" York Factory Correspondence for 1808-09"
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" York Factory Correspondence for 1808 & 9"

" From Mr Tho. Topping
Churchill Factory 1st Sept. 1808
Dear Sir
Mr Peter Fidler arrived here on the 30th Ult. and set off early this morning in a light boat with 6 Oars to overtake our two last boats which had but gone for Inland the day befoe his arrival. Mr Auld thinking he could be of essential service by going Inland this year, started for the Interior with three boats and 18 men on the 27th Ult. to whom I have sent your packet by Mr Fidler.
In consequence of your prefsing Letter for men I have ventured to send you ten, as pr copy of Mr Geddes list enclosed, part of them are very small, the best hands are all gone for the Interior countery respecting their being returned Mr Auld will settle with you on his return here.
In consequence of so many men having to go in the boat, the Indians walk back to YF and did not wish to be paid here, on account of the carriage. I have therefore left it with you to settle with them.
Common gartering, large striped Blankets cotton handkerchiefs, fine twine, small brafs cocks and brafs snaring being much wanted here. Mr Auld, upon his departure desired me to request your afsistance with those articles in winter. I shall therefore send a packet as soon as I can spare the men and hope you will be able to supply us with the articles required.
The Eddystone Captain Ramsey sailed out of our River the 24th Ult. for YF where I hope she has arrived safe.
I beg my Comp. to your self & the Gent. at YF
I am
Dear Sir
Your most hble Sert.
Tho. Topping."


" To Mr Tho. Thomas Chief at Severn,
York Factory Sept. 5 1808
Dear Sir
In consequence of our joint request to Mr Auld, Mr Topping in his absence has sent 10 Men. of these I send 5 as soon as they can start from here and hope they will reach Severn in good time.
I am
Dear Sir
Your very hble Sert.
John McNab"


" To Mr Tho. Thomas Chief at Severn
York Factory Jan. 11th 1809
Dear Sir
Indian report advised us of your safe arrival at Severn pleasing news, we had a tremendous gale a few days after you Sailed - 5 fathom hole and outer Beacons were both blown down.
Winter commenced with Oct. which was severe thoughout, Nov. mild - the last month variable. Rabbits and fish plentiful partridges lefs so. choice Venison in abundance, these with fresh beef and pork makes us fare sumptuously, the more so as our number is small - One Mefs at the Factory from Sept. till Christmas and when altogether during the Holidays the Steward had only 4 Mefses to furnish.
Our package of Ironmongery Hatchets, Ice Chifsels &c from the Weight of articles or inattention on board the Vefsels, were broke & destroyed & these articles came on shore loose. Hatchets agreed with Invoice, but 97 Ice Chefsels have not been required.
If you can spare the articles as pr list enclosed it will be an obligation.
Mr Bunn & Mefsmates join in best Compt. of the Season with
Dear Sir
Your very hble Sert.
John McNab
Articles requested - Cloth v? fine - Gart'g narrow - Hand? silk small for Indians - Stockings worsted - Needles glover?"


" To Mefs Hodgson, Thomas, & Gladman - Chiefs at Albany Moose & East Main Factories
York Factory Jan. 11th 1809
Gentlemen
I received the several Letters dated Albany 10th June, Moose 14th March & East Main 6th Jan. 1808 with pleasure to hear all friends there were well.
Captain Turner in King George arrived 21st Aug. and sailed for Europe in Company with the Eddystone the 4th Sept. Our Trade was upwards of 30,000 you will readily believe, it would nominally have been several thousands more, had not 30 Kitts instead of 2 Pr Br. been consigned, Cats, & Wolvereens also half their former rate besides other diminutions of new Standard.
Winter commenced with Oct. which was severe throughout, Nov. mild - the last month variable - this, thus far severe - Rabbits & fish plentiful, Partridges lefs so - choice Venison in abundance, these with fresh beef & pork makes us fare sumptuously, the more so as our number is small one mefs at the Factory from Sept. till Christmas & when altogether during the Holidays the Steward had only 4 mefses to furnish.
So far the Indians about us are doing well - a fine supply of Deer skins already received if I may judge from experience of years past any of the Bay Factories, Moose particularly, as mentioned in Letter from thence, can be amply supplied with an article of so great requesition.
No news from Inland scarcity of men causes us now to relinquish a Port occupied by Mr Kennedy last year near Sandy Narrows, where Mr Thomas wintered from Albany.
Mr Bunn & mefsmates join in best Compt. & good wishes with
Gent.
Your very hble Ser
John McNab
P.S. Box of Beads No. 454 of Invoice 1807 & a groce of Cards mentioned in Invoice 1808 have not been received at YF.
The Council at York received a letter date and from whence unexprefsed as follows
" Mefs McNab and Council York Factory
The Committee of the Honble Hudsons Bay Company having come to some determination respecting the Beaver Brig and not having communicated it to Mefs Thomas & Mefs Hodgson and Captain Turner being in pofsefsion of a letter respecting her it was judged advisable to open the letter, in order to know what was to be done and we find one of the Schooners is to come to Severn we remain Gent. Your most Ob. Serts.
Tho. Ramsey
Jn. Turner
Hen. Hanwell
Jn Thomas
Jn Hodgson
- As the Severn Brig is under the Jurisdiction of the Chief & Council at Severn Mr Thomas of course will judge for the best, in this case and act accordingly and no doubt will communicate their intentions in the speediest manner.
JMN"


" From Mr Tho. Thomas Chief at Severn
Severn Factory 30th Jan. 1809
Dear Sir
Yours dated the 11th Inst. I received the 22nd and am happy to hear that you enjoy health & plenty.
The commencement of Winter was very early and sudden and prevented Mr Swain's reaching his destination by water.
Rabbits and Fish have been tolerably plentyful and have supplied us hitherto three days Pr week, but as our stock is nearly exhausted and as partridges are very scarce, I am apprehensive that our supply for the remainder of winter will be but scanty.
Such articles of your list as can be spared are sent as pr enclosed account.
My Mefsmates join in Compt. & best wishes with
Dear Sir
Your Obdt. hble Ser.
Tho. Thomas"


" To Mr Ja. Tate
York Factory Feb. 17th 1809
You will receive this from Mr Tho. McNab as soon as the Lakes will allow a pafsage he is to proceed into the interior country and discover if pofsible the way to Lake Winepeg and learn the former resorts of the Canadians in that quarter as a means of pushing them farther from us where the most valuable furs are procured.
As July may be advanced before I can expect his party at the Factory. I shall hope for you as soon as you can proceed as your men will be much required to afsist the few we muster for the boats.
I wish you a plentiful & pleasure season being
Your very hble Sert
John McNab"


" From Mr Tho. Topping
Churchill Factory 6th March 1809
Dear Sir
Agreeable to my letter in the Fall & by order of Mr Auld I now send a packet requesting a supply of what you can spare of the following articles particularly those marked with a red crofs. Viz.
X Blankets large
X Gartering com.
Handkerchiefs cotton
Brimstone 2 lb
Cottonwick - 6 bs?
Cocks brafs small
Glafses wine 4 G?
X Ravenduck 24 Yds
X Twine fine
Wire brafs snaring
We have & I make no doubt you have your share of a severe winter; as cold a one as I have seen - The Fall was very early & severe. it put us to great inconvenience but thank God I got the chief of my work done in spite of it, which I once dispared of doing.
We have had the misfortune to have a man frozen to death in coming to the Factory from the woody Island altho two men were with him & a dog with empty sleds & he walked without snow shoes & no sled to haul. his name John Yorsto brother to the Tailor at your Factory.
Partridges have been very scarce but are now mending & hope they will be plentiful untill about Christmas. The want of people who knew how to go after them hindered my having that benefit I might & ought to have had I got but 17 big & small - I hope they have not failed you & that you have had plenty of their meat.
The Packet man being a man much wanted I hope you will have the goodnefs to dispatch him back as quick as pofsible.
Wishing you health happinefs with a good trade & my best respects to the Gentlemen at YF I remain
Dear Sir
Your most hble Sert
Tho. Topping
P.S. I have promised the Indian 15 Beaver here & that he will get the same with you."


" To Mr Tho. Topping
York Factory March 15th 1809
Dear Sir
I have received two Letters from CR the first dated 1st Sept. last, the other of the 6th Inst.
With the first 10 men were received agreeable to duplicate of Mr Geddes's accompanying list - 5 of them were instantly sent to Severn the others are highly useful at York.
Your request is complied with as far as ability will permit our Indent of Handc'f? was curtailed no small silk Handkerchiefs sent us and the quantity of the other kind are small for the various requisitions.
The long and laterly severe winter have hitherto been propitious for supplies of the usual varieties of fresh food. Partridges are scarcer than I have seen.
Mr Bunn joins in best Comp. yourself and Gent. at Churchill with
Dear Sir
Your very hble Sert
John McNab"


" From Mr Wm Auld
Clapham house Deer Lake 14 May 1809
Sir
The Letters and papers intended for Churchill last Ship time have been transmitted to me at Deer Lake. Your application for men from me I have great pleasure in learning Mr Topping had attended to as he ought. I am sorry they were so little worthy your or Mr Thomas acceptance but wish they may render you more services than I fear they will.

A paper from your Council to that at Churchill as it is only a provisional thing depending on the contingency of its receiving Mr Cooks Signature. I therefore defer noticing its contents at present untill further informed of its fate? as the subject of it (John Harper's conduct) was transmitted in a paragraph of our General Letter to the Honble Committee last year it will be respectful to their decision to order him to be at your Factory by Ship time especially as this cannot be attended by ? hurtful effects to his future destination.

Your public Letter dated July last not being here I do not recollect much of its contents if I be not it strikes me that you were hurt at my interference with the direction or mode of conduct pursued at YF I must still be permitted to notice any part of that conduct which is beneficial or detrimental to CF utterly regardlefs about the effects it may produce exclusive of the Company's advantage.

Owing to the number of men sent last year being unexpected our Invoice tho' surpafsing in some things & fully equal in all to our Indent was defficient in some articles which are specified in a list accompanying this by supplying in part our defficiencies you will excite us to seize the earliest opportunities of returning substancial acknowledgements.

I am particularly anxious you will forward to Severn my Letters to that place to accellerate their departure with that empty pipes they may have, as our stock will be scarcely adequate to a succefsful Whale fishery.

In a private letter from you last Aug. much of public businefs was inserted such as your intention of supplying us with a steersman or two; & pimecan. but chief of all you wished a resolute junction between us. I cannot contain myself at this almost postumous proposition but however late (for I understand you mean to retire from the Service) it may still be the soil on which shall be cultivated fairer fruit than apples of discord so abundantly plentiful during the last 7 years. Sir you can scarcely conceive the ? value of a resolute junction but you have admitted the propriety of it tho' a Satire on our present insulated state which is of sterling value from you & must produce all the good I mean to extract from it. It is true all the above intentions of yours were provisional depending on my supplying you with some men still we find even from fables moral instructions may be drawn & I see some similitude between you and the sick man after abandoned by his Physicions recommending to his succefsor to follow that which himself had neglected so I hope that our Company who I wish may never die, will profit by your last speech and Confefsion if I may be allowed to make use of a trite exprefsion and enforce a resolute junction between all their Servants and settlements without regarding the Trifling opinions of selfish interested people. - - In order to shew my zeal for this resolute junction I will at once begin to grub up an obstacle which some one or other has suggested to the Honble Committee as proper to be introduced at the Northern Factories as well as those to the Southward. I mean the new proposition of giving a premium on the MB to the people I have many reasons to suppose it will not answer the intended purpose and as we are restricted from encouraging the natives in killing any thing but Beavers as I would on no condition give the premium on any thing else but what will sell. I therefore am determined to put off the premium altogether untill I hear their opinion again I trust you will resolutely join with me in this and in absolutely refusing to give bounties to Servants signing new Contracts which is one of the most dangerous engines that ever was placed in the hands of the Chiefs & Councils of this service and derives its origin from the same source whence flow the the? premium on MB at a time when every superfluous expence ought to be particularly gaurded against.

As Mr Fidler goes down to YF with the intention of bringing round his family which is yet there, as well as to survey the only remaining unexplored portion of Nelson River if he can get a pilot to guide him. I will refer you to him for the news from this quarter of the Country.

Sincerely wishing you health and succefs. I beg that my Complements may be acceptable to yourself & the Gentlemen of your establishment.
I am
Sir
Your most Obed. Servant
Wm Auld."

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" Cumberland House 1st June 1809
P.S. I am in a very special manner here to acknowledge my entire approbation of Mr Birds very handsome conduct towards us in supplying a large quantity of provisions - 2 new Canoes &c by which means we will be enabled to use this Summer beneficially for the best interest of the Honble Company. - (Enclosed is our account at this Ho. which I beg may be arranged between the two Factories as we have no account with your Inlanders for this year.)"


" To Mr Wm Auld
York Factory June 28th 1809
Sir
I rec'd your Letter of the 14th May last from Mr Bird on his arrival to the Head of Steel River the 18th Inst. with much pleasure to find that Gent. has supplied you in so liberal and satisfactory a manner and rejoice to hear it will enable you to accomplish the Interests of the Honble Company so beneficially during the Summer.
A copy of the papers you mention was of course signed by Mr Cook before being laid before the Committee.
A continuance of altercations can give little hopes of benefit from a resolute junction an expression you say selected from my private Letter let us then like faithful servants as we ought to be (and no doubt individually think we are) reject principals so derogatory to both.
To satisfy you and myself lay this addrefs and all my private Letters to you before the Honble board yours to me in consequence shall be equally applied this request I presume was little meant? by either when the Letters were written - your usage of my communcations partially renders this desire of mine just and equitable. years ago I told you that I never did and was determined never to carry on a private literary intercourse but on subjects yielding mutual satisfaction - and this answers your present private Letter.
I judged much benefit ensued from Premium down the Bay and have no reason to dread unlike results from hence - at York we are not so strictly confined as to encourage the killing of Beaver only it would be highly disadvantageous to the proprietory if we were - the actions of our opponents too often point out with what energy we ought to act - Mr Bird tells me his rivals have this year been uncommonly Zealous for musquash he has been equally so and with succefs, this I commend though uncertain of their Sale - we are told on the 20th of May last that "Kit foxes and Rabbits have sold well", we judge this implies "procure as many as you can" of course have endeavoured to do so and not unsuccefsfully.
The articles request by you are supplied to the utmost of our ability - The Letters to Severn shall be sent in the most expeditious manner - and I hope Mr Fidler will arrive in good time at Churchill.
I am
Sir
Your most Obedt Servant
John McNab
If you can supply us by the first Conveyance with the articles now requested the Service at York will be benefited"

" To Mr WH Cook at York Factory
Hill River June 7th 1809
Dear Sir
By these men I have sent down the York and detained a Batteau here - If you can send a Batteau and the York quickly with the NRiver men (who you have judiciously ordered down) and the conveyers of this businefs here will be highly forwarded and I trust the NRiver businefs not delayed. Mr Tate's men will be sufficiently in readinefs for his intentions after this secondary trip of his men is accomplished.
A list is inclosed of particular articles required by this conveyance - my mefsmates here join in best Comp. with
Dear Sir
Your most hble Servant
John McNab"


" From Mr WH Cook
York Factory June 9th 1809
Dear Sir
With the least pofsible detention we have dispatched the Boats agreeable to your Order.
Jos. Hall who was sent to the Eastward for the Casks of Geese remaining there requiring the afsistance of men from the Factory in consequence of his Boat being on shore above the reach of the neap tides has unavoidably occasioned some little delay.
The time before us I hope will neverthelefs be sufficient for the full completion of the businefs on hand for every object of future concern.
A list of the cargoes is inclosed which we hope will be found correct and meet your approbation.
I remain
Dear Sir
Your Obd. hble Servant
W.H. Cook."


" To Mr W H Cook
Hill River June 15th 1809
Dear Sir
I received yours of the 9th Inst. by timeous arrival of these Boats. by the mens return you will receive 30 bundles of furs part of OH Trade. I am now hourly expecting the Interior news The Trial will be required next conveyance from the Factory you can diminish her cargo and crew so as two returns may bring the whole from the Factory as I am in hopes she will twice be required here to take the Furs down.
I am
Dear Sir
Your most Obdt hble Servant
John McNab"


" To Mr Wm Sinclair Master at OH
Hill River June 13th 1809
Dear Sir
By the return of these Canoes you will receive such articles as you required. I am now daily looking for the Gentlemen from the Interior as the season is much earlier than last year. the water in the river is fine and I am in hopes businefs will be accomplished with ease and satisfaction to all - the regulation of your men is inclosed and I trust you will have little difficulty in supplying your departments should the necefsities of other Stations prevent me from adding any men to the OH establishments.
I am
Dear Sir
Your most Obdt Servant
John McNab"


" From Mr W H Cook
York Factory June 19th 1809
Dear Sir
We have dispatched the Trial agreeably to your order - The goods now sent are of light and easy conveyance selected from the heavy articles in consideration of the Shoalnefs of the River and the extreme weaknefs of the Crew - Another Trip if the Boat be better manned will take the remainder from the Factory and the fortunate & much wished for concurrence of furs and Water from the Interior if it happens will enable us to complete the whole - with celerity Eease and pleasure.
List of Cargo inclosed
I remain
Dear Sir
Your Obed. Humble Sert.
W. H. Cook"


" To Mr Tho. Thomas Chief at Severn
York Factory June 28th 1809
Dear Sir
I send this Packet from an urgent request of Mr Auld from Cumberland House.
I arrived here from the Head of Steel River 3 days ago - Trades from Inland better than last year, as for 2 years past no deer to be got and we have salt food only to rely upon. the Goose hunt was better than last year. but we cannot get the NR Geese home from prefs of other businefs.
I wish you a plentiful Summer and shall be happy in seeing you as early as usual at York Factory.
I am
Dear Sir
Your most Obdt Hble Sert
John McNab"


" Mr James Bird
York Factory June 28th 1809
Dear Sir
You will receive by these Boats part of additional requests - the state of our stores will not admit a full compliance if there is any extra men on hand I shall be glad of their aid here as I dread a large and small Boat will be necefsary for the conveyance of remaining consignments.
I have the fullest confidence in your regulation of the businefs. Mr Bunn will ever attend to the method you advise for a final completion.
I am
Dear Sir
Your most Obdt. Servant
John McNab."


" To Mefs Hodgson, Thomas & Gladman Chiefs at Albany, Moose & East Main Factories
York Factory June 28 1809
Gentlemen
By a packet to Severn which requires expedition from the nature of businefs at Churchill. I do myself the pleasure of addrefsing my old friends and companions.
I arrived here 3 days ago from Hill River House where Inlanders return & supplies are delivered. Trades from the various stations are better than last year and when all is collected the increase will be several thousands.
Little has occurred since my last in Jan. businefs is urgent and few to perform it, mefsmates join in best Compliments with
Gent.
Your most Obdt. Servant
John McNab."


" From Mr James Bird
Hill River July 4th 1809
Dear Sir
The Boats arrived with every thing very safe on the 1st Inst.
Mr Bunn being of opinion in which I fully concern that to convey all the Furs &c from hence with convenience and dispatch 2 trips of the large Boat are requisite she is accordingly sent, that her lading might be complete, we have been under the necefsity of detaining the men here a day to await the arrival of the Canoes from Swampy Lake which have been much detained in course of their Journey by Stormy weather
We have not a single man unemployed nor even one that can be spared from his present employment, or, of course, they would have been sent.
So far, all has gone on as we could wish, tomorrow as my presence is now quite unnecefsary here. I intend embarking for Oxford House with a view of settling small affairs which will hasten the departure of the boats from thence; and I have confidence in hoping that all Businefs will be eventually concluded, in a satisfactory manner, with ease, harmony and expedition.
I remain
Sir
Your most Obdt hble Servant
James Bird."


" From Mr Wm Sinclair
Oxford House July 5th 1809
Dear Sir
The Boats arrived this day at 11 AM with the cargoes of 8 Canoes from Hill River mouth, hearing of the accident that had hapned to James Morrowick by having his Canoe nearly swamped. I opened part of his Cargo. I have the pleasure to inform you Sir there is very little damaged Considering his Canoe was nearly full of water - The Tea and Powder I have already examined and the other articles shall be my first care tomorrow - These Boats is to start tomorrow morning with the last of the Furs &c - This is sooner by 6 days than last year. we have had nothing but Gales of wind for this 10 days by past which has stopt businefs greatly - James Halcro I have sent up to Jack River with his lumber and have ordered 2 men down in his room to afsist in conveying the goods when wanted - I hope this, Sir, will meet your approbation.
I remain
Dear Sir
Your Obdt hble Servant
Wm Sinclair
P.S. Donald Sutherland I have kept here his being away before the men were settled would have answered no purpose as the Indians who were with him all winter.. are hunting near the Jack River - he will afsist in geting up the Goods."


" To Mr Tho. Bunn
York Factory July 10th 1809
Dear Sir
By Mr Birds Letter of the 4th Inst. I was pleased to hear businefs was going on as well as I could have expected.
The morning after the mens arrival from you Mag. Randal & 8 more went for the Geese from Nd Tent continual Gales since prevents their return, these men are therefore dispatched interrupting all businefs here with the remainder of Inland consignments if the Craft cannot bring all the Trade down. one man can stay till a Batteau return to bring what may be left.
I am
Dear Sir
Your most Obdt. Servant
John McNab"


"To Mr W. H. Cook
York Factory July 20th 1809
Dear Sir
According to appointments these Boats are sent to meet your Canoes exchange Cargoes and return as fast as pofsible. Mr Cook is in charge of the Cargoes and I trust will regulate the businefs with satisfaction to all.
I am
Dear Sir
Your most Obt Servant
John McNab."


From Mr Tho. Thomas Chief at Severn
Severn Factory July 13th 1809
Dear Sir
On the 10th Inst. I received your Packet and am happy to hear of your Increase in Trade.
Mr Auld having requested a supply of empty Pipes. I shall endeavour to hasten every businefs necessary for the Brigs early Departure and she will be ready for sea about the 25th.
Mr James Swain and the men who are going home are now making a Trip Inland should they arrive before the above Date and winds permit the Vefsel will sail direct to Churchill Factory otherwise I expect to have the pleasure of seeing you about the usual time.
I am very sorry to inform you I am apprehensive that our present Trade will be lefs than last year - owing to the early commencement of last Winter and a series of boisterous weather which prevailed during Sept. last. Mr Tho. Swain did not get farther Inland than Severn Lake this has proved a great draw-back on my Expectations. I am however happy in learning that our Opponents at Trout and Beaver Lakes got only 190 MB whilst Mefs Swain's procured 1661 MB in very good Furs.
My Mefsmates join in Comp. to yourself and Gent. at YF
with Dear Sir
Your Obd hble Servant
Tho. Thomas
P.S. I daily expect the return of Packet Indians from Albany who left this Factory 30th May."


" From Mr W H Cook
Split Lake July 23d 1809
You will perceive by the Invoice now sent that the Furs already packed do not amount to quite 3500 - a little more may be expected when the Indians arrive with their Summer Trade but upon the whole I am afraid we shall be something short of last year - I hope that the Boat will proceed up the tracking ground to meet the Canoes, which will forward the Businefs much & prevent hurry & inconvenience at Ship time.
One of the four Canoes being tottally unfit for the Journey I have sent only 3 down and have directed the men to take the whole of the Cargo from the Boat. 5 men are appointed to each Canoe in order to make quick dispatch - and I hope the Businefs will be Completed in due time and with that celerity which the latenefs of the Season requires.
I have much pleasure in stating that we all enjoy health - Abstinence is conducive to Longevity & those who traverse the North River being daily blefsed with this great advantage will I hope long taste of the Cup of Life.
I remain
Dear Sir
Your Obdt. hble Servant
W H Cook."


" From Mr Wm Auld
Churchill Factory July 25th 1809
Sir
Our Packet was ready to send off a considerable time ago but were prevented from dispatching it sooner owing to the refractory behaviour of the man whom you intended to punish in sending here & who has been ever since independent untill now he agrees to return to that Factory where he properly belongs I have nothing further to add than exprefsing a hope that no Chief at YF will in future dare to offer so cruel an insult to any person in Charge of this Factory from the consequences of which you yourself are not even yet unresponsible
Sir
Your Obd Servant
William Auld."


" To Mr Wm Auld
York Factory Aug. 2nd 1809
Sir
I have received your Letter of the 25th Ult. which I consider as no answer to mine of the 28th June - The delay you mention can be of no consequence. though I am sorry for the cause, the offender here I was under the necefsity of sending with Mr Fidler (unexpected businefs) who declared the urgency of such aid - Men are not sent in dozens to York. and no choice on such unexpected occasions.
Before the mans departure from here he acknowledged his Errors, promised obedience in future and asked forgivenefs in presence of Mr Cook and Fidler this I desired the latter Gent. to represent to you who promised accordingly - What you mean by the word dare I know not; in its general acceptation I consider it an inconsistent exprefsion by any in your situation to me or any in mine. This same person has now again solicited forgivenefs and promised good behaviour in consequence he is again numbered in List of Servants at YF.
I have received an addrefs (from you or Council at CR I presume) "For the Chief & Council of YF" as this paper has no Signature I consider it unentitled to their notice, when sanctioned in proper form it shall be applied and recorded as it ought.
Sir
Your most Obd Servant
John McNab
P.S.Wilks accompanies your Packeter with your permifsion he will wait for European news and bring our packet if landed at CR which I have no doubt of your expediting"


" From Mr Alexander Kennedy
Oxford House July 16th 1809
Sir
As my time was so short at the mouth of Hill River I forgot to deliver you the inclosed notes being copys of what pafsed between me and my neighbour, after my arrival at Swan River last fall; As they relate to a robbery that was committed by the Canadians under the immediate direction of one of the NW proprietors on Hugh Sabbiston to the amount of fifteen Beaver Skins, the particulars of which I have already related to you, as well as their having blocked up our track last Summer on the long carrying place which was a great hinderance to our people in getting in. I hope Sir you will lay them before the Honble Committee, and that they will take such steps, as put a stop to the scandalous depredations of our opponents. If they are tamely permitted to plunder when ever they have it in their power by dint of superior numbers, the advantage on their side, is too much for us to contend with; to give any hopes of succefs and it is not only prejudicial to the Interest of our Employers, but very mortifying to the feelings of their servants to be insulted by these fellows without the means of redrefs.
If I could have been justified by declaring open war against these Robbers, there is no piece of Service I would have more willingly undertake than trying to have redeemed them but as I could only make a demand of them after my arrival to which my neighbours replied to the effects that he had taken and was determined to keep them. It remains for our Honble masters to decide who has the best right to them.
I remain Sir
Your very Hble & most Obdt Sevt.
Alexander Kennedy"


" From Mr W H Cook
Split Lake Aug. 10th 1809
My Dear Sir
I have detained one Canoe to take down the Furs which I expect to receive from Indians not yet arrived - Several Indians have been in since I wrote you last but brought little or nothing - I expect more from those who are to come as I understand they are in better ground and are independent of this, the most industrious set that frequent this Place.
As soon as we have got all that can be collected I shall hasten to the Factory - and as you Know the inconvenience attending procrastinated Fall Journeys I hope you will set us off again with all pofsible Expedition.
A few of River Indians are desirous of seeing the Factory the Fall is either fortunate as the men seem all determined to desert us - Several articles of Trading goods as well as my own private conveniences can be conveyed Inland by these means - and I hope I have done right in not threating them in Inclinations - I wish you had sent more by the last Canoes it would have saved much trouble and rendered me much comfort the ensuing winter.
I remain
Dear Sir
Your Obdt Servant
W H Cook."


" From Mr Ja. Sutherland
Cumberland House Aug. 2 1809
Sir
By the arrival of a Canoe yesterday I was favored with your letter of June 23rd and was happy to find that my conduct, and the Trade of this place continues to be satisfactory.
Since the departure of the Boats we have collected together about 3000 MB and pafsed a very good Summer for provisions.
As my last Contract will expire the ensuing Spring (or should have expired last Spring) I beg leave again to offer my Services for a further term of 3 years - as the salary I requested the last time I wrote on a Similar Subject was not granted by their Honours, I shall not again presume to say any thing on this head but leave it to their Honours liberality to make such advance to my present wages as they may think proper.
I am
Sir
Your most Odt Sert.
Ja. Sutherland
P.S. Would be much oblidged if the few articles that may come from Europe to me could get a passage in the fall. Also should consider it a favour if I could have the liberty the ensuing Spring to Visit YF if not detrimental to my Employers."


" To Mr Wm Auld
York Factory Aug. 7th 1809
Sir
Having men to spare (which was not the case the 2nd Inst.) and the season far advanced I send then exprefs to afsurtain the speedy conveyance of our Packet if it should be landed at CR which we now dread.
Mr Thomison arrived here from CH 2 days ago the European news he brings I trust you will have confirmed before the receipt of this. I shall neverthelefs tell you the prominent reports of an inferior Canadian Trader - Turkey, Austria and Prufsia were at war with France, Sweden also, England of course, and that Peace with the latter and America was concluded.
You will judge of our anxiety for intelligence from you and believe our confidence in your Speedy dispatch.
I am
Sir
Your most Obdt Sert.
John McNab."


" From Mr G Gladman
East Main Factory March 6 1809
Dear Sir
The annual oportunity occurs at this Season of Corresponding with the Northern Factorys - the occurrances since my last of Feb. 1808 are as follows
Scarcity of Provisions continued with us until after the Navigation was open the supply of Geese from the out posts then was sufficient to Serve the Summer, but in the Fall unfortunately the Goose Hunt procured next to nothing, and winter provisions being no more plentiful than last; - reducing the Stock of Cattle and a great Consumption of European Provisions are our only resources to supply the deficiency. - I look forward to the return of Partridges to the Northward and a good Spring Hunt of Geese to enable me to support the people till the next Ship arrives. - The Trade sent home from this Establishment last year was Considerably lefs than the preceeding exclusive of the Deer Skin Trade it did not amount to 5,500 MB and the proportion of Beaver in that also lefs.
The Stock of Beaver in this part of the Country appears to be much diminished of late years. - The prospects of Trade for the ensuing Season are as unpromising, the furrs of the Indians who have Visited us consisting chiefly of a few Foxes an article that appears at present of little value.
This winter has been the severest for Cold I ever experienced in the Country the Thermometer very frequently below 40 and with scarcely any intervening Change of mild weather. - My mefsmates desire to add their Compliments to the Gentlemen of the YF Establishment to the best wishes for the prosperity of the Companys affairs with health and happinefs from
Dear Sir
Your very humble Servant
G. Gladman"


" From Mr John Thomas
Moose Factory March 28th 1809
Gentlemen
In consequence of the orders given by the Honble Committee we expected to have seen the Beaver Brig down the Bay the Mainwaring was detained at Moose till the Beavers arrival was dispaired of. hope nothing material has occured to prevent the Exchange taking place.
The Prince of Wales Captain Hanwell in Moose Road the 14th August and Sailed the 19th Sept. with 7,429 3/4 MB MR Trade. The Fall Goose Hunt did not produce sufficient even to Serve the Men while it lasted and the receipts of the usual produce of the Season since has not made up for this deficiency which has occasioned a great consumption of our supply of European Meat so that we shall be much embarrafsed and perplexed in Supplying and prosecuting our Inland businefs.
All was well at the several Inland posts we have heard and the Trade going on much the same as usual. at the Factory prospects are very unpromising as the Indians are repeatedly comng in for provisions and with little or nothing to pay their debts.
The weather here in the beginning of Winter was very changeable but in general since has been uniformly Cold with much Snow and very boisterous weather.
Shall be glad to hear of the health and prosperity of our Northern friends to whom the Gentlemen here join in best Compliments and
I remain
Gentlemen
Your very humble Servant
John Thomas."


" From Mr John Hodgons
Albany Factory July 17th 1809
Gentlemen
I received your several letters of the 10th August 1808 of 11th Jan. and 30th May 1809 with great pleasure to hear all friends to the were well.
Captain Hanwell in the Prince of Wales cast Anchor in Moose Roads 14th last August he sailed again the 20th Sept. with 23857 1/5 MB from Albany reckoned according to the new Standard of 30 Kitts pr Made Beaver and diminution of other articles of Trade. the greatest part of Albany Trade consisted principally of Beaver, Otters and Martins of the former near 120 Bundles.
This last Winter was very severe being extremly sharp distrefs among the Natives, so much so that only about 3 of them paid their debts the rest universally not half, and some of them was drove to the necefsity of eaing the few Skins they had procured to preserve their miserable existance. one family (Viz. Pucketwanish) perished almost totally. the 2 Survivors (Viz. Wife and oldest Son) Shocking to relate preserved their existance by the bodies of the rest. - Neverthelefs although the Factory particular Trade falls a little short. yet upon the whole, our Trade will be nearly as last year and the greatest part of which is in prime Furs.
Mr Thomas wintered at Sandy Narrows last year and brought good returns - Mr D Sanderson goes there this year with equal expectations.
From the information given to the Committee of the State of the Severn Brig that She was not Sea worthy and indeed in a very rotten and Shattered condition. the order no doubt as received by Mr McNab at York Factory was given on that information by the Committee which appears to have been wrong. and no doubt they will be surprised when they hear a different account. - The Circumstance however will I hope enable one of the Schooners to go on the Whale fishery. while the other performs the necefsary and important duty of conveying the Albany Cargoe to this Factory.
This last year we have not experienced any great provocations from the Canadians, indeed most of the violent oppositions we have had, has been at Lake Sal and its vicinity from a Mr J. Haldane and a set of abandoned wretches who stick at nothing short of Murder. they are too numerous for us and of course we act generally on the defensive. and live in hopes of the Honble Committee will give us the means in time to counteract their efforts which increases every year. - I hope to find the Chief at Churchill from the number of men he rec'd last year, will be enabled in some measure to push on to the Athabiscow this Summer. as it is a Country almost solely occupied by the Canadian Traders. and from where they receive their most valuable Furs.
It gives pleasure to find our friends to the North live in such a fine Country for provisions. - I am sorry to say this is not our case at present having little else to eat but Salt Beef and Pork. there was no Geese either in the Fall or Spring. in the former was salted only 12 Casks and this Spring only 6. and had it not been for a few Partridges we procured during Winter this would have been the worst Winter I have seen down the Bay these 30 Years.
The Gent. at Albany join in wishing every comfort and Succefs may attend all to the Northward, with
Gentlemen Your most Obdt Humble Servant
John Hodgson"


" To Mr James Bird
York Factory Sept. 1809
Sir
The disastrous state of Europe &c a near annihilation of the Companys commerce requiring our strenuous considerations and exertions for remedying all in our power the future consequences. you will attend to the following particulars.
You will be guided in your transactions of Trade by accepting only the species of furs in annexed table these are to be bartered on the most economical plan and according to their respective Values as pr bill of Late transmitted by the by the Hon. Committee. this injunction you will despence to all under your direction.
The small supply received pr Ship being in many articles inadequate to the usual consumption of York Factory alone. it will be unnecefsary for all to leave the interior next Summer so early as usual. Flour & Oatmeal there is a sufficiency for the common demands. a supply of this and such articles as can be spared. to be lodged as usual at ?River for conveyance of those who bring down the furs - A supply from Europe may be expected by the 20th or 25th Aug. then a party of men and craft should be at the Factory to receive it and proceed therewith to the interior as fast as pofsible.
It is recommended to pack each Kind of furs in bundles by itself. should urgency of businefs prevent repackage here. in that case the original bundles could be shipped for England saving labour and beaver lines of which latter few are sent to us.
I may merit your attention to observe the plans and pursuits of the Canadians in their Endeavours for any particular fur or article of Trade. in rivaling them it market price. this discretionary power you will ifsue to the traders in the Saskatchewan department under your Superintendance. According to the 10th Paragraph of the General Letter a duplicate of which is sent. no Inland Traders is to come down to the Factory at Shiptime unlefs he means to return home.
Sir
Your most Hum. Servant
John McNab"

[next page]
" Table of Furs to be traded
Bears black & brown
Beaver
Cats
Castorum
Feathers
Martin
Musquash
Foxes Kitt red & coloured
Otters
Quills
Rabbits
Swans
Wolves
To which may discretionally be added Minks, Bears grizzle & Fishers? & with this foll'g add'n to Mr Kennedy
I desire your stay at Swan River during the ensuing Summer send down 2 Canoes as usual with the Trade. they will return to you with such supply as Mr Cook can give. his directions will be forwarded by them for your future guidance"


" To Mefs Sinclair Tate &c &c
York Factory Sept. 1809
Sir
The unsettled of Europe proving destructive to the commerce of our employers renders it necefsary to give and you to observe the following instructions
The greatest part of last years consignments of furs are laying unsold at home & now the Martins, Otters, Cats, Foxes, Wolvereens, wolves, Bears, Minks, Deer? & Elk packed for Europe are directed to be laid up here till sales grow better. this sad annihilation of Trade points out to you how necefsary your utmost prudence economy are in conducting the Hon. Companys concerns under your superintendance.
You will encourage the Indians to collect beaver Skins they are the staple commodity. the articles in the annexed Table may also be traded on the most eligible plan & for goods of lefs value. bearing in mind the uncertainty of a supply next year.
You will remain at your Station till late in Aug. 1810 if you are here by the 25th of that Month your furs will be in time for Europe & a supply for you may be expected.
It is recommended to pack each kind of furs in bundles by itself should urgency of businefs prevent repackage here, in that case the original bundles could be shipped for England, saving labour & beaver lines of which latter few are sent to us.
Sir
Your very Obdt Servant
John McNab"


[next page]
" Table of Furs to be traded
Bears black & brown
Beaver
Cats
Castorum
Feathers
Musquash
Martin
Foxes
Otters
Quills
Rabbits
Swans
Wolves
To which may discretionally be added Minks & Fishers."


" To Mr Jos. Howse
York Factory Sept. 1809
Sir
The Hon. Committee in reply to servants request say respecting yours, He is entered at £55 for the first 3 years from 1804 and we now agree to give him £65. I have no doubt of your attention on the occasion and afsure myself of a continuation of that prudence, resolution, and exertion from you hither to so satisfactory to
Sir
your very Hum. Servant
John McNab
P.S. you will be guided by Mr Birds immediate directions and Mr Cooks ultimately of course."


" To Mr James Sutherland
York Factory Sept. 1809
Sir
I received your Letter of the 2nd Ult. with satisfaction to hear of your Summer aquirements and that you had plenty at Cumberland.
Your resolves are communicated to the Hon. Committee who I have no doubt will consider your faithfull Services - the season is far advanced and the hurry of businefs may prevent your articles from Europe reaching you till next Summer.
In the 10th Para. of Gen. Letter their Honours discommend Officers coming to the Factory unlefs they are determined for Home.
I am
your very Sincerely
John McNab."


" To Mefs Hodgson Thomas & Gladman Chiefs at Albany Moose & East Main
York Factory Sept. 1809
Gent.
You Letters dated EM 6th March MF 28 and AR 17th July last were rec'd a few days ago with satisfaction to hear all was well at your Several Factories.
Capt. Turner in the King George arrived the 8th Inst. from CR we had upwards of 37,000 MB ready for Shipping but from bad sales at home our consignment will be reduced to lefs than 12,000.
We have rec'd good news? from the further Settlements late last month and this summer at the Factory has been more plenty than last.
I am preparing for Europe by the Ships return. Mr Cook succeeds to the Command of York Factory and with the other Gent. joins in best Compt.
Gent.
Your very Hum. Servant
John McNab."


" To the several Traders in the NRiver department
You will respectively follow the Instructions that may be transmitted you by Mr Cook for conducting the particular trades at your alloted Station.
I wish you every succefs and am
your sincere friend
John McNab
YFactory 14th Sept. 1809"


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