remain with the greatest Respect
Dear Sir
Your Obt. Servt.
JB"


" To the Commander of the Hon. Hudson's Bay Company's Ship off Hay's River
York Factory Sept. 8 1800
Sir
As the Mooring of the Vefsel and other duties of the Ship may necefsarily detain you longer on board and occasion a greater delay than the present state of the Factory can conveniently admit off We request that the York Factory Packet may be forwarded to us thro' the means of the Bearer Mr James Sutherland . Our Motives for taking this step are regulated by nothing more than a desire to give to the Inland Bufsinefs that dispatch the latenefs of the Season and other prefsing circumstances so peremptorily demand.
Accept our sincere Congratulations for your safe arrival & believe us to be
Sir
Your Obt. Hum. Sert.
JB
WHC
JS
WS
RL?
JF?
MSF?
PS The following Articles are most wanted Shot Bristol Slops & Blanket Bales"


" From Mr Stayner To Mr Ballanden Chief YF
Churchill Factory Sept. 5 1800
Dear Sir
At 2 oclock Yesterday Afternoon the Queen Charlotte Anchored in our River and in the Evening Capt. Turner landed - I am sorry to inform you that only 6 Labourers are Consigned here a very trifling Number indeed for the Businefs we have in hand. - Time will not permit me to say more at the present than Wishing you a Good sight of the Prince of Wales.
I remain Yours &c
signed Tho. Stayner"


" From Mr Ballamden to Mr Whitford
York Fort Sept. 15 1800
Dear Sir
Mr Sinclair being on the eve of proceeding towards you I have to inform you that a new regulation has taken place respecting keeping our Accounts which we are strictly order'd to adhere to. you will therefore be particularly careful in noting down every article you receive or give away receiving or giving a Receipt for the same. Mr Sinclair will inform you fully in what Manner.
It grieves me I am not able to send you Two or three Men to remain with you during the coarse of the Winter. not havong an Old hand at the Factory to conduct them & Mefs Tomison & Sinclair's Canoes being so Loaded they could not be sent by them. However will do all I can to send you supplys the first opportunity. Your Gun is sent by them also 2 lb of Tea. the Articles or Boxes come out for you I know nothing of but that I am certain there is one or Two for you by the List.
May Health & happinefs attend you
I remain with regard
Dear Sir
Your Obed. Servt.
JB."


" Mr Ballanden to Mr Stayner
York Fort Sept. 18 1800
Dear Sir
I have detained your packet Men some few Days longer than I could have wished in hopes to give you the latest occurrences which have happened here during the Ships stay.
Capt. Hanwell will be ready for Sea in a few Days. I have had much Trouble since the Ship arrived in fitting out the Inland Canoes with their Commifsions as the latenefs of the Season required every exertion. Mefs Tomison & Longmoor embarked for Inland the 12 Inst. & Mr Tate the same Day with Two Large Canoes & two Small ones to make a Settlement in the Bungee Country which I flatter myself with hopes will turn well out in Time for our Honble Masters.
It will give me pleasure to hear the Queen Charlotte has Sailed from your place with a Good Cargo. No Indians have visited here this Fall yet to make any addition to ours.
Wishing you a pleasant & happy Winter I Remain
Dear Sir
Your Obed. Servt.
JB
Capt Hanwell and the Gentlemen that is here Joins me in Compliments to Mr Stayner and the Gentlemen with him.
Since Writing the above Queen Charlotte Ship has arrived in our River. the Evening before she had the Misfortune to get the Pauls? of her Windlafs broke in heaving up the Anchor by which means many of the Seamen narrowly escaped Danger. Both Shups I hope will be ready for Sea the 22nd. I am fearful Sir our Inland Businefs will suffer greatly this year by the latenefs of the Ships arrival.
JB."


B.239/b/64

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