"YF Correspondance 1802"
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" Letters of Correspondance to and from York Factory to its Neighbouring Settlements Commencing September 22nd 1801"
" York Factory 22nd Sept. 1801
From Mr B. to Mr McNab
Dr Sir
This morning the Ship Sailed from out our Roads with a fine Breeze in her favor. At the same time the Beaver Brig got under way but obliged soon afterwards to come to anchor - not being able to lay her course out the river.
The number of Men left with me to provide for during the Winter gives me great concern & should I not be fortunate in getting supplys of fresh provision at times by our own endeavours & Indians I dread the consequence. particularly as we have no Surgeon Mr Fielding has returned to England - should you want any thing from this place which can be spared - it shall be readily granted - Wishing you a happy and pleasant Winter & all under your command. I remain most respectfully Dr Sir
Your obt. hble Sert.
(Signed) John Ballanden"
" York Factory 11th Jan. 1802
J.B. to Mr Thomas
Dr Sir
This being a leasure time with me and having two Indian Lads at the Factory I gladly embrace the opportunity of enquiring after my friends welfare at Severn which I hope they enjoy in the fullest extent of their wishes.
At york Thank God we have no reason to complain being all in health a few slight Colds excepted. and in want of fresh provisions. We were enabled thro' the course of the fall to collect one hundred Deer by the exertions of English and Indians and altho poor rec'd them joyfully - This supply am in hopes with a middling quantity of fish and a few Partridges will keep of that dreadful Malady the Scurvey - which so severly afflicted us the last Winter.
The fall was long and mild. the River did not set fast untill the 25th Nov. since the weather has been very severe - No? Indians has visited us as yet but those whose fears of Starving with their Large families when they go any distance from the factory and the whole of what they brought will not amount to two hundred made Beaver.
I have had no account from Inland since you left York but am dayly in expectation.
Wishing pleasing accounts from you by the return of this conveyance. I remain with respect
Dr Sir
Your Obt. humble Sert.
(Signed) John Ballanden
My Mefsmates joins me in Compliments to yourself and the Gentlemen of your Table."
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