" YF 1800 & 1801 Correspondence"
[cover]


" Mr Stayner to J.B.
Churchill Factory Sept. 18th 1800
Dear Sir
Your packet Men arrived the 17th Inst. by whom I received the Duplicate &c
Our Packet was Sealed on the 14th at Midnight and Mr Topping was sent on Board with it to deliver to Capt. Turner, at 2 Oclock in the Morning and in the Afternoon of the 15th the Wind favoring the Ship sailed out of our River.
Only 6 Men coming out this Year. and as many gone Home with the late arrival of the Ship prevented Mr Auld proceeding to Beaver River as was intended. On the 11th I sent off nine Englishmen and two Northward Indians in two Batteaux. one of them is to stop at the Chipwoyen Lake the Other proceed's to Sturgeon Creek if the Season will permit this latter place is in a Line with Cumberland House and I suppose much about the same distance from this Factory as Cumberland House is from York -
On the 14th Mr Charles set off for the same place with 4 Englishmen in a small light Boat the Weather since has been so peculiarly Cold and Stormy I am very apprehensive that they will not reach their Wintering Ground.
From the number of the Men who are going Home next Year their will not be so many left as can Man two Batteaux deducting the Number that must Summer at the respective Settlements. - The sending no Men out this Year will strengthen the Combination already formed among the Inland Servants & which I am sorry to say carries the appearance of a total annihilation to the Trade at this Factory - I am in want of a very great many articles of Trading Goods & Stores which if you can conveniently spare shall esteem a particular Favor. A list is enclosed.
Oho squew accompanies your Indians to meet her Friends at York.
My Mefsmates join me in Compliments to the Gentlemen around your Table.
I remain Your Obed.
Humble Servt.
signed Tho. Stayner
P.S. Nechau ou thou wishes much for his Brother Seauke-weou? to be sent here which I hope you will comply with."


" JB to Mr Whitford
York Factory 29th Nov. 1800
Dear Sir
I have been waiting with anxious desire to hear from you. no opportunity hath offered since the departure of Mefs Tomison & Sinclair from this place for Inland to send you a Packet until this present. I now send Mr Tho. Colen with Wilks an Indian & two Young Lads. John Mowat & John Wafs. they are to remain with you to afford you any afsistance that they are capable of -
The Prince Wales & Queen Charlotte Ships both Sailed from here as did the Severn Brig on the 23rd Sept. and for a few Days afterwards they had fine weather and a fair wind. - The fall commenced soon and very cold yet our River did not freeze over with any Degree of safety to crofs Her untill the 27th Inst we had no Hunt of Geese and all kinds of Game as has been usual here for some Years past very scarce. It will give me pleasure to hear that you have experienced the Seasom more comfortable.
The Honble Committee exprefses a desire to have their Accounts in this Country more explicate sent them which I shall endeavour to obey to the best of my power and in order to convey the same sentiments to you it will be requisite that you keep a fair and destinct account for the Honble Committee's satisfaction all Goods you may receive from this Factory of whatsoever kind giving a receipt & likewise receiving a receipt for what you may deliver from out your Store House and as I hinted to you in my last respecting of these Matters & no doubt Mr Tomison has likewise. I shall only add that it will be absolutely necefsary for you to begin your Accounts from the first August last so that it may correspond with York Factory Accts. Let no article be ommitted when you take an overhaul in your Store House. as much trust is empower'd to the Master of Gordon House it will be necefsary for him to keep a regular Journal also to be sent Home annually. Mr Thomas Colen will inform you of every particular you may wish to have information of respecting keeping the Accounts.
Wishing you a pleasant Winter with the Compliments of the approaching Season.
I remain Dear Sir
Yours Sincerely
signed J. Ballanden
Accept of a Roasting piece of Beef and Pork."


" Mr Whitford to JB
Gordon house 11th Dec. 1800
Dear Sir
I received your favour by Mr Tho. Colen two Young Men & the Indian Man Wilks the 9th Inst. I am very sorry I have to announce to you my inability of keeping those Men you have sent to me owing to the great disappointment of not receiving supply from York the last Fall. the extreme poverty which now reigns all over the Country is truely deplorable. the Indians are all starving for the want of Snow Shoes and shoe Leather to go a hunting with - The Deer are so extreamly scarce that not one has been killed this four Months past and not a track to be seen for many Days walk all around here. - I have been obliged to serve them with Deer Skins to make them netting for Snow shoes and 4 Indian Men since that time have brought me a few Jack Fish which is my present subsitance. - Oke che ke sic informs me to let you know that they doubt very much whether they will be able to pay their Debts this Year or not. owing to their families being very weak for the want of provisions. I have Traded about 130 MB from the Indians but no provisions. - With respect to my Honble Employers Accts. you may be afsured I shall do my uttermost endeavours to fulfill their orders with exactnefs - To keep Accounts at this place with exactnefs is utterly impofsible till a more convenient place can be made for receiving and delivering the Honble Companys property.
I refer you to Mr Tho. Colen for further particulars. I conclude that you and the Gentlemen at your Table may experience better times is the sincere wish of
Dear Sir
Your Most Obed. Hble Servt.
signed Ja. Peter Whitford"


" From Mr Tate
Deep Water Lake 11th Dec. 1800
Dear Sir
I am sorry I am under the necefsity of sending three Men down Viz. Hugh Johnston, Adam Kirknefs & John Hendry owing to the scarcity of provisions. I have got five Nets each being fifty fathom long and from them we cannot procure one Meal of Fish in three Days. I have only seen four Indians since I left York including our Pilot. the few Beaver they have now, with what they may kill they intend to reserve for paying their Debts at York. I have only got 50 MB as yet with 40 of your Debt. the latenefs of our setting off from YF in the Fall deprives the Indians of knowing where we are - I make no doubt if we had been sooner off we might have got to some better place.
I think the best that can be done in the Spring is to leave the Goods at the entrance of the River with two Men to take care of it, Adam Kirknefs & Oman Budge, would be the two fittest as they understand working in a small Canoe and setting a Net it would be necefsary for you to mention their Names to me.
I conclude with wishing you Health & happinefs & Good Succefs in all your undertakings.
Dear Sir
Your Hble Servt.
signed Ja. Tate."


" From Mr Tate
Deepwater Lake 11th Dec. 1800
Dear Sir
Please to send by Hugh Johnston & Adam Kirknefs 5 Hats a Grofs of Buttons and a Net Line.
I understand John Hendry does not like to return I make no doubt we will do without him.
The Mouth of the River where the Indians want a House at is half way between this and York and it is there I intend to leave the Goods in the Spring. - The Lake we are now at is close by the River that runs to Severn & it is the Deepest I have ever seen. If the Men return in the month of April it will be in time enough - So I conclude with wishing you Health & Happinefs with every other Blefsing the Country can afford. & remains
Dear Sir
Your Hble Servt.
signed Ja. Tate"


" From Mr Whitford
Gordon House 10th Jan. 1801
Dear Sir
As nothing has pafsed of any consequence here since the departure of Tho. Colen last Dec. I am sorry I am compell'd to send down my three Men Mag. Grieve John Mowat and John Wafs being incapable to keep them longer for the want of Provisions - The weather has been remarkably severe lately and there is no Game stirring about any where - every exertion has been made in our power to keep ourselves but without effect as the Men are by no means capable of snaring Rabbets or Shooting partridges the very great scarcity of Provisions every where this Season I believe is the cause of no Indians visiting me since I wrote last - had any Indians arrived here I should certainly have sent one down with these Men. Should you think proper to send any supplys to me please to let Mag. Grieve return to me again a small List of Trading Goods is inclosed wanted here. I hope you'll please to Grant my request. having nothing further to add but that you and the Gentlemen around you may experience better times is the sincere wish of
Dear Sir
Your Obed. Servt.
J.P. Whitford"


" To Mr Whitford
York Factory 29th Jan. 1801
Dear Sir
Late in the Evening of the 20th Inst. your three men arrived here and am sorry to say brought me such acct. of your Distrefses that much grieves me and more so as it is nor in my power to afsist you. I have at this Instant Sixty Men to provide for, without being able to give them one Days allowance of fresh provisions, altho' every exertion is made. - You may naturally think by having such a number of Men several might well be spared to haul such supplys to you as are requested I readily grant you such a thought but when I inform you that out of the above number of Men not above two or three is capable of going your Distance so as to haul even so much victuals as to last themselves the Journey to you and back you will not then I hope be much surprized.
My situation this Winter has been truely Miserable what with the continual Complaints of Sicknefs and want from every Quarter belonging to this place as yet that I have heard from. my greatest Enemy cannot help sympathizing in some Degree for my distrefses. -
The Natives that harbourd within some Days walk of this Place were so reduced to a starving state that many of them were obliged to be hauled to the Factory and notwithstanding all my attention two Men fell a Victim to mere want before afsistance could be got to them.
The latenefs of the Ships arrival last Fall has been severely felt. Mr Cook with the greatest part of his Men was under the necefsity of waiting here untill her arrival for necefsary articles which he could not conveniently want. on the 24th Sept. he set off in a light Canoe with three Indians as Guides; his Men a few Days before. After persevering some Days thro' port Nelson River the Ice at last prevented him from getting scarce above half way to his nighest Settlement as well as his Men whom he had overtaken. - Finding it impofsible to get the Goods he had up in Canoes, landed the greatest part and left six Men to secure it in the best manner they were able from being plundered from Animals. taking the Stronget and best Men for Walking with himself to endeavour to get up where he earnestly wished. On the 18th Dec. the six Men arrived at the Factory almost entirely spent with Hunger, freezing, and other complaints.
Mr Tate likewise with eight Men proceeded Inland last Fall but by the latenefs of his setting off which he could not do sooner being in want of many necefsarys for making a Settlement in the Bungee Country did not get to the proper Place that he wished by which means the Indians not Knowing of his being in their Country to afsist him with provisions was under the necefsity of sending three of his Men to the Factory to be provided for, accordingly they and the six Men that came from Port Nelson River is in the Surgeons List being severely afflicted with the scurvey. Mowat and Grieve who now returns to you with this will inform you of the Distrefses of the Factory; they scarce had been two Days here before they wished themselves back again with you. from this you may judge my situation.
Should no Indians visit you with supplys of provisions for from the Factory it is absolutely out of my power untill the River Ice breaks up, which I shall then lose no time. You will secure the Goods you have in charge in the safest manner you are able so as not to be either endanger'd by Natives or Animals and come to the Factory but by no means without the greatest necefsity. - If the two Men whom I now send to you should give you any uneasinefs to get provisions for. & you rather be without them and remain with your Family at Gordon House send them down to the Factory. - The articles you wrote for are complied with as pr List. May health & plenty be your Companions.
I remain Dear Sir
Your Obed. Hble. Servt.
signed John Ballanden."


" from Mr Whitford
Gordon House 20 Feb. 1801
In the evening of the 10th Inst. Magnus Grieve & John Mowat arrived here from York when they delivered me your Letter together with Trading Goods &c all safe. a receipt for the same is now sent.
It gives me great concern to hear such Melancholy Accounts from all parts & truely do I wish from my heart that it might be made better Times. For my part I have not the least prospect of any amendment of any better, or at least at present, for I have not seen an Indian since the 5th Dec. last which is very well accounted for as Mr Tate could not arrive at the Place he wished for in time enough last Fall is I suppose the reason of no Indians visiting me this Winter. Should have sent the Men down sooner had John Mowat been capable of walking. for by some means or other he froze both hands & feet very severely nigh the House notwithstanding the finenefs of the Weather. With respect to securing the House Goods and Furs and to come to York is by no means what I can agree to therefore Dear Sir spare me the trouble of coming to York for it's my determination let whatever be the consequence of not leaving the House while I have Goods & Furs to take care of. I have some bundles of Cloth Blankets &c belonging to Indians in my pofsesion which if they found the House destitute & no person to take care of it they then would not scruple in the least to break it open and would not adhere strictly to take what was their own but their Honors property also. this my good Sir is my reason for not quitting my Station at this distrefsed Times.
I am sorry to become again troublesome to solicit supplys of Provisions to enable me to live till the river ice breaks up as the aproaching thawing Weather comes on it will be impofsible for me to maintain myself. I feel very much for your present situation particularly that dreadful disorder the Scurvey among your Men & that it may speedily be removed is my fervent wish. May Health and more prosperous Times attend you is the best wish of
Dear Sir
Your Obed. Hble Servt.
signed J.P. Whitford"


" To Mr Tate
York Factory 13th March 1801
Dear Sir
Your three Men arrived at the Factory on the 26th Dec. last. so weak and fatigued with their long Journey and want of victuals as scarce to know them. Two of them are now again on the eve of setting off on their return to you and I sincerely wish you and them a happy sight of each other. - To relate the distrefses I have suffer'd at the Factory since your departure would only call to mind your own sufferings this Winter - I am sorry to find you was not able last Fall to reach your destined place intended by which means I flatter'd myself you would both been enabled to live comfortable for provisions and the Indians whom you wished to see would have been acquainted that you were in their Country. However I shall hope all is for the best as I hope no doubt by this time you are fully pitched on the spot where you intend a residence amongst Natives that has long been in the habits of visiting the Canadian Traders.
Your long experience in the Honble Companys service makes me happy that nothing will be wanting on your part to execute the desired object you went upon. - As to the persons to be left in charge I think as you do that Oman Budge and Adam Kirknefs appears to me to be the fittest to take care of the Goods &c in the Summer whilst you are on your Journey to the Factory but in that respect be guided as you may think most proper. John Henry does not return to you being ailing ever since his arrival at the Factory and even if well is a very unfit person for Inland Service - Hugh Johnston and Adam Kirknefs are the Bearers having in charge the articles you wrote for. I have heard no account from Mr Cook which makes me very uneasy as he particularly informed me on his leaving the Factory that he would send a packet in the Winter - Wishing you and all those with you health and a pleasant and plentiful Spring
I remain Dear Sir
Your Obed. Hble Servt.
signed John Ballanden"


" To Mr Whitford
York Factory 13th March 1801
Dear Sir
I am under the necefsity of taking the Pateroon of the Woods and his afsistant to convey to you the following articles of Provision 112 lb Flour, 46 lb Oatmeal, and 2 lb Chocolate which I hope will enable you to pafs the time over together with your own endeavours and what afsistance Indians may bring you from time to time untill the Boats comes to you in the Spring which shall be as early as pofsible I can. -
Nothing new to relate since my last. - You will send by the Bearers down to the Factory what Furs you are in pofsesion off what they are able to haul it will lighten the Boats in some small degree on their return from your Place. - Wishing you a pleasant and plentiful Spring
I remain Dear Sir
Your Obed. Servt.
signed John Ballanden"


" From Mr Sinclair
Oxford House 28th Feb. 1801
Dear Sir
I have the pleasure to inform you that we arrived at Oxford House the 28th of Sept. after a pafsage of thirteen Days and the most disagreeable Weather that I have ever experienced in the Country raining and snowing alternately every Day. since the Fall set in we have had mild weather only sharp at times. Since we set our Nets under the Ice we have taken nearly four thousand fish of sorts which with a little Moose Meat that has been procured. from the Natives we have made out a tolerable livelihood. I presume that their will be no occasion to pack any Ice chifsels or Bayonets at the Factory for the upper settlements this Year. as there is as many of those articles here as Supply them for two Years to come without they have a greater demand for them than usual.
Two Men arrived here from James Halcrow at the Winne pegg oo shish the 14th Inst. they informed me that seven Canadians with a Master had arrived there 28 of Dec. from the Crofs Lake with Trading Goods to oppose them they remained fourteen Days with our people then they were obliged to return back again to the Crofs Lake as they could not catch fish sufficient to keep them from starving - they did not get one Beaver Skin to Trade the time that they stayed or even had the least opportunity of conversing with any of the Natives, they were that closely watched by the people. - The Canadians reported that they had not seen any men from Mr Cook which makes me apprehensive that there is some accident happned up Nelson River. they have the Crofs Lake quarter to themselves without any opposition except that Mr Cook has set men to oppose them since I have received this information.
I am happy to inform you Sir that the Settlement that you sanctioned to have at the Winne pegg oo sish is disappointed the Canadian Traders from having that part of the Country to themselves it is fully answer'd the purpose it was built for and I flatter myself it will be the means of saving a few hundreds of Beaver that would have been irrecoverably lost to our Honble Employers had not this precaution been taken. - The following articles will be wanted to come up by the Boats the first trip. Cloth plain blue & Corded. Blankets large striped, and 3 point. Shot Gray Goose & Powder. A Bale of each of the above mentioned articles is wanted at Oxford House for immediate use. Wishing you a plentiful spring and good Trade and all under your command health & Felicity.
I remain Dear Sir
Your Most obed. Hble Servt.
signed Wm Sinclair"


" To Mr Sinclair
York Factory March 1801
Dear Sir
On the 15th Inst. I had the pleasure to receive your Letter and am happy to be informed that you arrived safe last Fall up at your House and have since been blefsed with Health & plenty a felicity we cannot boast of at York. -
The early setting in of the Fall prevented Mr Cook from getting the necefsary supplys he required up to his House. by which means he at this present time (and has done so all the Winter) labours under great necefsity and am truely sorry it is not in my power to relieve him owing to the distance from here. Six of his Men returned to the Factory in Dec. in a most sympathizing state and has been so ever since suffering under that dreadful disorder the Scurvey many of the Factory people also is much afflicted with it and other complaints. Great praize is due to our Surgeon for the pains and attention he pays to the sick. - I hope as the Season advances every person will again be restored to their pristine state of Health.
I am happy to hear that the Settlement made by James Halcrow at Winnipeg oo shish answer'd the desired wish of opposing the Canadians in that quarter and hope to find it will also answer the desired wish of being succefsful in Trade. - I flatter myself the Young Man who is in charge will omit no opportunity of doing his utmost.
I am sorry to hear the Canadians are in such force at the Crofs Lake. they will certainly cut off a number of Mr Cook's Indians which is out of his power to prevent.
The late arrival of the Ship last Year will be severely felt. this together with the great Famine that is among the Indians harbouring in this lower Quarter no furs will be procured.
The Indians that has visited the Factory this Season has been truely Wretched several have Died of Hunger and they that have got a little better are affraid of going any distance to trap for fear again of never reaching this Place.
My situation this year has been truely not enviable surely the Demon of bad Luck will not always continue to prosecute me.
I shall observe the contents of your Letter and the utmost attention shall be paid in due time to get such packages sent by the Boats as you request - May your succefs in all proceedings answer your most sanguine wishes is the fervant hope of Dear Sir
Your Obedt. Hble Servt.
signed John Ballancen."


" To Mr Cook
York Factory March 1801
Dear Sir
On the evening of the 14th Inst Laughton Lieth & James Flett arrived here they have relieved me from much anxiety and uneasinefs of mind for since the 18th Dec. when six of your Men came to the Factory in a most wretched state being almost starved with Hunger and Fatigue.my mind has been very unsettled for your situation. these six Men are now severely afflicted with the Scurvey as well as many others. - I hope as the Spring advances they will be able to come round again - During my residence the Honble Hudson's Bay Company Service now thirty Years never in my life have I experienced such a Winter both for sicknefs and a genral cry of Famine in every quarter as yet that I have heard from.
In the beginning of Jan. three Men arrived from Mr Tate who has built a temporary House at Deep Water Lake. his necefsities for provisions induced him to send three Men to the Factory to be provided for untill the spring. they set off a few days ago on their road back. Gordon House has likewise occupied much of my attention this Winter. - I have been obliged to send men & Dogs up to that Settlement with provisions three times and yet all too little. Indeed the occasional opportunities that ocur throughout the course of the Winter of Europeans and Indians pafsing and repafsing by that Settlement consumes a great deal of Provisions much more than is in the power of the Master at York Factory to get conveyed there some years which was the case this with me. Altho' no opportunity has been omitted. - Mr Sinclair and all at Oxford House were well the 28th Ult. two men came from that place a few days ago and is on the eve of setting off back with necefsaries much wanted. God knows how the Winter will end, but I am much affraid the poorest Trade will go from York this year that ever went. May I be disappointed in my Fears and you enjoy Hea;th and all the comforts that this Country can afford is the sincere wish of
Dear Sir
Your Obed. Hble Servt.
signed John Ballanden
My Mefsmates join me in their respectful Compts. to Mr Cook."


From Mr Whitford
Gordon House 20 March 1801
Dear Sir
James Yorston and Don. Laughton arrived here the 19th Inst. with supplys of provisions and give me leave to exprefs my most grateful acknowledgements for this timely afsistance with which together with my own exertions I hope will be able to support me till the River opens. - On the 16 Inst two Indians Atheco ca sish and Shay go wah tum arrived here with very few furs to Trade Ammunition &c. their accounts of the Indians are very deplorable. all the Natives where ever they have been this Winter are starving and very few have got their Debts compleated as yet. these poor Indians came here with a view to get a small supply of provisions from me. I am sorry it was not in my power to relieve them however I gave them a few necefsaries and sent them away. they are all the Natives I have seen this Season. - I have nothing further to Add than that it may be more plentiful Times with an early Goose Season is the sincere wish of
Dear Sir
Your Most Oblig. Hble Servt.
signed James Peter Whitford."


" From Mr Stayner
Churchill Factory 25th March 1801
Dear Sir
Having no Brazil Tobacco for the supply of Inland Settlements and not half enough for what then is usually a demand for at the Factory induces me at this season of the Year to send people with Dogs to haul here what you can conveniently spare. if in addition to this you can consistantly with your own wants furnish me with a little more soap I shall be much obliged to you. also some Worsted Stockings and a little Aqua Fortis.
I received accounts from Mr Charles the latter end of last Month. He informs me that the people that went from here in Batteaux last Fall arrived safe but had been much delayed on the Journey from the severity of the weather. His expectation of Trade are flattering Mr McGilverny? his opponent was set fast in the Wepeskow Lake with three Canoes (a Days Journey from Churchill River) on the fifth Oct. this prevented him reaching Mr Charles's residence untill Jan. Mr Charles would take every advantage of this circumstance which I have good reason to believe will turn out highly beneficial to his Employers.
I much doubt whether the Factory Trade will equal last Years as I understand that many of the Indians do not intend visiting me untill next Season.
Wishing you agreeable Accounts from Inland and a Good Trade at the Factory.
I remain Dear Sir
Your Hble Servt.
signed Tho. Stayner."


" To Mr Stayner
York Factory 6th April 1801
Dear Sir
On the 3rd Inst. your packet Men arrived it gives me pleasure to hear all at Churchill are well. Am sorry to inform you it is not so at York. at this Inst. twelve Men are severely afflicted with the scurvey and other complaints. the Day before your people arrived we had the Misfortune to Bury one poor Man (a Will. Bakie) he had been long under the Surgeons care - several has every appearance of their soon following.
The Winter in general has been very unpropitious for fresh Provisions. Ever since Christmafs I have had twelve Englismen and two Indian Youths abroad hunting partrdges their exertions Weekly for some time procured as many as served one Day pr Week and for a Month past I have not received among them all above thirty at a time. -
The General cry is Famine indeed I am under great apprehensions this will be a serious Year amongst our Indian Hunters not one as yet I am informed are capable of paying their Debts which was credited them last Fall.
Am happy to hear that Mr Charles arrived safe last Fall where he intended to Winter as well as being succefsful in Trade. - From a Letter which I received from Mr Sinclair at Oxford House am in hopes that Mr Tomison got up in good time to Cumberland. Mr Sinclair was informed by an Indian that he met Mr Tomison eight Days paddle from that Settlement all well.
Last Month I heard from Mr Cook giving me to understand he has experienced a very indifferent Year so far and had a very poor prospect of Trade. -
At this Date there is not above 300 MB in York Ware Houses by this you may see I must have a very uneasy mind - I have fitted out your packet Men with 300 lb Brazil Tobacco, 24 pairs Worsted Stockings 24 lb Soap and a pint of Aqua Fortis according to your request. Should have spared more Tobacco if it had been pofsible for your Men to have taken it.
The Boat you exprefsed a wish for whilst here is at your Service and hope you will be enabled to send for her in the Course of the Summer every repair shall be given her that is required,
Wishing you a pleasant and plentifull Spring with every other happinefs that you can desire.
I remain Dr Sir
Your Obed. Hble Servt.
signed John Ballanden."


" From Mr Whitford
Gordon House June 12th 1801
Dear Sir
Your three Boats arrived here the 10th Inst. in the evening. they deliverd their Cargoes very safe. by them I have sent down the empty Casks and Iron Hoops that remained here. I have also taken the liberty of sending the untradable Slops as they are of no service here together with a few Furs which I Traded in Winter & two Rolls of Brazil Tobacco that was damaged last Summer. this is the whole of their Cargoes.The Men deserve much praise for their exertions in managing the Boats for the high Banks in Hill River are very dangerous on account of the Water being so high as render'd tracking impracticable. Andrew Setter cut his leg badly which he will find troublesome for some time - I remain
Dear Sir
Your Obed. Hble Servant
signed James P. Whitford"


" From Mr Sinclair
Oxford House 10th June 1801
Dear Sir
The late Spring that has happned this year has prevented the Canoes from going down to Gordon House so soon as I could have wished. the Lakes up this way are full of Ice as yet and everything is very backward for this Season of the year.
Three of the best Trading Indians belonging to this House is Dead. they had one hundred & ten MB in Debt which is a lost irrecoverably -
I have been informed by Indians that a Canadian had murder'd an Indian Man and his two Children and eaten them belonging to this Quarter. but as this is an Indian Story it wants confirmation.
I hope to make out 3000 MB this year which is a very Good Trade for so few Indians as was between this House & the Winnipeg ooshish. they have exerted themselves well and I have been as liberal to them as the Company's Standard will allow. wishing you a plentiful Summer.
I remain
Your Most Obed. Hble Servt.
Signed William Sinclair."


" To Mr James Sutherland
Gordon House 24th June 1801
Dear Sir
On the 21st Inst. I arrived here and the following Day the other two Boats with Cargoes all safe - Since my arrival eight Canoes from Inland has come down with 96 bundles of Furs which I have now sent down to the Factory. also 42 which had arrived from Trout River before I came here. - Mr Tomison am informed will be here in a few Days when I hope to settle businefs with him as soon as pofsible.
Please to dispatch the Boats off again as soon as convenient with what Goods remains packed up observing to keep such an afsortment as you think Mr Cook will want. - I hope 'ere this you have had a pleasant sight of him and all those brave fellows that winter'd with him. - I am sorry to inform you of the Deaths of James Flett and Will. Isbester at Cumberland House.the former was drownded last Fall and the other by great exertions to save him hurt himself so much as to linger until the Spring. adieu
Dear Sir
Yours with great regard
Signed John Ballanden
My Compliments to the Gentlemen at York Factory"


" To Mr John Ballanden
York Fort 29th June 1801
Sir
On the arrival of the two Boats the 26th Inst. I received your favour of the 24th likewise 138 Bundles of Furs from the Boats and 25 from the two Canoes in which Mr Bird arrived a few hours after, and as far as I can discern are all in perfect Good condition.
The incefsant Violence of the Wind has greatly retarded the busines here having blown very hard from the NE Quarter till late last Night and of Course has prevented us from loading the Craft till the above period - I have deem'd it proper to send the Boats back to you manned nearly in the same manner as they came down not doubting but it will meet with your approbation convinced as you must be of the necefsity of their making the Quickest pofsible dispatch both to and from Gordon House.
Mr Bird has been fitted out with a part of every thing that York can afford and with his two Canoes accompanys the Boats.
All the 8 Gallon Kegs which you left in the Factory not being sufficient to satisfy the demands of Mr Bird necefsity obliged me to fill two Hhds which Contains Galls 126 -3 Qt - 1 pt of the High Spirits which I presume will be emptied into small Vefsels on the arrival of the Boats at Gordon House.
As Mr Cook has not arrived yet I hope the Cooper will be able to get as many Rundlets made as it will save that Gentleman at least for the first trip.
I have nothing further to add than to hope that I may not be disappointed in anticipating good news from you the first opportunity & remain
Sir
most respectfully Yours
Signed James Sutherland"


" From Mr Tho. Stayner
Churchill Factory 7th July 1801
Dear Sir
According to agreement I now send people to afsist in bringing the flat Boat here which you so obligingly offer'd me and hope you will permit Mr James Sutherland to accompany her as his Knowledge of Marine affairs will be found very serviceable in bringing her to this Port in safety. I am the more emboldened to trouble Mr Sutherland as he was so kind to offer his Services when I was at York in the Winter. - The deplorable situation you were in for fresh Provisions when last I heard from you makes me anxious to hear that you have had better Succefs since; as for us after a plentifull Winter and a tolerable good Goose Season (2402 Geese killed) and not an unproductive Summer for Deer we cannot complain.
In point of Trade we have not been quite so fortunate Mefs Charles & Linklater arrived from Inland early in the Morning on the 21st ulto with 5 Batteaux a large Canoe, and a small boat. Manned by 33 Englishmen with upwards of 5000 MB and 5 Batteaux were fitted out from here on the 2nd & 3rd Inst. one of which proceeds to Nelson House only and returns again to the Factory as the People she is Manned with are all going Home the other four are destined for the Isle a la crofse and Beaver River Settlements. - Mr Charles has the direction of the latter where an Officer is absolutely necefsary both on account of the liberties which the Canadian Traders presume to take with the labouring Servants of the Company when not under the immediate command of an Officer of some Authority and likewise their want of Influence over the Natives, those in Beaver River in particular are held entirely under subjection by the Canadians the few Furs our people collect from there are in a manner obtained by stealth, but a small number of Indians daring openly to visit us this must ever be the case so long as the Gentlemen of the Committee will not appoint more Officers upon this Establishment for want of them and Men it was totally out of my power to send people to the Athapiscow this Season. - At the Green Lake up Beaver River the Canadians had 32 Officers and Men to oppose our 12 where nothing is to be got but by running about after Indians of course but little would fall to our share.
At the Isle a la Crofse they had I understand upwards of 40 people and these were detached in small parties so as compleatly to surround Mr Linklater who had only 12 Men to oppose them; thus they were enabled to intercept almost all the Indians on their way to the Isle a la Crofse so that our Trade from those Quarters is absolutely lefs than last year. what it may be next year I can form no Idea only that out of 72 Officers and Men which at present make our Compliment 20 go Home with the Ship so I leave you to judge what may be reasonably expected.
Sturgeon Creek & Nelson Settlements where Mr Charles Commanded last year and obtained between 3 & 4000 MB are drained entirely of Men to supply the upper Settlements (2 only being left at each House trusting to the Ship bringing out a number of hands) a House was erected at the Chipwoyen Lake last Fall and likewise the Store House at Beaver Creek? are both relinquished not having Men to keep them up. what this will all end in Time only will determine all the means we pofsefs are employed to the best advantage for our Employers if it be in your power to furnish this Factory with an Officer or two from the number which are on the York Establishment you will most efsentially be serving the Honble Company and at the same time confer a favour on
Your Obed. Servt.
Signed Tho. Stayner"


" To Mr Tho. Stayner
York Factory 14th July 1801
Dear Sir
Your people arrived here the 12 Inst. all well and am in hopes to dispatch them again off with the Boat you request with the addition of two more Men to bring her round to you. Mr James Sutherlands indisposition at present and the latenefs of the Season prevents him from accompanying them. Indeed the duty to be done at this place before the Ships arrival which requires an Officer in his Station to attend to puts it out of my power, even were there nothing to prevent him
I am happy to inform you that the Spring commenced with plenty of Venison which brought the Sick here to a promising aspect of their speedy recovery. The Goose hunt also was tolerably good tho' far from what I expected; having every appearance of being much better.
Our Trade, not being as yet packed I cannot inform you of the exact amount yet there is every appearance that the general total will exceed that of last year.
It gives me much concern to hear the Trade of Churchill has suffer'd for want of Men and Officers to conduct the Businefs on your establishment and the more so as it is not in my power to afsist you.
Mr Tomison gave me to understand that he was much affraid he would be obliged to relinquish the Atha pes cow Expedition for want of Men. Six new Canoes were Built for that purpose this Spring and left at Cumberland House. If Men can be engaged an attempt will be made to proceed on his arrival at the above Settlement.
Knowing your necefsity for Brazil Tobacco I have sent you a Roll weighing 500? lb Neat one More only remains so that should you have a larger supply sent you this year from England than what will be necefsary for your Trade the insuing Winter and Summer shall hope to receive what you can spare by the Ship if she comes this way on her Voyage to England.
A widow Woman and several Children belonging to Churchill which has been residing here some time requested my permifsion to go round by the Boat that now proceeds for your place where she says her Relations chiefly reside.
May you have an early Ship time with pleasing accounts from England.
I remain with the greatest regard
Dear Sir
Your Obed. Servt.
signed John Ballanden."


"From Mr William Tomison
Oxford House 19th July 1801
Dear Sir
I have had some trouble since I left the Rock in settling with the Men but few of them would agree especialy the three years Servants who would not agree for lefs than £ 14 pr annum. I offer'd them 10 for the first and 12 for the last two Years, but they looked upon me with disdain and told me they would go Home first. I found there was a combination and nothing could be done. I therefore order'd every one of them to afsist in getting the Boats to Cumberland House and then to return back to york and meet the Ship. this they said was an imposition and told me they would not go without I would afsure them they should catch the Ship. I told them that Wind and Weather would not obey the King and that that entirely depended on Providence and their own activity. and Yesterday I embarked five Boats with the most part of what Goods was here fifteen of those are to return the names of which are as follows. James Cooper, Alex Gun, James Knight, John Moar, Maurice Rozie, Henry Spence, John Rofs 2nd, John Stephen, William Dunnet, William Sinclair, John Ballanden 2nd, John Paplay, William Taylor, William Willey and John Brown also James Vatzian Cooper. you will please to observe that none of the above you are to treat with upon any terms but the Companys as they stick out to a man. William Park I will be obliged to engage as he is a Good Steersman either in Boat, or Canoe, as also the Cooper should Henry Spence refuse staying. Yesterday Evening the last three Canoes arrived from the Rock and left little or nothing there. Mr Longmoore is there on his Journey down to York at which he may be of some service to look after the Men and Mr Sutherland could be spared to go to the Crofs Lake which has been neglected for the last three Years and the Canadians carry out 20 Packs every Year. Edw'd Tomison will make a very good hand to go with him.
You will please to employ the Canoes now sent down as also there with Mr Tate in carrying Goods to this place next Spring as it's too long to wait here till three trips can be made as their is but little Goods at the Rock I look upon it to be an unnecefsary Expence to keep Men there all Winter. You will also please to pack all the Slops for the Men next Season and send them here and not an article to be given them at any other place as it makes confusion and creates trouble. - Mr Sinclair is coming down with four Canoes in order to fetch up Goods to send to the Jack Lake and it will be necefsary to dispatch him as soon as pofsible.
So I conclude with wishing you an agreeable arrival of the Company's Ship with the pleasing news of peace and plenty.
And remain
Dear Sir
Your Most Obed. Servt.
(signed) William Tomison"


" From Mr Tho. Stayner
Churchill Factory 26th July 1801
Dear Sir
I was favour'd with yours of the 16th by the safe arrival of your Boat on the 22d. For her & permitting two of your Men to afsist in bringing the Boat here. I am greatly obliged to you to convince you of her utility she is already rigged with proper Sails and sent to Seal River to fetch to the Factory some Whale & Seal Blubber procured by Esquimaux.
I am happy to hear of your great succefs in procuring Venison in the Spring and more particularly so as it was the means of recovering so many Miserable objects who had been afflicted with the Scurvey
The Trade in Peltry is inferior to last year being betwixt 8 & 9000 MB only but as it is not all packed I cannot inform you exactly.
Most of the Men who are going Home from here would have agreed another Contract but as the Gentlemen of the Committee disapprove of our entering into any pofsetive engagement with their Servants we of Course did not do it nor indeed could we without manifest disobedience to their orders as no discretionary power is lodged either in Chief or Council here as formerly. I am obliged to you for the Brazil Tobacco should a quantity come out pr Ship greater than we stand in need of part shall be sent to York Factory.
The Widow and her family did once belong to Churchill but her late Husband and the whole of his Relations were seduced from here by your predecefsor and have taken the produce of their Hunts to York Factory ever since the Year 1793 on which account I have sent her back again as I will not be burthen'd with a Woman and a set of helplefs Children her Relations here cannot maintain their own Families without afsistance from the Factory and it never was usual since I have been here to Support the Relations of Indians at the Companys expence nor shall such a custom be ever introduced while I continue.
The Widow's Relations are much more numerous at York who if they are not inclined ought in my humble opinion to be compell'd to take care of her. in case you may be unacquainted with them I shall take the liberty to inform you who they are. in the first place her late Husband has left 3 Sons by her Sister. these are of course Related in a double capacity that of Nephew and Son. they are all men grown. she has a Son likewise whom I hear is a very promising Young Lad. she has an own Brother & sister also. all these you cannot dispute ought to afford her some protection besides these there are two Brothers of her late Husband and many other distant Relations.
Now for her friends here - She has two Brothers one of these with a broken leg a Misfortune that happned to him at York and which has disabled him so much that he has been incapable ever since to hunt for his own Family.
Wishing you an early sight of the Ship
I remain
Your Hble Servt.
signed Tho. Stayner"


" From Mr William Tomison
Cumberland House 9th Aug. 1801
Dear Sir
We arrived here the 7th Inst. with all safe thank God we had a tolerable good pafsage till we came to the great Fall but from that to this the Men have had very hard labour. A light Canoe from Canada overtook us which informed us that all the Officers on board the Companys Ships were turned out of their places and had been applying to the Agents of the Norwest Company in London for places which they say they could not give, the reason they give for this is Smuggling. - The following persons return having stand out to a Man. Viz. John Paplay, Alex Gun, James Knight, James Cooper, James Valzian, John Moar, John Rofs, John Stephen, William Taylor, William Dunnet, William Willey, William Sinclair, Maurice Rofsie & John Browm; we have Goods here its true but no Men to send to different Posts where any thing is made. There is only 4 bags of Shot in all the Goods received this Year which is not enough for Cumberland House alone. I have nothing to send by the above persons except 16 empty kegs so Conclude with wishing a safe arrival of the Companys Ship and Remain
Dear Sir
Your Most Obed. Hble Servt.
signed William Tomison."


" From Mr McNab
Churchill Factory 24th Aug. 1801
Dear Sir
In the P.S. of the General Letter their Honors say "Mr John Thomas and Mr McNab had strongly solicited us for a small quantity of Rum. we have therefore permitted them to take at their own Cost a Puncheon between them on condition that the former divide his quantity between AR MR & EM and the latter his between CR YF & SR for which those who take a part of this Rum down the Bay must pay Mr Thomas for it and those at YF & SR are to pay Mr McNab.
In case you should wish to be accomodated by this indulgence Capt. Hanwell will deliver 39 Gallons at York. Mr Stayner & Gentlemen join in best Compliments with
Dear Sir
Your very Humble Servt.
Signed John McNab
Capt. Hanwell will deliver you this Mr Stayner can tell you the news at CR."


" To Mr Tomison
York Factory 14th Sept. 1801
Dear Sir
I take this opportunity of paying the earliest attention to your kind favor of 19th July & August: and am happy to advise you of the safe arrival of the Honorable Companys Ship King George.
The Latenefs of the Season and the concurrent circumstances I hope will appologize for the smalnefs of the supply now sent: and for the trifling deviation from your order respecting the Men. Only 20 Men being engaged by Mr Geddes I found that the evil you complained of could not be done away and therefore (tho unwilling on my part) was obliged to engage Jn Paplay for Mr Tate. John Rofs 2nd for Mr Sinclair & John Ballanden 2nd for Mr Cook to send to Crofs Lake. Your instructions concerning the Canoes shall be duly attended.
A Copy of the Gen. Letter from the Committee is sent for your inspection as is a list of Servants which leaves me nothing to add but my best wishes for your prosperity in Trade and Domestic Happinefs.
I remain
Dear Sir
Your Obed. Hble. Servt.
Signed John Ballanden"


B.239/b/65

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