"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."


" From Mr McNab Chief at York Factory
Gordon House 15th June 1804
Dear Sir
This morn'g 5 Canoes arrived from OH the News they bring are not pleasant the Several Letters are sent down I mean to set out early to morrow for OH. Mr Bunn will forward this, if the Boat now under way for the Rock leaves Bales let them still Remain and by the Jupiter send provis's only he Crew to consist of new hands for exchange; you will send a young man in lieu of Jn Ballenden with Mr Tate if he desires it - with best Compliments to my Mefsmates.
I am
Your Obed. Servt.
JMN."


" To Mr McNab Chief at York Factory
York Factory 23rd June 1804
Dear Sir
I rec'd yours of the 15 Inst. and am sorry to hear of the failure of Trade in the interior.
The Jupiter would have been dispatch'd on the 22nd but the Arrival of a Boat with furs and the necefsary articles which Mr Howse wanted - together with some other unforseen obstrils has prevented leaving this before to Day.
Dear Sir
I Remain most respectful your
James Sutherland"


" To Mr Thomas Master at Severn
York Factory 4th July 1804
Dear Sir
By this Indian who came to visit his Albany aquaintances I am sorry to tell you that the Inland trade from york still declines, the Saskatshewan department lefs than last year and OH also so that our General Returns now will be little more than last for want of men we must give over the Athapescaw.
Mefs Bird & Fiddler told us at Oxford House that the proprietors of the NWC they have Conversed with are in hopes of a Ship arrival at CR or York for forwarding their Inland supplies and fixing Station on the Coast of Hudsons Bay it is a duty incumbent on us not to forward their endeavours by laying buoys or setting Beacons till we are certain what Vefsel appears - The two outer Buoys & the 5 fm Hole Beacon will laid for the Beaver Brig I have enclosed a Sig'l? to the Commander according I shall be glad to find you have been Succefsful at Severn and
I am
Dear Sir
Your very Huble Servt.
JMN."


" From Mr Auld Chief at Churchill
Churchill Factory 5 July 1804
Dear Sir
I send this Letter for the purpose of acquainting you with our Situation which is not a little disagreeable in a varity of lights.
On the 18th and 21st Mefs Charles Linklater and Topping arrived from Inland with but a compartively small Trade altogether amount'g to [blank] MB. They alledge various causes for their want of succefs such as a very mild Winter which was shortened by an early thaw, a very great mortality among the Ochiposeans? to these was added the most violent opposition that ever took place in this Country. The Canadians have not hesitated at any crimes however infamous to deter the Indians from trading with us, they have stolen publickly our Nets out of the water and one Der? place. the master of a small post plundered Wm Clark of about 30 or 40 MB in furs without any reason afsigned other than orders from his Superiors. They have insulted and beaten Mr Wm Linklater in the grofsest manner merely because being remarkably mild inoffensive, a little and tender man, the biggest bully in their employment was selected in this way to reprefs the Spirit of a most faithful servant of the Honble Company.

I am informed that the Ochiporseans are descending from the upper Country in consequence of the numerous deaths among their relatives and the very grofs violence committed on them by the Canadians. I am sorry to add that the great number of good hands who are going home this season will greatly tend to distrefs us next. but we also have to regret a very great want of Officers, especially for the nearer Settlements where we have a right to expect the much largest share of the produce of the natives exertions, we therefore beg you would if pofsible afsist us with an Officer to help to counteract our disadvantages. Besides it is improper for me being left alone at the Factory without an Afsistant.

I have also to acquaint you that in consequence of our scarcity of hands we shall be under the necefsity of relinquishing our station in Beaver River and have given orders to that effect after a sufficient space of time shall have been allowed to be informed whether it would proper for you to take it under your jurisdicion and this the rather as it is in a Country where frequently your Indians make hunting excursions besides being a post by which you can only send supplies to Isle a la Crofse for your Northern people.
I am sorry to say our trade at the Factory is but very small at present nor do I expect greet increase to it. Three Esquimaux arrived a few days ago they say several of the more distant part of their tribe are on the way here to kill whales they have but little trade. Our own people have been very succefsful in killing whales. already more than 1/3 of all they killed last season.
Our Goose season was productive consider'g the very few Indians who hunted here but our Deer Hunt is smaller than usual. yet we do not regret it much as our Ice Cellar which is now impenetrable to the heat. preserved our Geese till lately quite good.

Our people both Inland and at the Factory have enjoyed good health and I have only except myself who had the misfortune to fall thro' a traphatch in the upper warehouse by which I broke my ribs close to the back-bone falling on the corner of a Tobacco Chest I have been confined to my bed ever since, but am now getting better it is a fortunate circumstance it did not happen beore the Officers arrival from Inland else the businefs here must have suffered greatly.

I also acquaint you of one of our old homeguards having made his appearance here this Spring himself and family only brought 30 MB I received him upon the same foot'g with our other Indians pofsibly he may not be pleased with his reception but it is absolutely necefsary that Indians be obliged to exert themselves at any rate the day is past here in which the wants of the Natives are anticipated and I shall cordially join in any plan which may render Ice Chifsels and Trapping hatchets objects of gratitude and request among Indians who hitherto have considered them rather as incumbrances. I am informed that some of your Indians have intentions of coming here. if they do you may safely depend on my returning them to you, their furs you shall get. the necefsary articles such as ammunition and Iron work I may be obliged to supply them with. shall be if you please placed to your account and themselves sent to the Factory or Settlement they belong to Our own old homeguards I shall not hinder from returning but I am resolved to make them useful at all events.
I shall be much obliged to you if you'll dispatch the bearers of this quickly as you can for their families are numerous I have chozan them as they have been unfortunate in their hunts this last winter and hired them at 2/3 of the old price of Packets which be very acceptable to them.

I inclose an account written by Mr Hallet of furs received by him from Indians indebted to Mr Charles it is equally valid I presume without Mr H's signature and Mr C was informed at same time that furs had been collected by Mr Bird on the same account, but of this there was perhaps no opportunity of acknowledgement. I would deprive myself of much pleasure you of great satisfaction and Mr Cook of the benefit of his liberal and truly faithful discharge of his behaviour to several of my Indians who visited him, not destitute of what might have tempted a lefs prudent and considerate Officer I have the peculiar satisfaction of giving him the credit for having first returned into that path which leads to the Honour and real? interests of the service in following which we shall most effectually oblige the natives also to exert themselves we shall prevent them from insulting us with hints about their trying other factories in this they will afsuredly find themselves egregiously disappointed when they see us sacrifice our self love and our private emoluments on the alter of our duty. This will allay all those little treats which originate in over fondnefs of appearing before our employers as the favourites of the Ind. who resort to us for while we dance round the Honble Company pay dearly for the music.
This will enable us to direct our energies to the best purposes. This afsuredly will tend to our common happinefs Brother Officers will then meet each other in the truespirit if Amity. not for the purpose of recrimination or reproach but to arrange such plans as shall be beneficial to the Company and creditable to ourselves. Mr Topping joins me in best wishes for your health and a good trade and in Compliments to yourself and Gentlemen of your Mefs.
I am
Dear Sir
Your most Obedt. Servt.
Wm Auld."


" To Mr Auld Chief at Churchill
York Factory 13th July 1804
Dear Sir
I rec'd yours of the 5th Inst. and am sorry to hear of your distrefs and difficulties.
No intelligence can now be sent Inland till the fall it will then rest with the Gent. up the Saskats. and depend on the afsistance of men from Europe whether your post in Beav. river can be occupied by them. Mr Fiddler I fear must desist from further endeavours in the Athapuscow for want of men. in that case he is to deliver his Remains of Goods to your officer in Charge of Isle a la Crofse next summer.
I trust your homeguards will Continue with you there is several more on the Road by whom I wrote. It will give me pleasure to hear the service so much benefited by this measure as you expect.
Thereis no officer at york at present to spare. Mr Bunn an additional waits to know their Honors consideration of his requests and if he continues in the service I mean him to occupy the post Mr Whitford wintered at last year, will you accept of the latter Gentleman
I see in Mr Hallets Invoice 24 MB of CR Ind. Debts it will be pleasing to find your Officers equally attentive. I heard not of any Rec'd by Mr Bird his Invoice mentions none. It is satisfactory to find Mr Cooks actions so pleasing to you. I trust there will be no more cause for difsafections on either side the Gent. join in best wishes for your speedy recovery & succefs with.
Dear Sir
Your very Huble Servt.
JMN
P.S. The Gentlemen Inland told me that such Proprietors of the NWC as they have Conversed with since last Summer uniformly are in expectation of a ship (Conducted by Capt. Riichards or some other Navigator) loaded with goods for their Serine? to be landed at York or Churchill Doubtful of this Sign'ls are forewarded to severn intimat'g fewer Beacons will be set and Buoys laid than usual for the Brig on her arrival at this place."


" From Mr Sinclair Master at Oxford House
Oxford House 13th July 1804
Sir
Mr Bird Embarked for Cumberland House yesterday Morning with 3 Boats and one Canoe. Wishing to forward the businefs it is my Intention to fit out Halcro with Two Canoes; for the Arrengement of men I beg leave to refer to the note Inclosed. having very Little Time at present and not wishing to Detain the Men I have not sent the Remains of OH this Time. wishing you a Early Ship Time and Good news from Europe.
I Remain
Sir
Your Obd. Humble Servt.
William Sinclair."


" To Mr Auld Chief at Churchill
York Factory 1st Aug. 1804
Dear Sir
According to intimation these? Packeters are sent to you. I know you will send them Speedily back with the European Packet should it arrive first at Churchill should the Contrary happen by the Ship first arrival here you may expect the CR dispatches by the speedeist Conveyance. I need not add that the thoughts of one Vefsel in the cause of this consideration and that Inland businefs Requires earlist intelligence from Europe.
No particulars has occured since my last the latest news from Oxford House mentions the several parties having set out for their wintering grounds the General trades will be more than last year though the Saskatshewans aquiriments are Considerably lefs.
If you can spare us some Casks of meat as you intimate it will prevent us from Indenting to Europe and of Course benifit the Service - My mefsmates join in best wishes with
Dear Sir
Humble Servt.
JMN
PS I have Sent a List of Art's if you can spare will be an ob'n"


" From Mr Auld Chief at Churchill
Churchill Factory 22nd July 1804
Sir
I received by the arrival of our Old homegaurds your favours under date Ult. & now by the return of our packet your other's of the 10th inst.
In a former letter I did not say either you or Mr Ballenden had acted fraudulently but what YF had obtained so you defended obstinately. - I am at a lofs what to think with regard to your not encouraging the CR Homegaurds contrary to their inclinations - how easy is it to secure there - & I find very effectually for not only the above Indians return to you but from their reports those whom Mr Colen sent back here in 1797 & 8 intend again to follow them to you. They long for the flesh-pots of Egypt & indeed I cannot wonder at it if what a Severn Indian says be true (and it is confirmed by the son of an Englishman lately on YF establishment) of the encouragement he received they must be fools if they do not go & they must be much greater fools who would leave you. - But I may be deceived. He said he got every twenty days 1/2 flitch of Bacon 6 pieces of Beef as many of Pork 5 Salt Geese besides pease & flour nor was this fare confined to him alone. several partook of similar indulgence. - I am not to be told that this is presumption I have an undoubted right to notice this & every other part of the management of any Chief in the country especially where it affects the government of another Factory however disagreeable it may be to remind you of the happier times I shall not be restrained by the dread of any marks of your displeasure Of course I take the liberty to mention what may be termed direct encouragement to three CR homegaurds in the Spring 1803. Their names are Ethanpiscom, Onpahpahmisethinnew? & Oquiskahhoethiennew?. They did not among them give you 10 MB in furs yet you cloathed each gratis as if he had paid his full debt. After this it is vain to talk about encouragement against inclination or profane the Annual Order of the Honble Committee by bringing it forward for no other purpose than adorning an ? period or deceiving our Employers To them nothing would be more satisfactory than to observe in your list of Indians a Catalogue of those seduced from the Canadians for they will not be gratified with the names of these enticed from CR. - SR & even from Albany.

You have said in a private letter that the CR homegaurds were to visit this place in consequence of general invitation. From whom they received it I know not everyone of them declares his utter ignorance of the matter they however say that they did of their own accord inform you before Goose Season that they meant to visit their relations here & they observed you did not seem satisfied at their resolution but be this as it may I have a right to demand you will retract this as it is directly false & groundnefs.I never condescend to such petty warfare - I desire that my postscript to last public letter be considered as forming a part of it where I request you will hinder any Indians from visiting here as it is not only expensive but productive of the very worst consequences to the service by rendering the natives dissatisfied here. - It will be peculiarly hard if in following singly that plan of Economy so strongly recommended & enforced by the Honble Committee - I forfeit their good opinion.

In the same letter you vulgarly & illiberally compare me with the Dog in the manger broadly insinuating that by my not settling in the Athapuscaw you observed a resemblance. Knowing our circumscribed means you might have spared yourself & me such grofs indignity. Perhaps if you had transmitted as you ought the resolves of all those men who came from Europe with you here to the Honble Committee they might have been informed of the true state of this Factory and enabled as to do that which YF with all her advantages is seemingly unable to accomplish. By the bye it was never attempted untill her Standard of Wolves & Kitts was degraded. - I do not say you willfully neglected informing the Board 1802 of every man who came here the year before positively resolving to return as this but the consequences are the same to this place as if you had. - Spuring such indecent virulence I would ask what Chief in the Country has sacrificed a larger portion of his own private comfort & ease or who have subjected themselves to greater privations to enable the Officers Inland prosecuting advantageously the businefs of the Company. Many of your Inland Houses have more men than wintered at this place last year & there is scarcely an Inland Master who has not one or more Afsistants I had 13 men without a single Afsistant of any kind not even a Steward. YF has a Second, Surgeon, Writer, Afsist. Writer, Afsist Second & Steward who have all their distinct duties while the Chief there indulging himself in invective and calumny sits in the Whirlwind & directs the Storm.

You remind me of having acknowledged I ase, wees, cum a YF Indian I confefs I did. I told you I prefsed it on you that he was thee very Indian whom Mr Ballenden had but a few days before clained? as such in a letter (public) to yourself & I shall anticipate the next interrogation which must follow. It was at the very time when unmindfull of the Annual Order of the Honble Committee you were lavishing upon him with the greatest profusion their property. He was made a Captain by you and treated with every mark of distinction & As a confirmation of the Story of the 3 Homegaurds he only brought you 5 or 6 Beaver skins you gave him besides as much debt as he pleased altho he had not paid what he owed to Mr Spence throwing out of the case the debt he owed YF. you then belonged to CR but now of YF claim personally the object of your seduction here - When he comes from Inland again I shall let him know you want him. I thought it was impolite & presumptuous to broach the affair of Mr Stayner's refusing to suffer this Factory being converted into an Hospital for the Widows & Orphans of YF Indians or the CR runaways but it is much more so to stir up this Indians businefs for it was my knowledge in this very businefs of the little regard you paid to the Annual order of the Honble Committee that made me so strenuous in my opposition to your Sanction'g J. Harper in inviting our Indians but nothing should have induced me to mention it but self-defence. However as it has been forced from me I am permitted to rejoice that you have pushed the matter to a compleat explanation. it will be a disagreeale but necefsary light in guiding our Employers in their search after the means by which to cleanse the Augean? Stable.

I acknowledge that it was in consequence of Mr Bunn being an additional I thought he might be spared. I have too good a opinion of your sense & generosity to think you are in earnest in offering Mr Whitford (whom you intend to supercede) to oblige me & benefit the service here I beg leave however to decline it having still in remembrance Mefs Donald & Vandureil? neverthelefs you can add this to the list of negative favours conferred on
Your most obedient Servt.
William Auld
PS Provided Mr McNab cancels his public letter of the 8th June 1804 I will consent to cancel this too. nototherwise. -
William Auld
NB. I refused suppling Sukesquattum & Cake,ke,ethinew with ammunition gratis as they came here of their own accord have given each of them 5 Beaver in debt to enable them to return to you which you may either add to their debts with you or add it to the unpaid sums they owe this factory. the other I will supply as I detained him exprefsly to waist the arrival of our packet. he promises to deliver this soon is that you can inform me of your purpose with regard to the above postscript."


" From Mr Thomas Master at Severn
Severn House 6 August 1804
Dear Sir
Mifsescape, Quachemay & Wehaw arrived here the 28th July and deliver'd yours of the 4th. I was sorry to find that the Trade of Inland decreases, mine is a little more than last year which (all things considered) I have reason to be satisfied with.
The Accounts you have had from Mefs Bird & Fidler agree with what I have been often told this Summer by the Indians who are in Habits of visiting the Canadians station'd above us, the Arrival of a NW Company's Ship in the Bay will be the Occasion of some uneasinefs to us all.
Altho' it is Mr Hodgson's Turn to send a Packet I have heard Nothing from Albany this year. I have made Enquiries of every Native likely to give me any Information, but as almost all the Albany Indians returned to that Settlement last Fall. I have not met with none able to give me the least Intelligence. should a Packet arrive during the Brig's Absence I shall not fail to forward your Letters. I wish'd much to be at York this Summer but the Number of men left during the Brig's Absence is so very small that I cannot with any Propriety see you, however being anxious for that Pleasure I beg leave to propose either doing myself the Satisfaction of visiting you at York during next Winter or should you think proper so far to gratify me as to honor Severn. (I presume the only Settlement or nearly so on the Bay which you have not seen) with a Visit. I shall be proud to acknowledge the Favor & if you let me know the Time of you setting out I will meet you on the Road.
I have sent my Invoices & Bills of Lading and will be much oblig'd to you to enter the Names of the Ship and Commander & enclose them in your Packet. will you also be so good as to open the SR Packet from England? [his question mark] where you will (most likely) find the Committee Determination on the last years Requests of SR Servants who now go to York pr Brig. A List of them is enclos'd so many going home this year reduces our Number very considerably and exclusive of a Taylor & Smith three Labourers are much wanted here.
If you can spare any of the undermentioned Articles which are much wanted at Severn you will much oblige
Yours most Sincerely
Thomas Thomas

Blankets of 3 Points
Gun Powder
Shirts white ruffled
Glafs Panes pr Windows
Lines Beaver
White dwarf French Beans which course out in
Seed Box
Empl. Adheesiv
Sal. Absinth ? Tarter."


" From Mr Auld Chief at Churchill
Churchill Factory 15th Aug. 1804
Mr McNab
The Honble Companys ship appeared in the offing on the afternoon of the 13th and yesterday morning got into this river.
I now send off your Packet-men the one (the Indian) wishes to receive 14 B of his pay here at your factory which you can carry to CR Account.
Your Obed. Servt.
Will. Auld
PS Captain Ramsey desires his Complimens to Mr McNab and Captain Turner he would have written himself but is lame in his right hand."


" From Mr Sutherland Master Inland
Cumberland House Aug. 3rd 1804
Sir
By the arrival of Mr Fidler on the 24th of July I received your favour and gave me pleasure to understand that my weak abilities? met with your approbation
According to your Order have Inclosed a copy of the remains of Trading goods at this place as also the articles sent to the Athapescaw; their is also in the packet an account of four bundles of furs & 2 Bags of Feathers got here in the Summer in N.4 their is ten Beaver Skins which is not taken on? account to make up Diffecsinces? in the former packages.
With the men that may be left here I shall do to the utmost in my power for the Benefit of my employers but am doubtful that we will not be able to perform as I would wish for want of provisions to travel about with after the Indians in the winter as we had last year 24 Bags of pemmecan and this we have not one and very little prospect of getting any provisions of any kind.
Should any Boxes come out for me by the ship I would be greatly favoured if you would permitt them to be forwarded by the fall packet.
I further take the liberty of requesting a few lb of Raisins or Pruens a Gallon of Vinegar and a little Salt petre if any to be spared.
Should the Company be pleased to nominate what wages they allow me pr Annum Since the Expiration of my last Contract I should be happy to know the sum so as I may know how to act accordingly next Summer.
Sir
Your Most Obt.
Humble Servant
Ja. Sutherland."


" From Mr Bird Master at Edmonton
Cumberland House 4th Aug. 1804
Dear Sir
We arrived here after a tolerably pleasant Pafsage on the 1st of August found Mr Fidler waiting for us on Account of John Moar who is so ill with the Rheumatism as be unfit for Duty. Alex Berston has therefore taken his place at his last years Wages; John Davey is also gone instead of John Gun who was lame, the other Men are those you appointed. Robert Yorston goes down instead of Berston, having absolutely refused going to the Northward; he leaves his things here. - James Sandison had arrived from above the the Day before us he left every one very well and the Indians were all very quiet; but at the Island they were very poorly off Provisions and without any promising prospects of its being soon better. Mr Pruden has been able to send us that? a very small supply of dried Provisions for our Pafsage up. In my Opinion it would be nothing more than prudent and always very satisfactory to have Letters from the upper Settlements every summer for should any Accident happen there of which we were ignorant at this Place very bad Consequences might follow. you will be good enough to let us know whether you wish a man or two to be left for this Purpose. About 380 MB have been collected which are sent Down. The Accounts and all other papers are inclosed with this. I have made an Indent which is as near as pofsible to our real wants. Wm Walker sends to the C'e for 20 £ pr Ann for three years, John Wars for 16 £ pr Ann for a like Term.
Two Canoes I think will be requisite in the Fall if you can conveniently send them as there is every appearance of its being necefsary to make a Settlement or pofsibly two from this and we are unable to leave many men here.
I have reprimanded Samuel Houston for his very ill Behaviour to Mr Howse. told him that it is represented to you and that he may depend on muling? with Punishment. - James Spence Jun. sends for 18 £ for three years.
You may rely on my taking down the Horses if pofsible. The Canoe shall be sent in the Sring as early as the can go and I hope we shall have more favorable Accounts to send by her than last at any Rate nothing shall be wanting on my part to accomplish this.
Some Ind. are just arrived from below they belong to Crofs Lake and Jack River but talk of wintering between this and the Cedar Lake, if they should we will be under the necefsity of sending a few men to attend them. Wishing you an early sight of the Ship with agreeable News from England.
I remain Sir
Your obedient hble Servt.
James Bird."


" To Mr Bird Master at Edmonton
York Factory 24th Aug. 1804
Dear Sir
I was glad to hear of your arrival at Cumberland and now send this in the Speediest manner Two Canoes 5 men each and hope you will be enabled to occupy B. River by Mr Pruden Mr Auld says that in Consequence of our scarcity of hands we shall be under the necefsity of Relinquishing our Staions in Beav. River and have given orders to that effect after a sufficient space of time shall have been allowed to be informed whether it would be proper for you to take it under your jurisdiction the Rem. of goods there to be forward'd and brought down next summer.
I agree in your Sentiments of the propriety of intelligence from above Annually at Cumberland.
an Extract of the 6th Para. of their Hon. Gen'l Letter dated Lond. 30th May 1804 is forwarded for your guidance according thereto your Remains, Mens Debts & Expences to be sent by earliest Conveyance next summer.
Sam. Houston shall feel the Consequence of such behaviour and every other Servt. who acts contrary to his duty.
It is an object worthy I trust the aquirements of these Ind. from Jack Lake will be obtained.
You know our Resolution Respecting the Athap. the Number of men Rec'd will enable the Carry'g on and I know you will forward the Packet to Mr Fidler as fast as pofsible and use every means for the prosecution of this design.
I wish you a pleasant winter
I am
Your very Huble Servant
John McNab"


" To Mr Sutherland Inland Master
York Factory 24 Aug. 1804
Mr Sutherland
Your Letter of the 3 Int. and the furs &c came safe.
These Canoes are sent with 5 men each in order to hasten them to Cumberland and enable you to excute such a plan as may have been Concerted by Mr Bird, if future events should point out the necefsity of variation your own prudence of which I have much Confidence will direct you how to act.
You will forward the Inland dispatches in the Speediest manner with as many men as the Services of Cumberland can dispense with. Four bags of flour is sent to you and I hope Coun'y provis. will be got in greater plenty You will send down by the first opportunity next summer the remains Mens Debts and Expences at Cumberland House with the respective disbursments made to the Sev'l Houses above and the Athapus.
Mr Tomison I suppose had omitted ment'g your requests I have now said to their Honors "Request'd £ 40 last year pr Mr Tomison deserves every Commendation"
The Articles you Request are sent by John Ballenden.
I wish you a pleasant Winter & am
Yours Sincerely
John McNab"


" To Mr Thomas Master at Severn
York Factory 24th Aug. 1804
Dear Sir
The early arrival of the Ship will I hope eventualy forward this to you. I was disappointed in not having news from the Bay with your last - such intercourse now become interesting to the Service.
I mean to do myself the pleasure of visiting you at SR the ensuing winter. Uncertain when; by no means lefsen the sense I feel of your invitation by doubt of not meet'g on the Road.
In the YF List of Servants I found what you wished and saved the trouble of open'g your Packet your Invoices &c shall be filled up - one of the SR Pipes of Brandy being on board the Brig Ceres I have supplied you with one instead.
Such of the Articles as you men'd as we can spare shall be sent.
The Gent. join me in best Comp. with
Yours Most Sincerely
John McNab."


B.239/b/69

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