"YF Correspondance 1802"
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" Letters of Correspondance to and from York Factory to its Neighbouring Settlements Commencing September 22nd 1801"

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" 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."


" York Factory 11th Jan. 1802
To Mr Hodgson AR
To Mr Thomas MR
To Bolland EM
Dr Sirs
Mr McNab having a wish to hear from his friends down the Bay - I gladly embrace the same oppertunity a second time, having once since I have been before done myself that pleasure but was so unfortunate to have my Letters returned again, no opportunity having offered from Severn.
The Ship King George Capt. Hanwell arrived here the 10th Sept. and sailed the 21st same with a Cargo upwards of 40 Thousand MB from this place and severn from the favourable Winds & weather which continued long afterwards we hope she will have a fine Pafsage to England.
Last Winter we where severely afflicted with the Scurvey & at one time near 20 Men was in the Surgeon's List three of whom fell victims to it and several continued so weak as to be obliged to return to England by the Ship.
At present we are all Healthy and blefsed with plenty of Country provisions which makes me hope we will be able to keep of that dreadfull disorder the Scurvey from visiting us this year - We have had no accounts from our Inland Settlements since the Ship sailed but are in dayly expectation.
From the appearance of the Winter and amongst the few Indians that visited here I flatter myself with hopes the Gen'l Trade of York will be no worse than last year. - To hear pleasing accounts from you and all under your Command will give me much pleasure.
I remain
Dr Sir
Your Obt hble Sert.
Signed J. Ballanden
My Mefsmates join me in respectfull Compliments to yourself and the Gentlemen around your Table wishing you every happinefs."


"York Factory 2nd March 1802
From Mr Ballanden to Mr McNab
Dr Sir
My Indians having returned from Severn whom I sent with a Packet the 11th Jan. enabled me to enquire after your welfare & all at Churchill.
All at York are well. I have heard no news from Inland this Winter but am daily in expectation.
No Spunges having been sent us from England last Year and being much called for Inland could you supply us with a few, also two Boats Compafses and six of the best kind of Hats will oblige me much.
When I had the pleasure of seeing you at York. I forgot to mention that 39 Gallons of Rum was landed from the King George belonging to you or to the Honble Hudsons Bay Company it is Credited in our Books as received from Churchill. Severn shall be supplied with as much as they require of it.
I cannot help remarking that this has been the Coldest Winter I have experienced since my residence at York. The Thermomiter for a long time stood betwixt 30 and 40 Degrees below the Cypher. The poor Indians that visited us from time to time show'd the effects by being much froze both in face and hands. Partridges were never scarcer at York than this Winter and indeed they have been so ever since I have been here. Had not kind providence bountifully afsisted us last Fall in procuring a large stock of Venison which is now near Expended. our situation by this time would have been miserable we now blefs god hope to rub the Winter over without any materiel complaint.
Wishing you good news from all your Inland settlements with the enjoyment of a pleasant and plentiful Spring.
I remain
Dr Sir
Your Obt. Hble Sert.
(Signed) John Ballanden
My Mefsmates join me in Compliments to you & your's."


" Churchill Factory 15th March 1802
Mr Auld to J.B.
Dr Sir
By the arrival of your Ind. on the 12th Inst. I rec'd your Packet & congratulate you upon the Healthy situation of your people and by report I wish you Joy upon the propect of s good Trade. as I hear your Indians in the Interior have also had a plentifull Winter. We at this place have enjoyed our usual share of that blefsing which is in a great measure owing to a pretty good Stock of Country provisions altho I must own I seldom have seen our exertions so unproductive as since the setting in of the Winter untill the present time we have procured no more than 3000 Partridges and 400 lb Fish besides 600 lb of Venison. Traded from Natives. but a short while before the River set fast I had the good luck to procure Chiefly by our own people as much good Venison as was sufficient for our Compliment for 50 Days, than to this we add a very large Stock of dry meat procured in the summer and not a small quantity of fresh Pork & Beef so that we have not been greatly beholden to our English Provisions. - With regard to our Trade it is fully as considerable as it commonly is at this time of the year I presume better then 500 MB but what it may eventually amount to I cannot tell but from the following circumstances I dread it will not equal last years. - A few Day ago an Englishman and an Indian arrived from our settlements (one of which is between 3 or 4 Miles from the Late Mr Rofs's Old House of fairford) after a Journey of 28 Days with Letters containing very unpleasant News indeed of the powerful opposition of the Canadians who were never so numerous before in that part of the Country and who have succeeded in drawing & concealing a considerable number of the Natives to places far removed from any of our settlements but I hope the arrival of Mr McNab there will contribute to lefsen the influence of our opponents. he left this Factory on the 17th Ult. accompanied by two Englishmen and an Indian and no doubt he is arrived there ere this. We have heard nothing about our higher Settlements only thro the medium of the Canadians which is seldom favourable to us. these Letters also confirm our suspicions, that Canadians have again settled in Deers Lake which they had relinquished two years ago this makes me tremble for our Factory Trade as several of our Northern Ind. Hunters are in the neighbourhood of it.
I perfectly agree with you in opinion that this has been a remarkable Cold and disagreeable Winter - we have had the quicksilver solid many times and our Thermomiters (which I am certain of in point of exactnefs) were frequently below 40 and 18 Days before Christmafs was 46 below the Cypher.
We have not received sponges from England Lately either. but as your demand for them is certainly great. I therefore have stretched to the utmost and sent you four - which are more then we can well spare. Of two Boats compafses which we have the one is gone Inland and the other accompanies this for your service. The Hats you request are also sent altho I doubt they will answer your purpose well, as the whole Cargo which came here had not one in it fit for the general run of Heads in this Country.
Wishing you a plentiful Spring in every thing that is desirable. I remain
Dr Sir
Your Obt. Humble Servant
(Signed) Will. Auld
P.S. Mr Topping joins me in Compliments to yourself and the Gentlemen of your mefs."


" Oxford House 26th February 1802
From Mr Sinclair to Mr Ballanden
Dr Sir
Having no Twine either to make or to mend Nets with have sent the bearers for a supply as pr Sample inclosed. hope you will Send as much as is required if it can be conveniently spared. the number of Men that resides at Oxford House part of the Summer requires many Nets to fish for them being obliged to keep so many set Winter and Summer expends doubles the quantity of Twine at this place to what it does at any other Settlement where they depend upon fish. This I know from experience. The Natives about this place has been in reality starving all Winter. Since I arrived here in the fall have only procured the meat of two small Deer from them. Fish as usual has been the chief of our food and they have not been so plentifull this Season as formerly.
I have about 400 MB in the House and from appearances I hope that the Indian Debtors will be able to pay their credits in the Spring.
The two Canoes consigned to Cumberland House embarked from here the 28th Sept. from the favourable Weather we had after their departure I hope they arrive by times at their destination. Not having any intelligence from the Jack Lake House since the commencement of the Winter makes me conclude that they have an opposition but as they have a choice afsortment of Goods and six able Men of them I flatter myself that they will be able to cope with any party that may be against them.
Wishing you a plentifull Spring and good Trade and all at York Health and Happinefs.
I remain
Dr Sir
Your most Obt. & humble Servant
(Signed) Will Sinclair"


" York Factory 22nd March 1802
JB to Mr Sinclair
Dr Sir
Rob.Yorston and John Rofs arr'd here the 12th Inst. and delivered to me your Letters by which I am happy to learn that you and all at Oxford House are well. - The articles you requested are as fully complied with as in my Power.
The King George Ship sailed the 25th Sept. as did the Beaver Brig with a pleasant Gale and since that time all at York has been blefsed with health & plenty A felicity that has not visited here for many Winters past.
As early after the breaking up of the Ice in the River shall if pofsible send Boats with Cargo's for the Rock House as usual but as no Stationary Master will be appointed there this year. all the Goods will be consigned to you according to Invoice for which I shall expect your receipt as well as for the Goods sent up last Fall. what Goods & Provisions may be expended at Gordon House during the Trips of Canoes from thence to you, you must receive an amount? of from the person appointed there in charge during the time, and Charge them in your account Book exprefsively according to orders from the Honble Committee.
Please to acquaint Mr Tomison on his arrival with you that nothing shall be wanting in my power to forward businefs and get such an afsortment of Goods sent him as will give him I hope no reason for complaints if it is in York Warehouse - for I have observed the greatest frugality in the expenditure of every Article on that account.
When Jas. Halcrows Canoes arrives with you from Jack Lake you will dispatch them off as soon as pofsible to the Factory with full Cargoes. - Had it been an early Ship time last Year a great part of the Trade must have been left in the Country the Canoes that came down during the Course of the Summer had not often above two thirds Cargo perhaps for very prudential reasons it was done.
Wishing you a pleasant Spring with good News and soon from all Inland.
I remain
Dr Sir
Your Obt. Humble Sert.
(Signed) John Ballanden"


" Split Lake House March 8th 1802
Mr W Cook to JB
Dr Sir
It would give me infinite pleasure if I could begin and finish this Letter without arresting your feelings on a subject that must be as distrefsing for you to hear as its truly painful for me to relate.
I finding it impofsible without much inconvenience to keep in Company with the double Gunnel'd Canoes all the way Inland. I left them at the first carrying place and the same evening overtook the Indians at the Third fall - before parting I had given strict charge to the Ind. Man who steered to be very carefull. The next morning I pursued my Journey leaving with the Ind. a Note for Ja. Flett stating my reasons for not waiting for him any longer and particularly cautioning him to avoid venturing on any dangerous places. I enjoined Mefsegomawethow to be careful of the Men as they were rather inexperienced which he promised to do providing they did not go on too fast for his Children who for want of Room in their Canoes were oblig'd to Walk a long Shore - These precautions I judged sufficient but unhappily they were not duely attended to and the Catastrophe that followed was the lofs of poor Flett. The particulars of this unfortunate affair as I have been able to collect from John Scott & the Taylor are to this effect.
That they kept in Company with the Ind. till they came to the Kettle Falls but being overtaken there by bad Snowey weather they were obliged to lay bye for the best part of two days. however the Weather proving more moderate on the evening or rather afternoon of the second day. Flett endeavoured to prevail on the Ind. to pursue their Journey & they on their part were as prefsing for him to delay it till the next morning alledging that the day was far spent & the Children were too much fatigued to walk through the deep Snow. - It would have been fortunate if this obstinacy had given way on one side or the other for it is probably that had the Indians been in Company nothing more than the Cargo would have been lost. but it was ordained otherwise and they had not proceeded above 5 Miles up the River when in attempting to track up a piece of rapid Current the line broke and the Canoe instantly upset. The Ind. Man swam to the shore but poor Flett who was not skilled in this art after clinging to the Canoe a short time made an effect to follow & almost immediately sunk and was seen no more.- The Canoe drifted a Short distance below & a few things that were inveloped in the Covering were found in her but the greatest part of the Cargo was lost. John Scott has told me that he is certain that had the tracking Line not given way the Canoe would have come up the rapid with safety for they had a short time before Tracked up a piece of equally strong current and he seems to be firmly of the opinion that the Canoe upset by the sudden Jirk occasioned by the braking of the Tracking Line & to this cause alone he attributes the melancholy disaster that ensued.
Of this accident we must make the best as we must of all irretriveable misfortunes, but I would rather have given all that I am worth then such event should have taken place.
Indeed Sir it has given me much uneasinefs for I had a greater regard for that poor man than I ever made public. - The Errors of youth ought to be mentioned with pity, and few indeed there are who cannot by a fair retrospect of Character, trace in their Juvenile Days some act of indiscretion. - The sober dictates of Reason come to us by a slow progrefsion - Flett poor fellow had his faults but upon the whole was a diligent Good Servant & it seemed to promise something on his future Conduct better that that which he had past. - his friends would have known the pleasing effects of what I say had not his Days been prescribed by that divine power which so often frustrates the intentions of the Human will - In the foregoing melancholly detail I forgot to mention that I took the liberty of engag'g Tom. Bugg to afsist one of the Ind. Lads whose hand had been cut at the Factory in so bad a manner has to prevent his paddling & with a view to send him back in a Canoe with the young Man Eater - Tom Bugg went only part of a Day with us & returned under the pretence of having bruised himself by falling against a large Stone. -
The Deer were very Numerous about the third Fall & their Track leading upwards gave an additional Spur to those exertions which the necefsity of having to look out for a Winter Habetation had already rendered very prefsing.
I came to the Split Lake early in Oct. after a very tedious and tiresome pafsage occasioned by exceeding bad weather and occasionally waiting for the Men who I cannot help observing were not so attentive to the season of the year as I could have wished. the Canoes destined for the Crofs Lake & Saypawesk w ere gone before I arrived & have heard nothing of them since. I expect to receive some Account the Latter end of this month but cannot detain the Indians untill I hear from them as I have nothing to give them to Eat and the Young Man Eater is impatient to get down to his friends therefore I hope you will excuse my not being able to give you any accounts concerning Trade.
I have seen no Ind. but Mefsegomawethou & the remains of the Old days Gang of whom I have rec'd about a Hundred Beaver except four Northern Ind. who came to me about Christmafs with five Otters Skins. they came 5 days Journey and complained grievously of Starving and all the evil Contents of Pandoras Box. I treated them well and they went away appearently well Satisfied.
We have had a middling Winter hitherto having caught 12 Deer in the Hedge & rec'd 8 from Indians. of fish Also we have had a few but owing to the misfortune of losing 4 Nets which you was so kind has to have made for me at the factory. we were deprived of making a reserve in the proper season and before Nets could be made the Ice became thick and the Fish returned to deep water. we are now at our last shift having only one Deer left but we have the cheering prospect of some more visiting us about the latter part of April. - I remain
Dr Sir
Your most Obedient Servant
(Signed ) WH Cook
It is reported among the Indians that the Canadians who were at the Crofs Lake on hearing of our intention to settle there removed to another place about half way beyween Sepawesk & the Crofs Lake. of the truth of this I cannot be certain nor can I tell what inference may be drawn from it."


" York Fort March 29th 1802
From Mr B to Mr Cook
Dear Sir
I rec'd yours of the 8 Instant yesterday relating the melancholly fate of Ja. Flett & the Canoe Cargo of Goods being lost which I am much grieved for. The lofs of Flett will be severly felt by his parents who wished only to live to see him happy some time or other which they had a great prospect of doing soon from the connections they were engaged in. But the will of God be done.
It is with concern also I inform you of the Death of George Kirknefs at this Factory a Smart young Man on the 8 Inst. only a few days ailing. two other Men are complaining of trifling Complaints which I hope they will get the better of soon. and the others are healthy & hope they will continue so now as the spring is advancing and a prospect of getting fresh Provisions.
The Deer visited us in great numbers last Fall for a few days but for want of Ind. to hunt them I was not so succefsful in getting so many as I could wish however I procured upwards of 4000 lb this supply together with a small quantity of fish Fresh Pork & Partridges we have had no reason to complain - I heard from Mr Sinclair at Oxford House about a fortnight since he and all with him then was well. - No news from Mr Tate this Winter. all at Severn House was well in January last and at Churchill the same the Middle of the Month. - I have not seen any Ind. this Winter but those that commonly reside a few miles from the factory with their large families and of course my succefs in Trade must be small only better then 200 made Beaver.
My Men being mostly all young hands came out last year by the Ship and little acquainted with Walking in snow shoes am affraid sending any of them with Ind. & to haul you small supplys of provisions which I would willingly do & to add to the disappointment I have no dogs but what is all disposed of in different Quarters with the few Hunters that are a Partridges Hunting.
Wishing you a pleasant and plentyfull Spring and a happy sight of you and Men with a Good Trade.
I remain Dr Sir
Your Obt Humble Sert.
(Signed) John Ballanden"


" York Factory June 18th 1802
From Mr B to Mr Tomison
Dr Sir
The Boats being loaded for a second Trip to Gordon House. I with pleasure inform you that such an afsortment of Goods is sent that I flatter myself with Hopes will give you satisfaction and should any thing be still wanting and if in the Factory it will be sent if I have notice given me.
Mr Sutherland & Kennedy accompanies the Boats to see the Goods Shipped from Gordon House to Oxford House and to whom I refer you for any information respecting this place, if it Should be convenient I should be glad to see you at this Factory, when you then would see the state the Factory was in and be able to give me your advice what Goods to Indent for annually for Inland. - should be sorry to have the least reflections in my mind in not paying the utmost attention in my power to the Settlements belonging to this factory.
Mr Tate arrived here the 11th Instant with better then a Thousand Beaver and should have disatched off his Men and Canoes for Oxford House according to your wish. but finding the Canoes he has to be Old & Leaky it was judged if they went up to Oxford House this Summer and back they would be fit for no use afterwards and there is no others here to change them with. in consequence I have by advice of council prepared them with small cargoes for returning to Merrys House the place where Mr Tate presides at.
Wishing pleasing accounts from you & all under your command - I remain with the greatest respect
Dr Sir
Your Obt. Servant
(Signed) John Ballanden
PS Since writing the above I have detained 2 of Mr Tates Men Geo. Munro and Andrew Setter which now accompanies the Boats to be under your Command Inland."


Oxford House June 15th 1802
From Mr Sinclair to Mr B
Dr Sir
I received your Letter of the 18th March the 4th of April was happy to hear that health and plenty had visited York. the Articles sent came all safe to hand.
Ever since the middle of March I have been very poorly in my health and at this present time am but very weak. if you could spare Mr Tho. Colen to come up here to afsist me for a little time it would forward the businefs greatly. the goods that was taken up in the fall I shall give a receipt for it Seperately from the goods that comes up this summer as it is already accounted for in Oxford House account Book. the goods and Provisions shall be accounted for according to your orders. I should wish to have an account of the Provisions that is served to the Men for each trip that they make Seperately from the Provisions that is sent as Cargo. I mean not to Lump the whole together as was done last Summer.
Halcro and party not arriving here untill the 11th Inst. from Jack Lake prevented me from sending the Canoes sooner down. - indeed had they been here before they could not have gone for Ice much sooner. the Canoes arriving at York last summer with not above two Thirds Cargo the blame if any could not rest with me,. as I had only the Loading of the Canoes once for York & that time they had 13 Bundles besides 3 empty Rundlets which was equal to 16 pieces. - the largenefs of the Wolf Bundles prevented them from taking any more. they had hardly room to work the Canoes down the Rivers with that quantity.
Inclosed is the Invoice of Furs traded at Oxford House and Jack Lake which is 2411 7/30 MB the number of Canadian Houses that is all round this Settlements it is surprizing that a Skin is got at it at all they are encoaching every Year nearer to us. - Wishing you a plentiful summer a Good Trade and all at York health and happinefs I remain
Dr Sir
Your most Obt. & hble Sert.
(Signed) Wm Sinclair
PS. Please to send a few Nails Sorted there is none here if wanted.40 Bundles of ffurs is sent down with the 3 Canoes & 5 empty Rundlets."


Albany Fort 12th October 1801
From Mr Hodgson to Mr B
Dr Sir
Being about to dispatch a Packet for Severn by a family of Ind. who Hunts near that Country I take the oppertunity to send this to exprefs my wishes for the welfare of yourself and all at York Fort.
We have not rec'd a Letter from our friends to the Northward, this several years, the cause of which I apprehend originates at Severn. the Summer before last I sent 2 Ind. thence but they returned with Letters only from that place & this year I had expectations that the Master at Severn would have sent a packet to Albany which has not been the Case & we have been much disappointed.
The Chief Object of sending this Packet in Winter is to forward a Letter to Mr McNab Chief at Churchill, their Honors in their Gen'l Letter to Albany have directed his son to be sent to him but as he is at present in Lake Winnepeg this order cannot be attended to till next Summer.
Capt. Turner arrived Safe 22nd August & Parted on the 14th of the Month following. - The Trade at Albany last year was 24,552 1/4 MB but owing to the early arrival of the Ship and an Epidemic distemper among the Men in the River - above 60 Bundles of Furs did not arrive in time to go home with the Ship & the Men whose times were out lost their pafsage - never was such a sickly Summer seen at Albany- The bloody flux attacked the people on their Journeys Inland which raged with great Violence and at the Factory the disorders were various Chiefly violent fevers & head achs so that at times the Factory was like a Hospital. We are not yet perfectly got over it for several of the People in the factory are still unwell.
It is my sincere wish that none of those distrefses may attend yourself and all at York Fort but that you may experience Health & plenty & my Mefsmates joins me these wishes
I remain Dr Sir.
very much
Your humble Sert.
(Signed) John Hodgson"


" Severn June 8th 1802
From Mr Thomas to Mr B
Dr Sir
The object of this packet is to forward Letters which I have rec'd from Albany for York & Churchill. As I understand from Mr Hodgson that the Honble Committee have directed in their Gen'l Letter to Albany that Mr McNabs son should be forwarded to him as speedily as pofsible and that the young Man having Winter'd Inland is the reason of his not being sent till this Summer. I shall be much obliged to you for your opinion how far it may be proper (should he arrive at Severn in time) to send the Brig to Churchill soley on his account Mr McNab in his Letter to me exprefses a wish for the Brig to carry Timber to CR as last year & is so kind as to send me a polite Invitation but as we have not a stick of Timber on the Plantation the Vefsel cannot be sent on that account Altho' I have thus solicited your advise in the above businefs it is necefsary to Inform you that as the Quarter deck of the Vefsel is just taken up it is not that she can be fitted out soon enough to go to Churchill and attend the Ship at YF however the greatest diligence will be used & I need not say how active Mr Taylor is in getting the work forwarded. I do not doubt but the Capt. of the Ship and other Naval Gentlemen will when they see the Brig at York allow that a great deal of Work has been done to her considering the Country.
You will no doubt be informed by Mr Hodgson of the great Sicknefs which prevailed at Albany last Summer, it has so alarmed the Indians that none can be prevailed on to go with a Packet & those who brought his Letters not having been engaged as Packet Men refused to return.
We had a most remarkable Cold Spring with much Snow. a very bad goose Hunt & very few Furs as yet. Wishing better succefs
I remain
Your very Hunble Servant
(Signed) Tho. Thomas"


" York Fort 22nd June 1802
From Mr B to Mr Tho.
Dr Sir
Yesterday your two Indians arrived and delivered to me your kind favour of the 8th Inst. as well as the Bay Letters for here and Churchill. the latter I shall forward there the first oppertunity.
You wish to have my advice whether it may be prudent to send the Beaver Brig to Churchill with Mr McNabs Son soley thus so far will I presume to give it - whilst Mr McNab was with me in Winter he much exprefsed the wants at Churchill of a few good Logs for sawing into Boats boards. if you can oblige him with it and at the same time convey his Son to him I think he will ever esteem it as a favour and as he has like his predecefsor been ever ready to supply his neighbours with their wants. should you be in want of either Trading Goods Stores or provisions I make no doubt but he will supply you as far as he his able & prevent you from Indenting to England for more than is necefsary at the same time stop a dead Stock laying in the warehouse at CR it is most reasonable to think the Ship will visit CR first on account of the prevailing NW and Northerly Winds at that time. - However much depends on your being able to get the necefsary repairs to the Brig for this Season in good time in that case Capt. Taylor will be the best judge if a voyage can be made to Churchill & back again in good time to York to afsist in unloading the Ship.
Since you left us We lost one Man who died very suddenly and the latter end of March I heard from Mr Cook he informs me one of his Men was drowned in going up North River last Fall. we are all busy on Inland affairs. I have heard no account of Mr Tomison as yet but am hourly in expectation.
I have procured two fine Sticks for the beaver Brig. one is intended for a bolt sprit the other for any service that it may answer for.
Our Spring the same as with you very Cold. we Killed about a thousand Geese. the Deer has not visited this Quarter in any Great numbers as usual to our great disappointment - however we are in no want. Trade comes in but Slowly & I much fear will not be equal to last years. My Mefsmates Joins me in Compliments to yourself & the Gentlemen of youe Table. I remain with the greatest respect
Your Obt. Servant
(Signed) John Ballanden
PS. Since writing the above I have rec'd Letter from Mr Tomison with very unpleasing accounts of a bad Trade Inland this year - the Whole not amounting to half of last years."


" Cumberland House June 6th 1802
From Mr Tomison to J.B.
Dr Sir
Your kind favour of the 14th Sept. I rec'd the 21st Oct. and was happy to hear of the safe arrival of the Honoble Company's Ship after being so long in the country I think a month sailing sooner from Orkney has made but little alteration in her arrival at York and I am sorry to say that her late arrival is detrimental to the Companys Intrest which I believe you feel the effects of pretty much in regard to provisions but that is not the only evel. the last two Years the men have been almost perished to death in their pafsage up so late in the season so that some of them was of Duty for the Month after they arrived. - As to your having engaged some of the Men that went down it does not rest with me to find fault therewith as it was a point of necefsity - Mr Geddes informs me there was more Men to come out but as soon as the Ships arrived in Orkney it was rumour'd all over the country there was no provisions on board the Ships. strange how such things should be propogated or who could know that but the Capt. but I am certain in this that we shall not have any good men come out while they are treated in the manner they are. the Honble Company does not know of their treatment or certainly they would turn him out of place or reform him which I doubt would be a hard matter to do as he is a second Capt. Tunstall?. - The Packet and every thing mentioned as pr invoice I received safe: and in a few hours after got all ready for a Canoe setting of for the upper Settlements which proceeded on the 23rd. I am sorry to relate to you the decease of that worthy Servant Mag. Twat on the 26th of Sept. after the arrival of our opposers I was induced to send him and John Brough to stay with the Ind. at carrot River where our opposers were building a house which we could not do for want of Men as I was under the necefsity of sending off Mefs Sutherland & Swain to stay with those up sturgeon River. on the 21st of Oct. the two Boys with their Mother arrived at 11 PM which gave me their fathers watch and told me I would never see him again as he was almost gone before they left him two day ago. James Sandison and three Men which had arrived a few hours before got ready to Embark in case he should be alive to bring him to this place. the next day the Weather was very unfavourable & they could not embark but the day following they got away with some difficulty on the 27th they arrived at the place & found he was burried having departed this life on the 23rd Instant the Ind. had taken great pains in burrying him. They also when in life did attempt to bring him to the House but he was too heavy for them to carry, being a long distance from the Water - The Men was prevented from returning by the Ice becoming so thick. neither could they get to where the Canadians were building and except those two Ind. the Men was staying with saw none during the Winter the above circumstances with those up Sturgeon River not having made any Hunts have been the means of making a miserable Trade at this place & but little Hopes of its amendment in future as the old & new afsociations has brought into the Country last Summer above three hundred Erroquee or Mowhawk Ind. which they has hired for three years. and all their families left down which are all kept at Government Expences. those they have dispersed all over where ever a Beaver was known to be which will finish the distruction of the Country as they leave nothing wherever they come for many years back there has been many Bungee, towow, Mefselemacana and Erroquee Ind. Killing up the Beaver wherever any was to be found which had already ruined the Country. So I conclude with Hoping you have had better Succefs and are with due respect
Dr Sir
Your very hble & Obt. Sert.
(Signed) Will Tomison.
PS. Alex Flett having deserted the Honble Companys Service you will please to put every thing belong'g to him in the Companys warehouse untill otherwise order'd by them. he has Gone to the Old Company.
NB Have inclosed a receipt for Goods rec'd last fall"


" York Fort 24th June 1802
From Mr B to Mr Tomison
Dr Sir
Mr Fidler arrived here the 23rd Inst. & delivered to me your kind favour of the 6th am sorry to be informed of the great decrease in Trade Inland this Year, and more so as there is no great hopes of its amendment by such a number of Erroquee or Mowhawk Ind. coming your way. Indeed the lower Settlements are falling of fast. - It gives me much concern also to hear of the Death of Mag. Twatt a good Old Servant. What effects of his is in the factory shall be Sealed up untill I have proper? notice given me how to disperse of them. experience has taught me a little in meddling with those matters before altho done with the best design. - Alex Flett having deserted the service suprises me much as he has been ever represented by you as a useful Sert. & accordingly last year this Good Character was Ent'd in the list of Sert. he must be an ungreatful man & may he meet some time or other with his reward. - The Servants that came out last year is the best I have ever known. fine Stout willing Men and I make no doubt they will prove themselves so under your Command. A few days since I had Letters from the Bay and Severn all well at the date thereof. Wishing you and all under your Command every happinefs I remain most respectfully
Dr Sir
Your most Obt. Sert.
(Signed) John Ballanden
PS I had almost forgot to inform you that a great part of the Cargo landed here last year was much damaged many Bales of Cloth &c so Rotten that I could have taken a handful out like as much Lint or Tow. I was informed the Ship at times had four feet Water in her hold. What ever articles is sent you is of the best quality in York warehouse."


" Gordon House 26 June 1802
From Mr Sutherland to Mr B.
Dr Sir
On my arrival at this place the 24th Inst. I found eight Canoes . seven of which I dispatched the following morning to Of'd House loaded with Trading Goods.
And the arrival of the Boats the last even'g will enable me to dispatch the remaining Canoe soon by detaining two of the Boats Men to supply the place of those that are ailing. - As there is no Officer arrived from Inland I have thought it most prudent to send the Boats down with the furs that is here. I have the more readily done this as I presume the Boats will arrive here as soon as those Canoes will that was dispatched yesterday.
Sir I remain
Yours &c
(Signed) Ja. Sutherland"


" York Fort June 29th 1802
From Mr B to Mr Sutherland
The Boats arrived here the 27th Inst. and was ready for setting off again the following day but heavy Gales of Wind in the S & SE quarter prevented them - am in hopes they will still reach you so as not to be any detention to forwarding the Inland businefs the Cargoes they now have on board chiefly consists of Provisions and a few Bales. - The great decrease in the Inland Trade this gives me no Clue how or in what manner to act.
In sending the Boats down to the factory with what furs was at Gordon House was a very prudent Step. I remain with the greatest respect
Dr Sir
Yours &c
(Signed) John Ballanden"


" York Fort July 2nd 1802
From Mr B to Mr McNab
Dr Sir
A few days since two Ind. arrived from Severn with Letters for here and Churchill & knowing your anxiety to hear from the Bay Settlements have taken the earliest opportunity to forward them.
On the 23rd of last month I received also Letters from Mr Tomison - at the date thereof he was then at Cumberland House - his accounts of the Trade Inland this year is very unpleasing not half of what came from it last Summer and every other Quarter accounts are not flattering - hope to hear by the return of the bearers that better succefs has attended all your Inland settlements.
Our Spring was very Cold as I have ever generally seen; we killed better than a Thousand Geese. Deer remarkably scarce so that the Natives here has been for some time past in the greatest want. all that I can supply them with is in no proportion to their necefsities. I remain most respectfully
Dr Sir
Yours &c
John Ballanden
The Gentl'n joins me in Compliments to you and yours."


" Churchill Factory June 26th 1802
From Mr McNab to Mr B
Dear Sir
According to my intentions as intimated to you at York last January. I have visited our two lower Settlements. the Journey thither was long and by losing our way made its duration upwards of 50 Days our fare at times very scanty.
Mr Auld has procured a fine hunt of Geese and plenty of venison daily coming in.
I sent a young Man to your nighest house where one Harper is in Charge with a List of Debts due to Nelson House, he was too late they had got a second payment for their Furs there before he arrived many of the Northen Ind. generally Goose Hunters here have also been there one man ( Izizzy) & Son traded 100 Br their all which they where already paid for at this Factory this I was informed of by several families of Ind. in 14 Canoes I fell in with on my Journey down some of whom said they had also Traded part of their Hunt with Harper & I fear will be unable to pay their Debts here I inform you of this that endeavours may be used to prevent it in future tis a duty we owe to our Masters.
A short distance from your House in the interior country a Canadian party has been two years without immediate opposition it is my opinion that if your Station was moved to that Spot the event would be felt more by them. we could easily go from Nelson House to there but this spot we ought not to relinquish as a Strong Canadian Station has been there or in its vicinity since 1783. The intention therefore of this Packet is to know your Sentiments in this respect that we may not Strive against ourselves instead of those who are daily gaining power.
If you can spare some Bayonets by the bearers it will be a peculiar Obligation.
Our gen'l returns from Inland are much lefs than last year & I fear that at the Factory will also - I wish you better succefs & am
Dr Sir
Your very Humble Sert.
(Signed) John McNab"


York Factory July 3rd 1802
From JB to Mr McNab
Dr Sir
I rec'd your kind Letter the 26th Ult. & feel for that anxiety which must have been attendant upon a Journey so long and tedious as one of 50 Days to your lower Settlements through the ignorance of your Guide.
I am glad to hear of Mr Aulds succefs in the Goose Hunt & of the plenty of venison that prevails at Churchill we experience a rather reverse of fortune here, tho' we have had at times a small supply from Ind. & something from our Nets.
The very unpleasant affair you relate concerning the Northen Ind. has given me great uneasinefs & is a source of mutual concern to us both. I have enquired into the particulars & find from Mr Cook that what you represent is very just. but there is a context which I beg leave to add, the Skins given to Harper by Izizzy and Son I admit might have been pofsibly paid for by you, but it is equaly true Sir that the same Skins had been purchased in one of the same Kind of beforehand bargins by Mr Colen so long ago as the year 1794 there is much perplexity in these cases & for my own part I am not civilian enough to determine. I am obliged now to remark that an Indian by name I as wes cum has been detained by Jos. Spence these two Winters past this Indian ows to York Factory and Inland upwards of 200 Br. the fact is well known I thank you kindly for your advice & have consulted with Mr Cook on the expediency of moving the settlement you mention. He thinks that intermediate opposition is the best for when thereis that immediate opposition you recomend. the parties are so desirous to excell each other that between both the Indian has no time to hunt or to attend the common duties of Life. besides Sir if Mr Cook was to move to the Canadian Settlement are not they pofsest of the same Spirit of opposition or is the desire of doing good for ourselves confined to us alone. at the Settlement where John Harper presides at present there are not lefs than 15 good Ind & some of them have lately left the Canadians the Station above it which you think is much better is frequented by 5 Ind. only if we go there our Ind. will go also.
I am sorry to hear of the decrease of Trade from your Inland Settlements. we are equaly unfortunate Mr Tomison's returns do not exceed the half of last years & all have been unsuccefsfull except Mr Cook & Mr Tate who has made a small addition to that of theirs last Summer.
Wishing you an early Shiptime & good news. I remain
Dr Sir
Your Obt. Humble Servant
(Signed) John Ballanden
Have sent by your Ind. 33 Bayonets it is all I had in the factory else should have sent more."


" Gordon House 8th July 1802
From Mr Sutherland to Mr B.
Dr Sir
On the 6th Instant the Boats arrived here from which time we have been busily employed transporting furs from this place to the Mouth of Hill River - & this day I will dispatch the Boat Mercury with 104 Bundles, which I hope you will receive safe. - the other boat I intend to detain here untill the last Seven Canoes from Oxford House which I believe will bring the last of the furs from that place. - as Mr Bird has not visited here, I have sent him by the last conveyance a list of Inland Servants therefore Mr Tomison can be at no lofs to agree the people when they arrive at Cumberland House, as he has got all the papers that is necefsary I remain
Sir
Your Obt. Hble Sert.
(Signed) Ja. Sutherland."


" Gordon House 12th July 1802
From Mr Sutherland to Mr B.
Dr Sir
I will this morning dispatch the Boat Charlotte with 40 Bundles being the last of the furs from Inland. I have likewise sent off Seven Canoes to Oxford house with the remain'g Goods that was at this place which I hope will be found fully sufficient to answer all the demands of Inland the ensuing Season. time will not permit me to add more than
I remain
Sir
Your Obt. Servant
(Signed) Ja. Sutherland"


" Cumberland House August 9th 1802
From Mr Tomison to JB
By the arrival of Six Canoes on the 30th July Mr Fidler delivered me your kind favours of the 18th & 24th June and was happy to hear you and all under your Command were well.
The afsortment of Goods by the Six Canoes are very well Beads and Hatchets excepted. the former are of So bad a quality that few Indians will ever will take them for nothing. the latter have eyes so small that they would need Iron in lieu of Wood for Helves. Shirts Cotton Shirts Flannel are much wanted for the Men. flannel Jackets need not be sent any more as they lay upon hands & the Men will not take any more of them. Flannel are much wanted for the Men. Stuff for tents, was under the necefsity to buy one from a frenchman at a very D rate for the Men that is gone to the Northward. - I was under the Necefsity to make the following Regulations before I could prevail upon any of the men to go. and that of allowing each Steersman 25 £ each Bowsman 20 £ and middlemen 16 £ and then they would only go for one year & have a note from under my hand for the same. this I was obliged to do or give up the point at once on the 7th Instant Embarked five Canoes manned with 16 Men. Mefs Fidler & Swain not Included. the following persons refused & would not go upon any terms whatever. Mat. Grott as he had been once to that Country. I offered him the Companys Wages and five pounds more which he refused. Will. Park did the same. John Simpson John Harper and James Hay all refused the latter you will not engage again as he beheaved very ill to Mr Fidler last year which was likely to prove fattel to the Whole. I am sorry to hear the cargo was so much damaged before it was landed as Every Man on the Establishment will feel the effects of it as well as a great lofs to the Company. I think to have four feet water in the hold must be the neglect of the Ships Officers by not paying attenion to the pumps. the fore Hold was a very improper place to stow Bale Goods but I suppose its one of the Capt. Gracefull tricks in order to get a new Ship. Indeed the Company should never send him to York as he seldom returns without some heavy Expence to the Company - & does it with such a grace that makes every one believe that he is one of the most faithful Servants the Company has got. Wishing pleasing accounts of the safe arrival of the Companys Ship in due time as also of the Welfare of all under your Command. I remain with due respect
Dr Sir your Obt Servant
(Signed) Will. Tomison
PS Have engaged Hugh Gibson for three Years at 12 £ pr annum. Peter Corrigal three Years as Bowsman at 14 £ pr Annum & Wm Corrigal 2nd Haray? for 3 Years. 2 at 12 & one at 14 £ pr Annum. Magnus Loutit stays one year at 14 £ in expectations of getting 16 £ for 2 more as Bowsman & Taylor. Wm Dunnet Ja. Knight & Geo. Flett stays as they did last Autum in expectation of the Wages they sent for. We have been under the necefsity to engage the above persons in order to take three Boats up the River. not a Men will agree for 10 and 12 £ and it is in vain to offer it to them.
To be sent up Blankets 3 Point & 2 1/2 points as there is none here nor none came up."


" York Factory Sept. 1802
From Mr Ballanden to Mr T
Dr Sir
I have the pleasure to inform you the King George Capt. Turner arrived safe in 5 fathom Hole the 27th Ult. and since have done my utmost in dispatching her and getting the fall Canoes fitted out which last job has given me much Trouble as it was with the greatest difficulty I could get Men to go with them however they are now ready to set off & sincerely wish they may meet you so well as I could wish.
I have been under the necefsity to send Mr Longmoor by this conveyance to you where I hope he will be of Service this task I did not do out of my own desire but by the unamious wish of Council. - Have sent a Copy of the Honble Companys Gen'l Letter and list of Servants as ordered no servants having come from England this year gives me reason to judge you will have trouble to keep the Northen Expedition up which as been so long our greatest wish - the finest cargo Landed from England this year that has arrived since my residence here & all in good Condition so that there will be no want of anything I hope next Summer from here that you may require.
The Articles you wrote for are Sent as well as most of the Servants Commifsions Inland.
Wishing you a happy Winter I remain wth the greatest truth
Dr Sir
Your very Obliged & Obed. Sert.
(Signed) John Ballanden."


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