"York Correspondence Book 1803 04"
[cover]

"York Correspondence Book 1803 & 04"
[title page]


" To Mr Whitford
York Factory 3 Sept. 1803
Mr Whitford
I rec'd yours by Mr Tomison his reasons for not sending you I shall tell you Candidly as I trust it will put you on your guard in future and becomes a duty I owe the Company you and myself you being rather too free in the use of Spiritous liquors, and at times too liberal to the Indians and supposes the defaults in your present account at the Rock to have arisen from this cause. how it is to be accounted for I do not yet know - if you can get to a station where you can add to our returns & the Companys interest I tell you it shall be your own if no exertion & resolution are formed by you, it would be injustice for me to Countenance, or for you to expect it.
I therefore rely on your spirited measures and Mr Sinclair is to do every thing in his power to further your proceedings which must be guided by spirited execution.
I am
Yours &c
JMN"


" From Mr Bird Master at Edmonton
Cumberland House Aug. 11th 1803
Dear Sir
I arrived here with one Boat only on the 9th Inst. having left the other three Boats which we expect tomorrow at the big Fall.
I have enclosed the best Indent I can pofsibly make; according to the best of my Judgement that Quantity of Goods will be wanted whither its necefsary to send anything more to keep a little Stock on hand or not you are an adequate Judge - As Mr Tomison can give you every little particular you may wish to know there is no news either from England or the upper Settlements, its unnecefsary for me to add any thing further than to that you may rely on our doing every thing in our Power to promote the interest of the Comp'y to follow your Directions. - Wishing you agreeable news from England.
I remain sir
Your obedt. hble Servt.
James Bird"


" To Mr Bird Master at Edmonton
York Factory 3rd Sept. 1803
Dear Sir
I rec'd yours from Mr Tomison he sailed for Europe the 3rd Inst. Mr Pruden will deliver you this I wished him to occupy a post from CH if required, but from his long residnece in a fine Country he is fearfull of attempting it thinking he could not live on fish only. - on your Arrival at CH I wish as many good men left there as will take two Canoes to the Ath'a if Mr Fidler thinks it necefsary to dispatch them previous to his coming to OH and can find them a Guide this will lefsen the plying Canoes from GH to OH but as the Cargo will be lefs than before it will be little felt if they are not required Mr Fidler will bring all with him.
Your Indent shall be attended to as far as pofsible I suppose it for Saskatchewan only.
I wish you a pleasant & succefsful winter and with a very confident trust in your Sollicitude and good conduct.
I am
Your very Huble Servt.
JMN
P.S. Mr Sinclair tells me all the Tea &c was sent Inland you know the Stock of Grocery sent was greater than last year.
A Copy of the 16th Par'h of the Gen'l Letter from the Honble Committee dated 25th May 1803 is sent for your perusal and observance."


" To Mr Howse Inland Master
York Factory 3rd Sept. 1803
Sir
Mr Tomison tells me you are to settle for the winter at the Neepewan and gives me hopes of your succefs, it will give me much pleasure to have them realized.
I am with every good wish
Your very Huble Servt.
JMN
P.S. A Copy of the 16th Par'h of the Gen'l Letters from the Honble Committee dated 25th May 1803 is sent for your perusal and observance."


" To Mr Hallet Inland Master
York Factory 3rd Sept. 1803
Dear Sir
Mr Tomison tells me I may have Confidence in your sollicitude and exertions for the interest of your employers I shall be happy in the succefs of so Commendable qualifications and wish you a pleasant winter.
I am
Your very Huble Servt.
JMN
P.S. A Copy of the 16th Par'h of the Gen'l Letter from the Honble Committee dated 25th May 1803 is sent for your perusal and observance."


" To Mr Fidler Inland Master
York Factory 3 Sept. 1803
Dear Sir
Mr Tomison delivered me yours the small number of men to your department I am sorry? for - every exertion is made to further your wishes next Summer when I hope these men that return with you will have more favorable news to give their Compan's than last year which will tend much to make businefs there go smooth and easy - I have desired Mr Bird to leave two Canoes Crews of good men on his way down to be in readinefs for going to Athapecaw in case you Could you send them immed'y on your Arrival at CH you will act accordingly everything is now sent that Mr Tomison judged necefsary except a Bale of 3 point Blankets which we cannot reach. I shall expect to see you at OH soon next summer with favorable news.
I am
Your very Huble Servt.
JMN
P.S. A Copy of the 16th Par'h of the Gen'l Letter from the Honble Committee dated 25th May 1803 is sent for your perusal and observance."


" To Mr Sutherland Inland Master
York Factory 3 Sept. 1803
Dear Sir
I rec'd yours by Mr Tomison who recommends you very strongly I shall trust he will not be deceived as it so nearly concerns the Company and yourself. He will continue his good opinion of you & represent it accordingly to the Committee - if Cercumstances should render your Services in any other quarter necefsary I shall expect a ready compliance.
should Mr Fidler judge it beneficial to send two Canoes back to his Station immediatly on his Arrival from CH next summer such of these men (now sent) as he may appoint or any other whose times are unexpired will proceed accordingly if he can procure a guide Mr Pruden will leave you as many men as may enable you to settle the post you occupied last winter if you have a person to conduct them, if not keep as many as you think proper.
I wish you a happy winter and
I am
Your sincere friend
JMN
P.S. A Copy of the 16th Par'h of the Gen'l Letter from the Honble Committee dated 25th May 1803 is sent for your perusal observance."


" From Mr Hodgson Chief at Albany
Albany Factory 15th July 1803
Dear Sir
Your several Letters of 14 & 21 Sept. last and also that of 15 Febry all arrived together and was rec'd by me immediately upon my return from Martins Fall.
In your first you hint the Service might have been considerably benefited, had the Schooner gone to Churchill as at first proposed this no doubt would have been the case had there been another Vefsel of sufficient Burthen in the Bay to have supplied Albany and Eastmain but when it is considered the Summer is half over before she could enter on the Voyage and the precarious State of the Bay at that time with Ice together with the probability she could not be back in time to carry the Albany and Eastmain Cargoe before Winter set in these are the considerations I believe that operated very strongly on Mefs Thomas and Bolland's Minds and they gave over the attempt besides I believe there was not Provisions sufficient to Victual her for the Voyage Albany could not add its share toward supplying her being nearly destitute of every kind of food but the produce of our Cattle and which barely saved our Lives till the Ship came.
Your Sentiments concerning your Son's behaviour is very just I am sorry to say his Obstinacy still continues, nor can any thing I say have effect with him he pofsitively refuses going to York Fort, and every Officer at Martins Fall is sensible of my Endeavours to persuade him. I did by Mr Vincents desire permit him to go again this Year with him to red Lake. - Perfectly sensible of the disappontment you will experience in not seeing him again this Year, and earnest you should be acquainted therewith speedily that I may know your determination concerning him if pofsible before I proceed for Martins Fall next Summer and not being willing to trust to Ind. alone whose conveyance of Letters from the Northen Settlemens have been very precarious of latter years. I have sent Mr Bunn with this, who is at present unemployed in Inland Service from particular reasons which I leave him to explain to you. he can return time enough for Inland Service next year provided it is thought necefsary and he being perfectly acquainted with the disposition of your Son can explain those dispositions and intentions more fully than I think necefsary at present to do.
Thank God our Situation in regard to Provisions this year has been tolerable a very good European Supply a fine Hunt in the Fall and Spring has enabled us to live all the Year hitherto on full Allowance, but as soon as Winter set in nothing was to procured of fresh Food, but our Cattle which made a fresh Meal now and then. - In the Spring Four of our men had the Scurvey but that was soon over by the early arrival of the Geese which were very numerous I salted near 20 Hogsheads which is the only Food at present in the Factory. all the European Meat being sent Inland. - I wish we had a share of your fine Venison, but that is a food we seldon taste much lefs so than formerly and as for Partridges, I do not think there was above 50 killed during the Winter, at Eastmain I understand they was innumerable.
Notwithstanding the shortnefs of Provisions last year for Inland Service, yet the Trade is encreased, and would have been much better had not Murders happen'd among the Natives where Mr Cobb Winter'd, which drove them from that part of the Country and the Canadians plundering and destroying a considerable Quantity of Goods left by Mr Corrigal at St Ann Lake for the purpose of Trading with Indians he was to meet coming out, the Canadians got knowledge where they were and destroy'd the whole. A Mean and Villianous action. this of course lefsened the Trade at that Post. all the other Settlements they have made out very well.The Trade at present is unpacked but imagine it will be 22,000. It is unpleasing to hear the Northen Trade is so much diminished.
We have all thank God enjoy'd tolerable health, since my last, two Accidents happen'd this year one Robt. Mowatt was drowned at St. Anns and Peter Brown was dreadfully wounded in the upper part of his Leg by a Gun accidentally going off in his Hand at Osnaburg. he lived but 2 Days after he reached the Factory.
Earnestly wishing you may long experience a continuance of Plenty with Health & every felicity
I remain Dr. Servt.
Very much
Your Huble Servt.
Jn Hodgson"


" To Mr Hodgson Chief at Albany
York Factory 10th Sept. 1803
Dear Sir
I rec'd yours of the 15th July last Yesterday by Mr Bunn. the Weather is fine and the Ind. return instantly for Severn with this.
The King George Capt. Turner & Ceres Capt. Ramsey the Latter (from CR) sailed for Europe 3rd Inst. York and its Inland Stations could not muster 17,000 - Severn a little more than 5000 and CR sent by Ceres nearly 8000 - York has fallen rapidly Several years, surely it will go no lower. five Canoes at the Athapuscaw did not yield 300 MB - the reduction of the Stand'd of Wolves up the Saskatshewan has brought that department to a very low Consideration. Mr Tomison accompanied Capt. Turner to Europe.
In my last I mentioned every thing I had to say concerning my son if he endeavours to please you and trys to be useful in the Service while he is Satisfying himself - my wishes will be obtained. Mr Bunn cannot return now I understand he is desired by the Committee to reside at York though no official directions for that purpose is received here.
I am very happy to hear your Trade is increased and wish it may Continue to do so - several of your Ind. came here last July they staid three nights and set out with the design of going to Albany - Two them (Quatshemay & Weehaw) came back a few nights ago took debt and say they are to winter between here & Severn contrary to entreaties.
The Seasons have been so plentiful as prevent us from Indenting for any European meat - my mefsmates join in best Compts to yourself & Gentlemen at Albany.
I am with best wishes
Dear Sir
Your Huble Servt.
JMN."


" To Mr Thomas Master at Severn
York Factory 10th Sept. 1804
Dear Sir
These Ind. Arrived here yesterday with Letters from Albany - I have dispatched them quickly Several Severn Ind. have come here Since your departure with large families I have in vain entreated them to return now to you they say they are afraid to acrofs the Creeks and will go in winter, but they have told the Ind. they will not go away till next summer - all our Inland Gent. are gone and I trust will reach their Stations in good time - no news since you left us.
I am with best wishes
Dear Sir
Your very Huble Servt.
JMN
P.S. If you can forward these Letters soon to Albany will be obliged."


" To Mr Thomas SR
York Factory 27th Dec. 1804
Dear Sir
By these Ind. Accompany'g their Relations to SR I have the pleasure of Congratulating you on the Approaching new year and wishing it a happy one to yourself and all at Severn
Hitherto Winter has been mild Game of all kinds scarcer than last year the Ind. who have visited us has been in general Succefsful in Trapping Martins.
The fall hunt of Geese was favorable. Three of the Hunters we suppose were drowned in attempting to come to the factory. part of their Canoe was found on the Eern shore. none of their bodies has been heard of.
I enclose Letters for the Bay by the first opportunity from SR my Mefsmates join in every good wish with
Dear Sir
Your very Huble Servt.
J McNab."


" From Mr Thomas Master at Severn
Severn Jan. 23rd 1804
Dear Sir
The Weather which has been extremely cold for more than a Month past being now some what lefs severe I have dispatched Toney and Morris and do myself the pleasure of enquiring after the welfare of our Friends at YF and hope to hear that they are in the Enjoyment of Health & Plenty at this place thank God we fully pofsefs the former blefsing and cannot complain of Want.
The SR Brig had a fine pafsage last Fall from York to our River but owing to contrary winds did not get to the Launch till the 13th Sept. we had a very long open Fall with fewer Geese than I ever knew before at this Place. we caught a good Number of Titameg before the River was frozen and since the Winter commenc'd Partridges have been far lefs than of late Years so that we have serv'd three Days pr Week.
Very few Ind. have visited us this Winter & greater Part of who came brought nothing.
If you can spare one or two of each of the kinds of Files undermentioned you will oblige me much.
3 Squ'l Bast'd 3d or 2d
4 do. -- do. 3 or 2
1/2 round do. 3d or 2d
Do. Do. smooth 3d or 2d
Rat tail'd -- 3 or 2d
Wishing you plentiful Season with an increasing Trade.
I remain
Yr obedt. hble Servt.
Thomas Thomas"


" To Mr Auld Chief at Churchill
York Factory 6th Feb. 1804
Dear Sir
I send this packet in hopes you can supply us with the articles in the enclosed list which Mr Bunn desires to have the pleasure of delivering to you.
Your Letters of 31st July and 13th Aug. last were rec'd with pleasure to hear in both of your Welfare at Churchill surely the word disgraceful which you conclude your frist with will never be applicable to the actions of either of us while intrusted with Stations so consequential.
In my letter of 16th June last I told you what I thought was the united Sentiments in which you joined at YF concerning the Nward Indians - I shall now menton what I know or learn from information concerning the CR home guards who you say should in Justice be sent back - and it will be equally stisfactory now as then in your pointing out untruths or errors in my exprefsions. These Ind. have been here 10 years. Mr Stayner had been Repeatedly here since they left Churchill, you have been in Company was their return requisted?[maybe his question mark] Have I not heard you say their leaving Churchill was propitiong? for it?[his again] and have you not highly commended Mr Stayner on the occasion?[and here] you know a Widow woman and her family was not permitted by him to approach the factory who went from here purposely to see her relations at Churchill And when you were here in Sept. 1802 you exprefsed no thought of the Justice of these homeguards return to CR though you saw & probably conversed with several of them. then at York.
Last Sept. the Widow and family above mentioned went down to Severn and I was informed her brothers proposed visiting her there next Summer - I mentioned particulars for you to judge how far their speedy return to CR is probable
The King George Capt.Turner arrived here the 14th Aug. and Sailed the 3rd Sept. with the Ceres and Beaver Brigs (the latter for SR) Mr Tomison accompanied them with a very small trade from YF not 18, 000 exclusive of Severn
The Fall was favorable and we Salted 1800 Geese. Venison lefs than last year - Fish & partridges more plenty than last Winter and the Ind. who have been in have been more Succefsful in their hunts. Three Ind. we suppose were drowned in the fall we think they had attempted to come with a Canoe load of Geese from the Eward. part of the Canoe was found near the fourteens - none of their bodies has been discovered.
Mr Bunn brought a packet from the Bay last Summer he can tell you the news there. a Packet arrived from Severn three days ago. I enclose the Letters therefrom for Churchill. My Mefsmates join me in every good wish for your welfare & Succefs with
Dear Sir
Yor very Huble Servt.
JMN."


" To Mr Thomas SR
York Factory 13th Feb. 1804
Dear Sir
I was favored with yours of the 23 Ult. Toney conveys you this and such of the Articles requested as we can spare.
Since x mafs our Partridge hunters have brought us good hunts and now we are in no dread of want of fresh food till Geese may be expected. few Ind. have been in Since my last.
Mr Bunn set out with a Packet for Churchill last week Gent. unite in Reciprocal wishes that so desireable events as you exprefs my also occur at Severn.
I remain
Your &c
JMN"


"From Mr Sinclair Master at Oxford House
Oxford House 18th Feb. 1804
Sir
I shall begin from the Factory and inform you of our pafsage up, we reached the Rock House 5th Days at 11 AM the remainder of the day was busily employed in taking up the things laid up in the Garden and serving out the men, the flour in the bags was nearly uselefs being wet through except a little in some of the bags which happened to be out of the Water. I had what there was sifted and mixed with what was in the Casks. 15 pound weight was damaged in the Casks, the other Articles after pouring the water out of the Boxes and kegs was put up Stairs and the Beef Cask put in the mens end, every article was left the same as I found it the Funnels was left as I had no way to Carry them safe the Canoes was so lumbered that had it not been Good weather in the low rivers they would never have got up. the Canoes Mr Pruden was in got a hole Broke upon her in hill River had they not been near the Shore they most have gone to the Bottom. I embarked in the Small Canoe at Gordon House along with the Indian Lads and proceeded on to the House. By Chance I met? a Indian near the Trout Fall that was a fit person to Conduct a Canoe to the Island Lake him I took back with me in case I should want his Service. I reached the House the 15 of Sept. and the Large Canoes arrived the 17 late at night I was under the necefsity to make some alterations in the men as pr note I enclosed which I hope will meet your approbation. The two Canoes Embarked for Cumberland House the 19 and Mr Whitford was dispatched the 20 there was no time lost from the fine weather that we had after their departure. I Conclude that they would nearly reach the upper Settlement by water as there was no Ice even this Low down to stop a Canoe from Going anywhere before the 5 of Novermber.
Two Canoes of Indians arrived from the Island Lake with 50 MB they came the day after my Arrival I trusted them Credits and sent a small present to two of the Chief men in that Quarter. they were Glad that English men were Coming to winter in their Country. If Mr Whitford does but use Occonomy in the expediture of his Goods he will make well out, he has six Rundlets of High Brandy besides other Articles of Trading Goods in proportion as they could be taken, I hear by Ind. that there is no french men near Halcro at the Jack River.
After fiting Mr Whitford out I find myself short of shot have sent down the men for a bag or more as it Can be sent it will depend Greatly upon how they find the Road. Please Sir to send half a Bag of the Large Bristol, what I had up in the Fall is only fit to kill partridges with. it only wounds Beaver and Otters it is by far too small to kill these Animals at any distance the Indians Complains of it Greatly. If there is no Large Bristol Shot if you plase to send the shot moulds I would make Some here out of the Ball as it would go farther when made in Shot then giving them ball to make themselves.
Having no provisions to serve the men out for the Journey of any sort but fish which is heavy to haul for the whole way, they have only taken a few to serve them to the Rock. I ordered them to Open the Beef Cask and take as much as serve them to the Factory and to head up the Cask again. I had no other method to Contrive to Get them sent down - My Trade is small about 300 MB and the prospect but Gloomy - the few men round here attend Fishing more then they do hunting their famalies is so very Large - indeed the Country is nearly rooted out. - I am very bad with my side the pain Continues as Usual to torment me. I am of the Opinion that had I some months residence near to you that I would get the better of it. I have no Chance the way I am of ever Getting better the pain is very sharp at times & Continues in a hot burning way. I get no peace toly some nights with it. - Magnus Berston in going round his traps the first of this month fell into the water down the Trout River and froze part of both his feet. I cannot Judge at present whither he will Lose any of his Toes or not - the manner he got it was very foolish indeed he had a Skippie Toggie also a Gun with him and did or would not make a fire. had he only shifted himself with dry Clouts as he would have done he would been safe the day was Remarkable warm or else he would never have reached the House the Ther was at the -C [blank] all day he got this merely through his ignorance and Obstinacy, he will be able to do no duty this long time. one of the two Indians that Shot the man and his wife belonging to his House last winter was Shot himself the 8th Instent by my Canoe mate Cuisk with in a day walk of this house he was deeply in debt but I must Candidly confes thought? He meat his due Reward - for he was threatening to kill more - he killed the wife Last year if not the man and Boasted of it. - by what I can Learn he was payed back in his own Coin. I regret nothing but the Company's Property that the Villan had - I did all in my power to have preserved him until Last time as I could have got Some penny worth out of him but they were before hand with me - they Catched him from the House and Shot him with the Cock nail of a Gun - he was a Cumberland House Indian and Good for nothing in every sence of the Word. wishing you a plentiful Spring and Good Trade.
I remain
Sir
Your most Obdt.
Humble Servt.
Will. Sinclair"


" To Mr Sinclair Master at Oxford House
York Factory 22nd March 1804
Dear Sir
I rec'd yours of the 18th Ult. the packeters had a long journing travelling was bad and the dogs failed - all are now Strengthned and I hope will deliver you this in good time - I have sent moulds for the purpose of making the Shot you mention - we are much disappointed by the Variation made in Europe from our Indent of that Article.
I am glad you got Mr Whitford forwarded to Island Lake and will be much pleased with his Succefs on the occasion. you do not say whether he will come to the Rock or OH.
My intention is to be at OH as soon as last year if pofsible and expect to meet Mr Bird at the Rock in case Mr Fidler should reach you before my Arrival. I have advised him in the enclosed Letter.
I know you will use every endeavour to forward businefs as soon as the seasons will admit - we have got a large boat in forwardnefs which will Carry more Goods than I am fearful our few men will be able to haul up."
We have had a plentifull winter hitherto and the Ind. who have been in has done much better than last year it will be pleasing to find your propest? has become more favorable - and I shall be happy in finding you in good health at OH next June. - My mefsmates join in best wishes with
Dear Sir
Your very Huble Servt.
JMN."


" To Mr Bird Master at Edmonton
York Factory 22nd March 1804
Dear Sir
By a Packet for OH I transmit this which I hope you will receive soon in summer I wish you at the Rock early for regulating the businefs - I intend to be there sooner than last year if pofsible and shall be glad you have succefsful seasons.
My mefsmates join in best wishes with
Dear Sir
Your very Huble Sevt.
JMN"


" To Mr Fidler Inland Master
York Factory 22nd March 1804
Dear Sir
I intend being at OH as early as pofsible next summer and hope I shall meet you there and it will be satisfactory to hear you have a pleasant & Succefsful seasons - My mefsmates join in these wishes with
Dear Sir
Your very Huble Servt.
JMN."


" From Mr Auld Chief at Churchill
Churchill Factory 10 March 1804
Dear Sir
I had the pleasure to receive by the hands of Mr Bunn your kind favour under date 7th Ult. & in a very particular manner desire to acknowledge my Gratitude for his visit here which was charitable in the extreme to a solitary Hermit who could scarcely be said to exist indeed I had nearly forgotten the use of Speech. Such Articles as you request & I can pofsibly spare are sent & should have been happy to have spared you more of the Article Twine we experienced a great lofs in one Cask out of two not being received here nor upon a thorough search was it to be found on board the Brig Ceres.

I am sorry you have laid such strefs upon my having used the epithet disgraceful in a former letter yet I cannot consent to recal it or even to soften it by interpretation were it a mere point of etymology I could say that graceful is becoming & of course disgraceful is unbecoming but I must still be permitted to think if not to exprefs it that if either you or any under you or I with those under me should contend against one another seduce invite or intercept our respective Ind. we act unjustifiably nay. I had almost said treacherously. I am unwilling to use hard terms but it has been my misfortune all my life that I could never resist the temptation of calling every thing by its right name when I dared. Conscious of your anxiety to avoid interfering with us I cannot help thinking that our present difference originates in misapprehension & upon review of the causes I am confirm'd in my opinion.

On your arrival from Inland on the 25th June 1802 you dispatched a packet next day to Mr Ballenden exprefsly to complain of John Harper's conduct in intercepting our Ind. you may pofsibly recollect that I delivered my opinion as averse from so marked a mode & my doubts of its being followed by any good consequences - the Answer to it justified me? you gave directions to Mr Topping to establish a small post to intercept our own Ind. in their route to Harper agreeably to the invitations & promises he had sent among them. Mr Topping did so & by the first packet from him I learnt that J? Charles & 3 men had been in consequence of this Authority established in a post to protect the Trade of CF from the mal-practices of YF Traders - A Solecism in Commerce a melancholy monument of degeneracy which should oblige us to have recourse to such unprecendented measures. you then belonged to this place. you were bound to preserve and extend the trade here by every means in your power & were justifiable in trying to save your Indians from Seduction & in getting them to pay the debts they owed this Factory. I accompanied you to YF in the Brig for the purpose of more effectually preventing in future such misconduct. There I certainly did understand that we were not by any means to interfere with one anothers Indians in any manner or way whatever. In one of your letters in the winter to me you said it was the joint opinion of us all when I was at YF that a limitation to Harpers exertions in procuring Sn Indians could not justifiably be prescribed. now my Dear Sir if I had consented to such a convention would I not have been justified in going downstairs & giving all your Sn Ind. invitations to come to CR for it is fair if I consent to let Harper take or invite our Indians that you should let me take yours. I here honestly confefs that when I read this objectionable paragraph I was surprised & half vexed for it struck me you were very different at YF from what I had known you at CF I concluded immediately that we had every thing to fear from so pointed a direliction of Principle & own I made some unpleasant comparisons in my own mind - The very high & respectable character you had so justly merited & obtained at Albany instead of relieving? me made me think I should be totally overwhelmed. In my answer to that letter I vindicated myself from having conceded to such agreement & exprefs myself as equally difsatisfied at our Sn Indians being seduced from us as the Nn Ind. & with equal justice. In your letter to me in the Summer you take notice that I suspect you of having varied from the united opinion & exprefs a desire of the sentiments of the Gemmen present being fairly stated &c &c. Really Sir I know not what sentiments are necefsary to be formed in my humble opinion one is sufficient & that is of Detestation of seducing the Ind. who more properly belong to another Settlement. The interrogation with which you close the following paragraph of that letter may be answered thus by informing you that I have strictly enjoined every officer & Trader belonging to this place to refrain from sending invitations to Ind. belonging your establishments. I have posetively prohibited them from trading furrs from such Indians - I have ordered them to send such Indians back to where they belong with their furrs - But if they should suppose any risque of their falling into the hands of Canadians to take such furrs as they may have. These to be kept sacred that I may either send them to YF per Ship or to England as the produce of YF - I am inclined to say that an Inland Trader ought to know which Indians are to be encouraged alias invited.

Our Homegaurds were seduced by Mr Colen very barefacedly but to divulge the shameful mode in which it was done might perhaps appear vindictive now shall therefore pafs it over but I must not pafs over so what concerns ourselves. - When Mr Stayner succeeded here in 1792 he endeavoured to render the Sn Indians Homeguards more serviceable to the Company & lefs expensive to the Factory Afsured by Mr Colen in a letter of this approbation of the plan the reformation was attempted. suppose I here observe that these Natives had ever been supplied gratis with Guns Ammunition all sorts of Iron Work besides being paid for their furs with a different Standard than the Nn Indians indeed I have hard it acknowledged that these Homegaurds did not cost the Company lefs than 2000 MB annually Expences at CF 1792 were 8130 MB in 1793 they were 4020 - Informed of the progrefs of our plan YF prevented us reaping any benefit from it by inviting? & receiving these Indians with open Arms & supported them with boundlefs profusion & waste. Had the Natives been sent back here they must have come with a certainty of being treated according to their exertions & submitted to regulations which the Honble Companys Affairs so imperiously demanded - But I confefs I have commended Mr Stayner for not inviting them back as they would in that case think themselves entitled to their former treatment. If Mefs Colen Ballenden or McNab had returned them to their proper Factory they would no doubt have done us & themselves considerable service.

I know a Widow Woman & family whom Mr S would not permit to approach this place in the Summer 1801 YF defends with obstinacy what she accquired by fraud - that Widow was the relict? of one of our homegaurds He died at YF after staying their 6 years this Widow Woman & her family were permitted to return here after the death of their supported. YF did this generous deed but let us see what her family consisted of Herself 3 female children & 2 boys the one 5 or 6 years of age the youngest could not walk. surely this affair in perfect policy should have been concealed in oblivion to render it more discreditable to YF it did not send along with her those members of her family who could have befriended here 3 men who stood in the double capacity of Nephews & Stepsons also her own son who at that time was a promising Youth were retained - Mr Stayner had submitted to injury could not bear insult & returned her upon that Charity which had so illiberally displayed itself Vide Correspondence 1801 July 26 - When I was at YF in 1802 I avoided conversing with any of our Ind, unlefs in the prescence of some of your Officers.

I am sorry to hear of the melancholy fate of 3 of Churchill Homegaurds last fall with you.
There have been none of my Ind. in this winter so cannot say what our propect may be I have some reason to fear we shall be violently opposed by the Canadians.
I am happy to hear you have had good succefs in your hunts. with us Country provisions are equally abundant as usual In October I had full 7 months provisions without touching our English Stock & I have the pleasure to inform you that at 6 miles from this Factory we discovered a new fishing place last summer where is Pike & Guiniad as large & fine as in the interior Country say the latter 4 or 5 lb? but have not been able to discover their retreat in the winter yet. Pray inform me if Beef & Pork would be acceptable at YF.

We have experiencd a very mild winter with a lefs quantity of Snow than I remember before in consequence our out door duties have been prosecuted succefsfully. We are striving to get the Wooden work of a New Launch ready & in a few days will have the new Launch House finished it will be sufficiently large to hold the whole Cargoe at once from England.
I beg leave to offer you & the Gentlemen of your mefs the usual compliments of the Country & am
Dear Sir
Your most Obedt. Servt.
William Auld."


" Mr Fidler Inland Master
York Factory 26th May 1804
Dear Sir
In hopes of your Succefs and good propect I mean to meet you at OH for forwarding your procedures if you should arrive before me and Choose to proceed in an empty Canoe it might hasten the Service as I am uncertain when I can proceed above the Rock - having neither men nor Craft here fit for that purpose. It will give me pleasure to hear you have had a happy and Succefsful winter.
I am
Dear Sir
Your very Huble Servt.
JMN."


" To Mr Sinclair Master at Oxford House
York Factory 26th May 1804
Sir
I need not tell you to send the furs down to the Rock as expeditiously as pofsible the few men at the Factory will be interrupted in the necefsary employs till that Duty is accomplished.
I trust to see Mr Bird at the Rock where Mr Bunn will be guided by his directions. I mean to see you at OH where I hope to find Mr Whitford - If Mr Fiddler arrive before me the enclosed to him will tell him my intentions.
I shall be happy to hear of your better health and general Succefs being
Dear Sir
Your very Huble Servt.
JMN"


" To Mr Bird Master at Edmonton
York Factory 26th May 1804
Dear Sir
I shall hope for your early arrival at the Rock with Mr Bunn being a stranger is unacquainted with the procedures there. I trust he will use every endeavours to push on the businefs and be attentive to your directions.
I mean to proceed to OH in order to forward businefs there if Mr Fiddler Continues the N.ern Researches.
I am
Dear Sir
Your very Huble Servt.
JMN"


" To Mr Hallet Inland Master
York Factory 26th May 1804
Dear Sir
I shall be happy to see you at OH and glad to find you have had a plentiful winter. and have hopes of Succefs from that quarter where formerly? the Canadians procured good Returns and I understand still Continue their exertions.
I am
Yours Sincerely
JMN"


" From Mr Cameron
Lake of the Island 28th March 1804
Sir
Having met with Mr Whitford one of your Officers I was loth to Slip such an Opportunity without doing myself the pleasure to Addrefs you with the few lines following from which (by the by) you'll Receive but very little Entertainment as I am in pofsesion of nothing new to Acquaint you with or to make my letter worth reading. a Baren Soil, Excluded from Society is never productive of materails for an Entertaining Epistolary Correspondence.
If I was to give you a discription of the poverty of this place - in respect to Trade - it would be both unentertaining and unnecefsary as I have no doubt but the Bearer hereof will give you a very Ample discription on that Subject.
There there is a Swarm of poor people Emigrated from different parts of Scotland this two years past. France has been turned upside down by Democratic principles and the Highlands of Scotland are like to be revolutionized by the Spirit of Avarice - Indeed it is the same spirit with that of France Operating (thank God) in a different manner. the unprincipled of France destroyed the rich in order to plunder them & the unprincipled Rich in the Highlands Squeeze & Starve the poor in order to get more money - Bad however as these rich are we have to thank providence that the more numerous Clafse of Society had it not in their Power to give the Law to the rest & it is better for themselves as well as for the Nation that they are oblig'd to make a Shift for a livelihood in Canada & other parts of America rather than dispofsefs by strong hand, the Lawful proprietors at home and turn masters in their turn as was the Case in miserable France.
By the time that this reaches you the Ships from Europe will be nigh making the Appearence and will give you all the news whether good or bad piping hot - so that unlefs I spin news of my Brain as the Spider Spins his Web out of his body I must be totally silent on the Subject and my Own Conjectures on the Aspect of affairs in Europe & America last year are not worth Communicating besides your Arrivals from England is latter than we had when I left Lake Supperior - therefore I have only to add that I am with Esteem
Sir
Your most Obedient humble
Servant
Duncan Cameron"


" From Mr Sinclair Master at Oxford House
Oxford House 22nd May 1804
Sir
When I last wrote you I mentioned my prospect Concerning Trade was very small, but it is proved far worse then I expected it would have been at that Time. The Acc'ts from this quarter is truly Melancholy to relate. A poor Indian Man with his Wife and four Children was starved to death on the Borders of the big Lake two Women and a Child was all that reached the House from that Gang. Many more would have shared the same fate had they not been suppl'd with fish from the House the Famine and deaths is been Among the Indians beloning to this Settlements is a Great Lofs to our Honble Employers the Goods is lost which will make the Expenses Very High indeed. I have to Observe that it is bad working with natives when they are not able to pay a skin of their Debts most of them have from 30 to a hunder Beaner in Credit - Sir Humanity Obliges me to Supply them with Ammunition I humbly think it is for the Companys Instrest to do so. I hope it will meet your Approbation, kind treatments may be the means of keeping them about the Settlements and its to be hop'd another Season will prove more prosporous & plentiful with them for worse it Cannot be.
Geo. Morwick Died early in November his death undoubtedly Occasioned by Drinking of unmixed Spirits he went to Bed in a State of Intoxication and was Suffocated before morning. His propensity for drinking Was Great. - James Isbister got part of his Thumb Shot of I was Under the necefsity of Cuting it of Intirly he is in a fair Way of Recovery.
I cannot Inform you at present whither Mr Whitford will come by the Kne Lake or go down the Gods River. I have sent an Ind. With Letters to Wait his arrival in the Gods Lake and advis'd him then in to do for the Best.
21 Bundles of Furs is sent down By the Two Canoes Cont'g 1072 MB Wishing you a safe and speedy pafsage up the River.
I am Sir
Your Most Ob'd Humble Servt.
Wm Sinclair."


" From Mr Bird Master at Edmonton
Cumberland 28th May 1804
Sir
Agreeable to my Promise I sent two Canoes forward to make you acquainted with the Stock of dry Provisions we have been able to procure and am very sorry to say that its insufficient to answer the ordinary Purposes much more those you had hoped of it. Notwithstanding our utmost Exertions we have been unable to purchase even half the Quantity we had last year you will therefore unclude that rather more English Provisions than usual will be required between Gordon and Oxford Houses.
The Wolf part of the Trade which is so connected with the former that it in general rises and falls with it is equally short of last years. this has been principally occasioned by an extremely mild winter and a total want of Snow. the first prevented the Buffalo's coming near us and the latter the running of the few Wolves which were to be found and which are always scare in proportion to the Animals they prey upon. The bad Quality of our Tobacco has likewise caused the lofs of a few Wolves not that it has been so much worse than usual but, that of our opponents has been so infinitely superior to it. and to any they had till this Season brought. should the Disproportion in the Quality of this Article be as great next year and Wolves as formerly a considerable lofs must be apprehended from it. - The few Wolves we have, been obliged to pay for at the rate of a MB each as a skin each in the Statements of our Accounts - As the Trade has been so very small a still lefs Quantity of most of the Trading Articles Blankets excepted, than I mentioned to you last Autumn will be sufficient for the ensuing Winter but I hope to have the pleasure of seeing you soon enought to adjust this. We have a Man Peter Kirknefs very severly afflicted with the Jaundice, it has so reduced him that I am afraid he will not recover as we have no Medicines that can afsist him.
I wished him to go with these Canoes in hopes of recovery perhaps he may yet reach the Head of Trout River - I inclose a list of small Articles we are much in want of and hope they can be spared. - I scarely think I can find six able men to leave for Mr Fidler who are under Contract. The Agreements made with those that came up last Fall I am entirely unacquainted with, but I imagine that whatever Canoes may return to the Northward in course of the Summer will for want of Pilots be in obliged to go. I'll endeavour however to fulfill you Orders - Mefs Hallet, Howse & Isham are pafsengers with us they are not yet arrived here but are expected in a few Day.
I remain Sir
Your Ob'd hble Servt.
James Bird
PS Since writing the above the Canoes has been detained by Rain and Peter Kirknefs is become so much worse as to leave no Hopes of his Recovery. - If it can be done conveniently I should esteem it a favor if you would cause the Books to be examined that I might be acquainted with the Amount of Trade at Nippoe in 95, at Carlton in 96, 97, 98, 99, at Edmonton in 1800 at Nelson House in 1801 and at Edmonton in 1802 & 3"


" To Mr Auld Chief at Churchill
York Factory 28th June 1804
Dear Sir
I leave this to be forwarded to you by Indians going to CR.
I rec'd yours by Mr Bunns return and am under an obligation for the Articles.
I have told you the reason why the name of CR & YF is innaplicable to these SR Ind. we know most if not all of them go to the Canadians annually. your Letter exprefses a dread of this Continuance which I am sorry for.
If injustice was done to Mr Stayner by Mr Colen respecting the CR Homeguards your own good Sense will Convince you that neither Mr Ballanden or myself could act fraudelently to Mr Stayner or you if what I ment in my last is truth.
I believe if Mr Ballanden had supposed the Widow & family would have been so ill rec'd at CR he would have Stop'd the? Journey. None of these Ind. shall be encouraged to stay here contrary to their inclination. you know the Annual order from the Honble Committee should be observed by us all - Have not you Said Ieswiscum? was a YF Ind. I am told he is now at CR.
If I varied so far from the Suggestion in my Letter to Mr Ballanden as give such orders to Mr Topping as you exprefs I think such inconsideration in me ill deserves the Commendation you are pleased to bestow. For the sentiments exprefsed by you on my actions down the Bay I would return thanks but as it is presumption for either to judge in such matters they are for this Cause Restrained.
Our Spring Hunt of Geese nearly equal to last year. trade better and several Deer have been caught in the Snares.
Mr Tate arrived two days ago his Trade better than last year and the Boats from the Rock brought part of OH trade which with Mr Whitford aquirements I hope will exceed last years produce from that Settlement.
I am
Dear Sir
Your Very Huble Servt.
JMN."


" From Mr Whitford
Oxford House 11th June 1803
Dear Sir
I must beg of you to accept of this as an Apology for not sending you a longer account of my proceeding at Island Lake this last winter owing to my right hand being in a weak State from any old Complaint the Gout. I had last fall a very flattering prospect of making a Good Trade but I am sorry to say those hopes were frustrated by the Canadians who arrived with three Canoes & 20 men in October last & in winter six more men came from Mr Munro at the Windy Lake these men were dispersed all over the Lake in such a manner as to intercept the Indians which they did effectually. I gave four & twenty men debts to the amount 700 MB & never set eyes on them since last fall. except one old man & family who staid by me. I must refer till I have the pleasure of seeing you till then
Dear Sir
Your Respectfully
James Peter Whitford"


" From Mr Sinclair Master at OH
Oxford House 11th June 1804
Sir
It is with regret? I inform you of Mr Whitfords bad Succefs at the Island Lake. his Trade Only 150 MB and his Deffis'ce in Trading Goods better then 800 MB I expect Sir he will write you concerning his proceedings I shall have some Observations to make Concerning that Quarter but shall before it for the Present till I have the pleasure to see you.
The furs shall be sent down According to your Orders with the Quickest dispatch nothing shall be wanting on my Part to forward the Businefs as fast as Pofsible.
To prevent the Indians from Singeing? the Bears when they Shot them I was Obliged to give them good encourragement for each Skin they brought. this had the desired effect. In the few furrs procured at OH their is 20 Beav. of sorts had not this precaution been taken one third of them would not have Com'd to the House.
Mr Bird not Arriving according to his Design leaves Room to imagine that their is some accident haped which has prevented him - I shall by leave to point out to you Sir that I humbly think their will be no Occasion for a House above this next winter the Ind. is intirely Left the Jack River Quarter I mention this in Case you should settle any men at the Rock - wishing a safe & speedy pafsage up the Rivers.
I remain
Sir
Your Obd. Huble Servt.
William Sinclair
The Invoice of Furrs is sent also 6 Bundles of Furrs.
P.S. Since writing the above Two Canoes has arriv'd from Cumberland House which is to be dispatched tomorrow morning as the Canoes is going down nearly Empty - I have sent down all the empty Rundlets that was for any use - Please Sir to send some Vinegar up the Trout was numurus once this Spring."

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