" To Mefs Hodgson Thomas & Gladman
York Factory 3rd Jan. 1807
Gentlemen
A Conveyance? to SR gives me the pleasure of furthering this so far to you.
Since my last of the 30th Aug. on which day the Ship sailed for England & Brig for Severn Occurrences have happened here as follows.
Our Several Inland parties set out early for their winter destinations hitherto have had no news from either which makes us believe few Canadians are among them.
The fall was fine and winter hitherto has been uncommonly mild. Venison and partridges scarcer than last year. Rabbits and fish plenty Guns and traps lefs production than last winter. the few Indians who have been in have done well.
On the 21st Dec. Mr James Sutherland died - he had been previously a few weeks Confined with the Gout, but found himself so well on the 20th as come up to dinner a few hours after he went down was affected internally with a Severe fit (he had suffered two Similar attacks before) which with Resignation and fortitude he bore till 6 next morn'g perfect'y Sensible to the last.
Seldom has the Service lost an Officer so attentive and so Vigilant in his station perhaps never one more so for its good and for its promotion.
My mefsmates join in wishing yourself and Gentlemen the Comp. of the season.
I am
Dear Sir
Yours &c
John McNab."


" To Mr Thomas Chief at Severn
York Factory 23rd Jan. 1807
Dear Sir
As the time of expecting a packet or Visitants from CR is expired I send this to you for the Regulation of Acct. between us and Requesting by the bearers the Articles as particularized in List now sent.
The fall was fine and winter hitherto has been uncommonly mild Venison and partridges Scarcer than last year Rabbits and fish plenty - Guns and traps lefs productive than last wnter the few Ind. who have been in have done well.
I am sorry to inform you of the Death of Mr Ja. Sutherland on the 21st Dec. last. he has been previously a few weeks confined with the Gout but found himself so well on the 20th as come up to dinner a few hours after he went down was affected internally with a Severe fit (he had suffered two Similar attacks before) which with Resignation and fortitude he bore till 6 next morn'g perfect'y Sensible to the last. you know his merits have long been exemplary at York and how little Reason a Chief had to care for Factory duties Since his appointment to the Station he held.
Seldom has the Service lost an officer so attentive and so Vigilant in his Station perhaps never one more so for its good and for its promotion.
Mr Taylor will judge how far this lofs will affect Nautical duties at York that he himself may have to depend upon as Beacons & Bouys the Single man in that Line here is young and unsteady if Mr Taylor thinks afsistance necefsary from you I have no doubt of your concurrence in his Sentiments on occasion so unexpected and so important.
Two of your Ind. came here two days ago for a few necefsaries left their families at Cascatamogan Seepe and now Return with these men.
My Mefsmates join in wishing yourself and Gentlemen the Compliments of the Season.
I am
Dear Sir
Your Most Obt. huble Servt.
John McNab."


" From Mr Swain Inland Master
Jack River Sept. 29th 1806
Dear Sir
In hopes of a packet going down from OH during the ensuing winter. I embrace the opportunity of writing you a few lines to let you know what opponents we have in this Quarter. there is only 2 Canoes come on this side of Lake Winnipegg one of which with 5 men and a Master winters at this place and the other one is gone to Crofs Lake where there is only 6 men besides the Master so that I do not think they will be able to hurt the Trade of North River in the least and as for this place I shall do my utmost to prevent them from seeing a single Indian if pofsible - Horney & his family came down from Jack Lake to this place and the french pillaged him of two Geese which was all that he had and George Robertson prevented him from going to their House and I am sorry to say that he had some difficulty to get him to consent to return to Jack Lake again, as he told him Donald Sutherland was so near with them that they could not stay with him and the consequence is that the Indians was all coming down here.- but when he was informed of another person to go their in his place he consented to return back again and he left this place without the Canadians knowing when or where he is gone and if he meets the other Indians coming down he is to stop them. - I intend to send Don. Sutherland down to this place to winter as the Indians and him cannot agree and Geo. Robertson I intend to take with me in his place which I hope will meet your approbation. the following is a list of Articles I hope you will be so good as send up the next Summer - 6 pr of Hooks & Hinges, 2 Picks, 1 Crofs Cutt saw - 2 Locks and a few 10d Nails for Swan River.
The French are again at the Poplar River this winter & opposed at that place by a Mr Thomas from Albany who has built there this fall. - and if pofsible I shall take a look that way in the Winter they had abandoned that place last Summer and was at a place they called the Rice Lake which they have since abandoned built again at the place Mr Will. McKay who was at York last Summer has not come back here again and the Master of this and Crofs Lake are only Clerks to the NWC. - so there is no proprietor in this Quarter.
I Remain
Sir
Your Obedt. huble Servt.
Thomas Swain
PS Please to give my Compliments to the Gentlemen of York."

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