This is a virtually complete transcription of the York Factory Journal from 1793-94 by Alex Nicol

" A Diary of Occurrances at York Fort
Hudson's Bay North America by
Joseph Colen Chief Factor. Commencing
September 6th 1793 Ending"


Sept. 6 1793
" Friday Moderate Breezes Southerly clear pleasant Weather
Captains Hanwell and Turner went down to their respective Ships. In the evening closed the Packet and delivered the same to Mr George Sutherland who is waiting to take it on board Ship early tomorrow morning - Closed the Packet for Churchill - Had various kinds of shrubs collected and put on board Shallop to send to England. Sloop dropt down to Ship."

Sept. 7
" Saturday Breezes Southerly part clear part cloudy
Early this Morning Shallop attempted to reach the Ship but the Tide being too far past grounded on the Bar below the Battery House - About 4 AM Mr George Sutherland took leave and went on board Ship with the Packet in factory Yawl - When tide served the Prince of Wales and Queen Charlotte got underway and were soon after out of sight - Mr? Taylor took leave and went on board the Beaver which sailed for Severn - Pray God send each of them a pleasant and speedy pafsage to their destine Ports in safety. Amen
Sent off Churchill Packet Indians, the same craft that put them acrofs Nelson River conveyed Mr Cook and Indians around the point of marsh, they having laid there some days, wind bound"

Sept. 8
" Sunday Wind and Weather much the same
Two Canoes of Natives arrived with a few Ducks and Geese, and went away after being supplied with ammunition - Sloop and Shallop came up"

Sept. 9
" Monday Clear sultry Weather Calm - Had Sloop and Shallop laid up in their old Winters berth below the Battery House - Five men collecting Lime Stones - Shipwright and Boat builder framing a Battaux - Mefs Thomas and Sutherland with four others went to Tent and kill Geese in the Marsh - Six preparing to go to the Fourteens tomorrow - Four Men at the Pit saw - Carpenter, Taylors, Smith, Cooper and Armourer at their respective occupations - rest variously employ'd"

Sept. 10
" Tuesday Fresh breezes Southerly Cloudy with Showers of rain - Sent 6 Men to Tent and Kill Geese at the Fourteens river, and serve ammunition to Natives - Also? sixteen Men to Raft home Firewood. had the Long Boat laid up - Rest as before"

Sept. 11
" Wednesday AM Wind as before Clear - PM Breezes Northerly heavy rain during last night - Mens employ nearly as before"

Sept. 12
" Thursday Breezes SEast Clear - While Tide answered all hands at home taking down the Launch - afterwards as before - One Man came from the Marsh with a few Ducks"

Sept. 13
" Friday Wind and Weather and Men's Employ as Yesterday afternoon - Two Indians arrived with a few furs which they Traded and was trusted Winters Debt"

Sept. 14
" Saturday Northerly Breezes Cloudy raw Cold and thick fogg - Indians of yesterday went away - Three Men came from the Woods for Provisions and Three from the fourteens with a few Geese & Ducks - Had the Lime kiln set - rest as before"

Sept. 15
" Sunday AM Strong gales with heavy rain PM more moderate - Two Men came from the Marsh with a few Geese - In the afternoon the Wooders and Hunters of Yesterday with those of to day returned to their respective Tents"

Sept. 16
" Monday Stiff Breezes Northerly Severe frost early in the Morning - Cold & Cloudy with Hail & Snow -
Tradesmen at their respective occupations - Twelve at Hunting Tents - Sixteen at the Woods. Rest variously employ'd"

Sept. 17
" Tuesday Light airs Southerly, part Clear, part Cloudy
Had the Lime kiln drawn - Mens employ nearly as before. In the Afternoon sent three Men with the Boat to afsist the Wooders down with Rafts"

Sept. 18
" Wednesday Fresh breezes Easterly raw Cold & Cloudy
Mens Employ as before"

Sept. 19
" Thursday SEast breezes part Clear, part Cloudy -
during last Night the Men return'd with twenty Rafts of Firewood and Stockades - Three men came with Geese from the Fourteens - rest as before"

Sept. 20
" Friday Wind and Weather nearly the same - Tradesmen as before - Labourers carrying wood up the Bank. In the Afternoon two Canoes of Natives arrived with dryed meat, Fat and a few Skins which they traded - They brought a Letter from Mr Thompson"

Sept. 21
" Saturday Heavy rain last Night. SW breezes part clear, part Cloudy - Indians went away - Men as before"

Sept. 22
" Sunday Clear Weather with Southerly Breezes"

Sept. 23
" Monday NE Breezes thick fogg and raw Cold
Tradesmen at their respective occupations, Labourers employ'd carrying Wood up the Bank - Three Men came from the Fourteens river with Geese as did two from the Marsh. latter went to their Tent."

Sept. 24
" Tuesday AM Fresh Gales Northerly Cloudy with Rain PM Breezes SE more Clear - All hands variously employ'd within the House - In the afternoon the Hunters went away"

Sept. 25
" Wednesday Southerly Breezes part Clear, part Cloudy all hands engaged as on Monday"

Sept. 26
" Thursday Wind, Weather and Mens Employ as before - 'till the Afternoon when all the Wood being carried up the Bank, those Men were fitted out to Raft home the remainder of Winters firewood - One man came from the Marsh with a few Geese"

Sept. 27
" Friday Early AM sharp part clear with light airs at NW PM Cloudy with light airs Northerly showers of Rain - Sent two Men up the Banks of the River to collect Keggs left by Natives - rest as before - One Canoe of Natives arrived with a few furs which they traded, were trusted Winters debt and went away"

Sept. 28
" Saturday Variable Gale from N to W Cloudy
Employment of Men nearly as before - Seven Men came from the Woods for Provisions and to bake bread - One Man came from the Marsh with a few Geese"

Sept. 29
" Sunday Fresh Breezes SW Clear & Frosty. Wooders went to their Tent"

Sept. 30
" Monday Variable Breezes part Clear, part Cloudy -
Men as last Week - Three Men came from the Eastward and one from the Marsh with a few Geese and return'd - All the Game are now taking their flight to the Southward"

Oct. 1 1793
" Tuesday Wind, Weather and Mens Employ nearly as before - In the Afternoon two Natives arrived with a few Skins and a little Green and Dryed Venison. They brought a letter from Mr Cook"

Oct. 2
" Wednesday AM Stiff Breezes Southerly Cloudy. PM more moderate and Clear - Sent Men in Boat acrofs the River for the Fourteens' River Hunters - and those at the Marsh came home - considering the few Hunters (only 5 Indians) we have been more succefsful this fall killing more Geese than any preceeding one for years past - having killed upwards of 900 - Men came home with ten rafts of firewood. rest nearly as before - Served out Leather for Toggies, Beaver Mittens & Caps - with Beaver Coats to the Men."

Oct. 3
" Thursday Stiff breezes NW part Clear, part Cloudy -
Tradesmen as before. Boat builder & Shipwright finished a Battaux from the Country Wood which appears well adapted for this River full of Shoals - Indeed I am much pleased with their Behaviour and satisfied with their conduct as workmen - Rest carrying Wood up the Bank - Natives of the first traded and trusted Winter debt - Paid Invalid Natives for collecting cranberries. I have employ'd them ever since the departure of the Ship collecting of them, yet have been only able to fill an Eight Bushel Cask. which shews the scarsity of them in this quarter - God be praised as we kept the Sailors from commiting depredations on our Gardens this Season, I am in hopes we shall keep the Scurvy at a distance this ensuing Winter"

Oct. 4
" Friday AM Breezes NW Cloudy with light Snow. PM moderate and clear - Sent of William Sinclair and two Englishmen to Tent and Fish at Pennycutway River - Ship-Wright & Boat builder afsisting at the new Building - Rest as before - Indians of Tuesday went away and those from the Goose Tent trusted Winter debt"

Oct. 5
" Saturday Light Breezes SSW clear & pleasant -
Men nearly as before "

Oct. 6
" Sunday Wind and Weather as before - Indians trusted debt on Friday set off for their Winter quarters. Took a Boat with four Men to the Woods to show the Pateroon where to Tent and fall Firewood the ensuing Winter"

Oct. 7
" Monday AM Wind variable blowing fresh PM more moderate part Clear part Cloudy - Sent Provisions for the Men who are to Tent & Hunt at French Creek - Two Men are left there to erect the Tent and Fish 'till others join them after the Firewood is taken up the Bank - Sent provisions also for the Wooders rest of the Men variously employed"

Oct. 8
" Tuesday Wind Weather & Mens Employ nearly the same - Two men came from Pennycutway with a few Fish"

Oct. 9
" Wednesday AM Breezes NW Cloudy PM Clear freezing - Hunters of Yesterday went away - Sent Three Men to Tent and Hunt at Twenty mile Creek - The rest finished carrying the Wood up the Bank. God be praised I have a larger quantity of Wood at this time upon the Plantation than has been known these Ten years past"

Oct. 10
" Thursday SW Breezes part Clear part Cloudy Frosty -
Twelve men preparing to leave the Factory tomorrow - Tradesmen as before, rest variously Employ'd"

Oct. 11
" Friday Wind and Weather nearly the same - severe frosty weather - Sent 4 Men to Tent and Cutt down Wood during the Winter - also two to Join the Hunters at French Creek - Mefs Tho's & Sutherland went up the River in a Canoe to bring down the Boat taken by the Twenty mile Creek Hunters on Wednesday. Five men afsisting me collecting and taking up Vegetables from the Gardens - rest as before-"

Oct. 12
" Saturday AM Breezes Northerly thick fogg PM variable Breezes Clear - Had the remainder of the Vegetables taken up - we have been tolerably succefsfull God be praised in our Garden this Season and hope to have sufficient to supply the Men almost the whole Winter - Sent two Invalid Natives to the Wooders with Vegetables - Had all the Boats hauld up the Bank - The Slave? Boat and Coble being rendered uselefs last Ship time by Stones - and the Boat builder giving his opinion that neither can be repaired - had them laid before the face of the Bank filled with Stones"

Oct. 13
" Sunday Fresh Gales variable from SE to E by N Cloudy and Cold with drifting sleet and Snow"

Oct. 14
" Monday Gale increased with unabateing violence with thick drift cold freezing weather - Ther +15. All hands variously employed in the House"

Oct. 15
" Tuesday SW Breezes severe Ther +10. Sent three men to Tent and Hunt at ten shilling Creek - Mefs Thomas & Sutherland returned with the Boat and 242 lbs of Fish from the Hunting Tent up the River. all hands variously employed collecting Timber, Tools &c as the Winter appears to be set in - Two Natives arrived with a good supply of Furs which they Traded and went away - God preserve them for I am very apprehensive for their safety. The River is nearly full of Ice and I am certain they cannot proceed far with their Canoe"

Oct. 16
" Wednesday NW Breezes Clear Thermo. +8
Tradesmen at their respective occupations except the Bricklayer who is afsisting others removing Goods from the Launch House into the Warehouses"

Oct. 17
" Thursday Wind and Weather nearly the same and Mens Employ as before. Thermo. 0"

Oct. 18
" Friday Wind Weather and Mens Employ the same"

Oct. 19
" Saturday The same except one Man afsisting me in the Distillery"

Oct. 20
" Sunday Variable Breezes SE Cloudy with snow"

Oct. 21
" Monday Strong Gales NW with drifting Snow
all hands engaged in the House"

Oct. 22
" Tuesday NE Breezes severe. Tradesmen at their respective occupations - Mr Sutherland and two Men went down to the Craft to clear the Cables and ? them up from Ice - One assisting me with Distillery. Rest variously employ'd"

Oct. 23
" Wednesday Wind Weather and Mens Employ the same"

Oct. 24
" Thursday Breezes SW Clear - Men as before"

Oct. 25
" Friday Variable light airs. Men nearly as before"

Oct. 26
" Saturday Stiff Breezes NW Cloudy with drift Snow
all hands variously Employ'd in the House"

Oct. 27
" Sunday SW Breezes Clear - Sent two Men up the Island to examine the State of the River as from the clear channel abreast the Factory - convinces me the Ice must be set fast upwards"

Oct. 28
" Monday Cloudy with NW Breezes Light Snow
The Men sent up the River yesterday crofsed at the Seven mile Island and went to Ten shilling Creek, and on their return to Day found it froze over at the four mile gully - two of the Hunters accompanied them with a few Fish - Mens' Employ nearly as last Week"

Oct. 29
" Tuesday Wind Weather and Mens Employ the same - The Hunters of Yesterday went to their Tent"

Oct. 30
" Wednesday Breezes WSW part Clear, part Cloudy
Mens Employ as before"

Oct. 31
" Thursday Light Airs Westerly Clear. Men as before"

Nov. 1 1793
" Friday Wind Westerly Breezes Cloudy - Sent Mr Sutherland, James Sinclair Bricklayer and John Pruden to Tent and Hunt at Flambro'. Rest as before
Late in the Evening Men came from each of the Hunting Tents up the river with a few Fish and Partridges - An Indian also accompanied them to beg Deer Skins for netting Snow Shoes for himself and friends, the Winter having set in before they reached their Hunting Ground - River Ice set fast at the Mile sand"

Nov. 2
" Saturday NW Breezes Clear - The Hunters of yesterday went away - Sent one Man to afsist them in killing Partridges. God be praised Birds appear more plentiful this Fall than for years past up this River - Engaged the Indians of yesterday who went away to Day to attend the crofsing of Deer in Steel River - A Man came from each of the Hunting Tents acrofs the River with a few fish and Partridges - As did the Pateroon from the Woods - all of whom return'd back in the afternoon. Sent one Man to afsist at the Wooders Tent - rest as before"

Nov. 3
" Sunday Wind nearly as before - Cloudy with light Snow "

Nov. 4
" Monday Cloudy with Southerly Breezes, Mens Employ nearly as last week"

Nov. 5
" Tuesday Southerly Breezes AM Clear PM variable Light airs - Mens employ as before"

Nov. 6
" Wednesday Variable Breezes Cloudy. River Ice set fast abreast this Factory but open below at Old York. Two men came from the Wooders Tent for vegetables and returned back - Two men came from the Hunting Tents up the River with a few Fish and Partridges, brought with them a new Gun given out last Saturday it having burst the first time of its being discharged. Rest of the Men as before"

Nov. 7
" Thursday Light Airs variable SE Cloudy. Hunters of Yesterday went to their Tents. Men as before"

Nov. 8
" Friday Wind Weather and Mens Employ nearly the same"

Nov. 9
" Saturday The same - A man came from each of the Hunting Tents acrofs the River and returned back - Two Men came from the Wooders Tent to bake bread - Mr Longmoor set off to the Hunters Tents up the River"

Nov. 10
" Sunday NW Breezes Cloudy with Snow. Wooders went to their Tents"

Nov. 11
" Monday Wind and Weather nearly as before and Mens Employ as last Week - Mr James Sutherland sent a Man from his Tent with part of a Deer killed yesterday he sent word that no Game is stirring around Flambro' - "

Nov. 12
" Tuesday Wind Weather and Mens Employ nearly the same - Hunter of Yesterday went away, an Indian accompanied him to bring home the remainder of Deers Flesh - Sent orders to Mr Sutherland if the scarsity of Game should continue to remove his Tent towards Pennycutway - Two Men came from the Hunting Tents up the River accompanied by Dogs hauling their Sledges loaded with Fish"

Nov. 13
" Wednesday Breezes WNW Clear - Hunters of Yesterday went away - Mr Longmoor returned from Pennycutway - as did the Natives sent to Flambro' yesterday for venison. Rest as before"

Nov. 14
" Thursday AM thick Rime and Severe PM Clear - Wind and Mens employ nearly as before - Mr Sutherland came from his Tent"

Nov. 15
" Friday Wind and Weather as Yesterday
Mr Sutherland went to his Tent - The Workmen having closed in the Last Flanker of the Fort and finished all the Top, except laying the Lead and compleating the Breast work on the Curtains? and Watch towers? And as they had no holliday as formerly on the 5th of November - gave them one to Day and a Dinner - they spent the Day chearfully and in the Evening had a Bon fire and Fireworks"

Nov. 16
" Saturday Light Airs NE Clear and Mild - One Man came from each of the Hunting Tents acrofs the River with a few Fish and Partridges as did two from the Wooders Tent"

Nov. 17
" Sunday Light Breezes NW part Clear part Cloudy with light Snow - The Hunters and Wooders of yesterday went to their respective Tents - There being no Game stirring near Flambro' Mr Sutherland and party came home with their Tent and Bedding in order to remove to the Eastward"

Nov. 18
" Monday Light Airs SW Clear - Carpenters preparing Boards for laying floors - rest of the Tradesmen at their respective occupations - Five Men employed cutting Watering and Victualling Holes in River Ice - Game being scarce around Ten shilling Creek, The Hunters brought home their Tent and bedding - Two men came from the Hunting Tents up the River with a few Fish and Partridges - Rest of Men afsisting Mr Longmoor Packing and removing goods from Old York - Invalid Natives removed their Tent toward the back of this Island"

Nov. 19
" Tuesday Fresh Breezes SE Clear - The Hunters from Pennycutway & Twenty mile Creek went to their Tents - Sent off those from Flambro' and Ten shilling Creek to tent and Hunt to the Eastward - Men employed on the river yesterday [are now] clearing Cellar's in New Building - rest as before"

Nov. 20
" Wednesday Wind as yesterday Cloudy. Mens Employ nearly the same"

Nov. 21
" Thursday Wind Weather and Mens Employ nearly the same - One Man came from Twenty mile Creek with a few Partridges"

Nov. 22
" Friday Wind Weather and Mens Employ the same - went to the Wooders Tent to examine Work done - The Hunter of Yesterday went to his Tent"

Nov. 23
" Saturday Much Snow fell last Night which continued till Noon - more mild than for days past - Mens Employ nearly the same - Two Men came from the Wooders Tent - and one from French Creek with a few Partridges and Fish - Having Distilled 1200 Galls of High Spirits since the Ships departure, Left of Distilling for the Season - and had Worm Tub and Liquor Back? emptied and thoroughly cleaned"

Nov. 24
" Sunday Southerly Breezes part Clear part Cloudy
The Hunters & Wooders went to their Tents"

Nov. 25
" Monday Variable Breezes part Clear part Cloudy
Two men came from the Tents up the River with a few Fish - Mens Employ nearly as last Week except four Hunting around the House"

Nov. 26
" Tuesday Gales ? Cloudy. Hunters of yesterday went to their Tents. Mr Thomas accompanied them to see Wm Smith who is very ill. rest nearly as before"

Nov. 27
" Wednesday Moderate Breezes WSW part Clear part Cloudy - Men nearly as before - One Man came from Twenty mile Creek for Medicines and brought with him a few Fish - Mr Thomas returned"

Nov. 28
" Thursday SSE Breezes Cloudy at times light snow - Men as before - Hunters of yesterday went away and took Medicines for Wm Smith"

Nov. 29
" Friday Wind Weather and Mens Employ nearly the same"

Nov. 30
" Saturday The same - One Man came from the Eastward Tent, says Game is very scarce, also, one came from French Creek with a few Fish - Three Men came from the Woods to bake bread"

Dec. 1 1793
" Sunday Southerly Breezes Thick Rime early, afterwards Clear - Hunters and Wooders went off to their respective Tents"

Dec. 2
" Monday Wind and Weather as before and Mens Employ nearly the same as Last Week except two sent to the Woods to saw Plank, Two Men came from the Tents up the River with a few fish"

Dec. 3
" Tuesday AM Wind and Weather as before PM Cloudy with variable light airs - The Hunters of yesterday went to their Tents. rest nearly as before"

Dec. 4
" Wednesday Wind and Weather as yesterday afternoon and Mens Employ the same"

Dec. 5
" Thursday the same"

Dec. 6
" Friday Cloudy with light Snow Wind as before and Mens Employ the same"

Dec. 7
" Saturday Westerly Breezes Cloudy - Six Men setting Beacons acrofs the river - Two Men came from the upper Tents with a few Fish and Partridges. one also came from French Creek with a few Fish - Three men came from the Woods to bake bread. rest nearly as before"

Dec. 8
" Sunday Light Breezes SW Clear - Wooders went to their Tent as did the French Creek Hunter"

Dec. 9
" Monday Wind and Weather as before - the Pennycutway & twenty mile Creek Hunters went to their respective Tents. rest of Men nearly as before"

Dec. 10
" Tuesday Variable Breezes. Cloudy with light Snow Mens Employ nearly as before"

Dec. 11
" Wednesday Wind the same Cloudy - Mens employ as before. Thomas Halcro brought from the Woods disabled, his foot having been severely cut with a Hatchet"

Dec. 12
" Thursday Wind and Weather the same - towards the evening Light Snow - Sent Shipwright and one Man to the Woods to collect Timbers &c for Boats - Two taking down Cabbins &c &c at Old York - Two Hunters came from the upper Tents. rest nearly as before"

Dec. 13
" Friday Strong Gales NNW Cloudy with thick drift - Too bad weather for Hunters to leave the Factory - rest of the Men nearly as before"

Dec. 14
" Saturday NW Breezes Clear and Severe - Hunters of Thursday went away. One Man came from French Creek Tent with a few Fish as did two from Stony Rivers with a few Partridges - four came from the Woods to bake bread"

Dec. 15
" Sunday SW Breezes Cloudy - Hunters and Wooders went to their Tents"

Dec. 16
" Monday Variable Breezes Cloudy - Mens Employ nearly as Last Week - Two Natives arrived with about 100 made Beaver in Martin Skins which they Traded and went to the Invalids Tent the back of the Island"

Dec. 17
" Tuesday Wind Weather and Mens Employ the same. Two men came from the Hunting Tents up the river with a few Fish and Partridges - The Natives of Yesterday returned and Packed their Sleds ready to set of tomorrow"

Dec. 18
" Wednesday Breezes W by S Cloudy. Hunters of Yesterday went to their Tents - Sent one man with them to afsist hauling Wm Smith to the Factory - Indians went away - Mr Longmoor went to the Woods to examine work done. Rest as before"

Dec. 19
" Thursday Fresh Gales variable with thick drift and severe. Thermometer -25. all hands variously Employed within the House"

Dec. 20
" Friday Stiff Breezes variable Clear and Severe - Thermometer -36 . One man came from French Creek Hunting Tent with a few fish - rest as before"

Dec. 21 " Saturday Wind the same part Clear, part Cloudy with light snow - Hunters from Penny cut way and twenty mile Creek came home with their Tent and Bedding. as did the Wooders for the Christmafs Hollidays - One Man came from French Creek with a few fish"

Dec. 22
" Sunday Variable Breezes clear - Hunter of yesterday went to his Tent with orders to bring home bedding on Christmafs Eve."

Dec. 23
" Monday Breezes SW Clear - all the Tradesmen engaged taking down Buildings at Old York - Labourers cutting firewood"

Dec. 24
" Tuesday Stiff breezes variable Cloudy - Hunters came home from Stony rivers with their Bedding for Christmafs Hollidays as did those from French Creek - Rest as before"

Dec. 25
" Wednesday Strong Gales of Wind variable all last night with thick drifting snow which continued the whole Day"

Dec. 26
" Thursday Fresh breezes SW Clear. Thermo -41. Men at their Holliday diversions"

Dec. 27
" Friday Strong Gales variable with thick drifting snow. Thermometer -39 "

Dec. 28
" Saturday Fresh Breezes WSW Clear - all hands engaged collecting Timber near Saw Pit"

Dec. 29
" Sunday Breezes NW Cloudy - much snow fell last night"

Dec. 30
" Monday Strong Gales NW with thick drift - A Hurricane of wind during last night"

Dec. 31
" Tuesday AM Stiff Breezes NW Clear. PM Cloudy
Sent men with large sledge for Boat left at Ten shilling Creek last fall"

Jan. 1 1794
" Wednesday Breezes NW Clear and Severe - Men finished their Holliday Diversions"

Jan. 2
" Thursday Breezes NE Clear and Severe - Therm -32
Sent 7 Men to Hunting Tents to the Eastward. Six preparing to go to the Northward tomorrow - Tradesmen at their respective occupations - Six sorting stuff and drawing nails from it at Old York - Twelve hauling the same from Old to New York. Rest variously Employed
This day the Cook received a slight Injury from the Clapper of the Large Bell flying off whilst ringing the Men to Dinner. the Stud to which it was fixed having broke. it is astonishing it had held together so long. the part which supported the Clapper being far too slight - when the Clapper gave way it fortunately happened none of the Men were near otherwise the consequence might have proved fatal to one or more of them"

Jan. 3
" Friday Cloudy with Easterly Breezes at times light snow - Mefs Thomas, Sutherland and Fidler and three Men set off to Tent and Hunt acrofs Nelson River. Two accompanied them to take care of Dogs &c. Six opening Victualling and Watering holes, rest nearly as before"

Jan. 4
" Saturday Cloudy with NE Breezes Mens Employ as before"

Jan. 5
" Sunday Cloudy with NE Breezes at times drifting snow"

Jan. 6
" Monday WSW Breezes Clear. Sent thirteen men to the Woods - Tradesmen at their respective occupations - Thirteen at different Hunting Tents - Three making foxes for Sinnet. Rest variously Employ'd - In the Evening the two Men that accompanied the Hunters acrofs Nelson River on Friday returned"

Jan. 7
" Tuesday Thick Drift with variable Breezes Mens Employ nealy the same"

Jan. 8
" Wednesday East Breezes AM Cloudy PM Cloudy. Mens Employ as before"

Jan. 9
" Thursday Strong Gales NW with thick Drift. severe. Thermom -42. Mens Employ nearly as before"

Jan. 10
" Friday Stiff Breezes WSW Clear and Severe. Mens Employ nearly as before"

Jan. 11
" Saturday Wind Weather and Mens Employ the same. Thermom -47 "

Jan. 12
" Sunday AM Breezes Cloudy"

Jan. 13
" Monday Fresh Breezes NW part Clear part Cloudy
Sent two Men acrofs Nelson River for the produce of the Hunters. Rest of the men Employ'd nearly as last Week"

Jan. 14
" Tuesday Wind the same. Clear and severe. Mens Employ the same - The weather having been so severe since the Hunters left the Factory, olbliged them to keep their Tents as they could not load their Guns after being discharged. in consequence only thirty nine Partridges were brought home by the Men who returned from Nelson River Tents"

Jan. 15
" Wednesday Wind Weather and Mens Employ as before"

Jan. 16
" Thursday The same"

Jan. 17
" Friday SW Breezes Clear - Two Men came from the Eastward Tents with only 80 Partridges - Rest as before"

Jan. 18
" Saturday Light snow Cloudy with Easterly Breezes
Natives of yesterday went to their Tents. Four men came from the Woods to bake bread. Rest as before"

Jan. 19
" Sunday Cloudy with Snow - Breezes E b N Wooders went to their Tent"

Jan. 20
" Monday Wind and Weather the same and Mens Employ as last Week"

Jan. 21
" Tuesday Wind N with Snow. Men as before"

Jan. 22
" Wednesday Wind as before, Clear - Men the same"

Jan. 23
" Thursday Northerly Breezes Clear. Sent two Men to the Northern Tents with Dogs & Sleds. Rest as before"

Jan. 24
" Friday Breezes NW Clear - Men sent acrofs Nelson River yesterday returned with only 60 Partridges. two came from the Eastward with only 80 - Rest nearly as before"

Jan. 25
" Saturday Wind and Weather as before - Eight Men clearing Snow from the Inner Yard. it is so remarkable deep around the men find a difficulty to walk with Snow Shoes. at this time it is over the tops of the Stockades around the Distill House - and we have been obliged to cut a path through it along the Platform to the River which is on each side above the height of Man - Hunters of yesterday went to their Tents - Three Men came from the Woods for Provisions &c - Rest as before"

Jan. 26
" Sunday Cloudy with Westerly Breezes. Wooders went to their Tents"

Jan. 27
" Monday Southerly Breezes Clear. Fourteen Men at different Hunting tents. Thirteen at the Woods. Six at work for Inland, Taylors for Trade, Three men making Sinnet, two Picking Okum, Tradesmen at their respective occupations. rest variously Employ'd"

Jan. 28
" Tuesday Breezes NW Clear. Sent two Men up the river to look for Game. Rest as before"

Jan. 29
" Wednesday Wind Weather and Mens Employ nearly the same, except two sent acrofs Nelson River - In the Evening the two Men sent Yesterday up the River returned with only 1 Partridge. They are again become very scarce"

Jan. 30
" Thursday Wind Weather and Mens Employ the same - Men return'd from Nelson River Tent with only 60 Partridges"

Jan. 31
" Friday Breezes variable from SW to SE Cloudy
Mr Longmoor went to the Woods to examine work - Two men came from the Eastward Tents with only 84 Partridges - Rest as before"

Feb. 1 1794
" Saturday Light Breezes NW Clear and Severe
Hunters went to their Tents - Three Men came from the Woods to bake bread - Rest as before"

Feb. 2
" Sunday Westerly Breezes Clear and very Severe. Thermometer -50 - Wooders went to their Tent with whom I sent one man to afsist"

Feb. 3
" Monday Light Breezes NW Clear. Sent three Men to Tent and Hunt up this River, they have also orders to examine the Islands and Banks for Timber and Firewood. Rest nearly as last Week"

Feb. 4
" Tuesday Stiff Breezes SW b S Cloudy - Sent Wm Sinclair and an Indian Man to examine the Ground near Cape Tatnam for Partridges. Rest as before"

Feb. 5
" Wednesday Wind Weather and Mens Employ nearly as before - Except two Men sent to the Northward Tent"

Feb. 6
" Thursday Light Airs Southerly Clear & Mild
Men sent yesterday acrofs Nelson River return'd with 70 Partridges - One in sick list - Rest nearly as before"

Feb. 7
" Friday Wind the same Cloudy - Two Men came from the Eastward Hunting Tents with 110 Partridges - Rest nearly as before"

Feb. 8
" Saturday Wind Weather and Mens Employ nearly the same - except four Men cleaning and fumigating Men's Dwelling - Hunters of yesterday went to their Tents - Wm Sinclair and Indian returned with 65 Partridges. say Birds are tolerably plenty near Cape Tatnum Those they brought home are the produce of one Days Hunt - One man came from the upper Tent with only 10 Partridges - Three came from the Woods to bake bread &c"

Feb. 9
" Sunday Breezes NNW Clear - Hunter and Wooders went to their respective Tents - Wm Sinclair is confined to his Cabbin occaisioned by an accidental fall yesterday on the Ice by which his Ancle is strained"

Feb. 10
" Monday Wind and Weather the same and Mens Employ nearly as last Week"

Feb. 11
" Tuesday Breezes NW Cloudy with light drifting Snow - Mens Employ nearly the same - Late in the Evening Mr Thomas Wiegand an Englishman and an Indian arrived with a packet from Severn"

Feb. 12
" Wednesday Fresh Breezes NW part Clear part Cloudy severe. Mr Sutherland and two Men came from Nelson River Hunting Tent with only 50 Partridges. The former came to the Factory purposely to accompany an Indian to Severn on Friday next but the Packet arriving from thence last ight has stopped his Journey. Mens Employ nearly as before"

Feb. 13
" Thursday AM Wind Weather and Mens Employ nearly as before - Two men came from the Eastw'd Hunting Tent with 150 Partridges PM Strong Gales"

Feb. 14
" Friday Gale still Continues with thick Drift - Too bad weather for Hunters to leave the Factory - Mens Employ nearly as before"

Feb. 15
" Saturday Fresh Breezes AM Clear Eastward Hunters went to their Tents - with whom I sent one Man to attend Dogs to and from the Factory. the Hunters has orders to remove one of their Tents towards Cape Tatnum - One Man came from the Hunting Tent up this river with only Ten Partridges and Five Rabbits - Three Men came from the Woods to bake bread "

Feb. 16
" Sunday NE Breezes Cloudy - The Hunter and Wooders of yesterday went to their Tents - Mr Sutherland and party attempted to go to theirs but were obliged to return when they reached Nelson River - over which they were fearful of venturing as the Weather became very thick"

Feb. 17
" Monday Variable Breezes from SE to SW Clear
Mr Sutherland and Party went to their Tents. sent four Men to the Woods to saw Plank & Boards - Tradesmen and others as last Week"

Feb. 18
" Tuesday Breezes NW Clear - Mens Employ nearly as before - Two Chepwyan Natives arrived say that their friends and Families will be here in a few Days with their Furrs"

Feb. 19
" Wednesday Wind Weather and Mens Employ The same"

Feb. 20
" Thursday Wind the same Cloudy with light snow
Mens Employ as before - In the afternoon the friends and Families of the Northern Chepwyan Indians mentioned on Tuesday arrived with five sleds of Furrs"

Feb. 21
" Friday Light Airs Variable NE Cloudy - Three Men came from the Eastward Hunting Tents with 140 Partridges. Rest as before"

Feb. 22
" Saturday Wind Weather and Mens Employ nearly the same - The Hunters of Yesterday went to their Tents. Traded with the Natives of Thursday. One Man came from the Hunting Tent up this River and three from the Woods"

Feb. 23
" Sunday Breezes Nly part Clear, part Cloudy - Wooders & Hunters of yesterday went to their respective Tents - Three Native Home Guards arrived with a few Furs and Dry Meat"

Feb. 24
" Monday Wind the same Clear - Mens Employ nearly as last Week. Prepared Letters and closed Packet for Severn in which are Letters for the Bay Settlements - Two Men came from Nelson River Tents with 140 Partridges"

Feb. 25
" Tuesday Wind Weather and Mens Employ the same - The Chepyan Natives went away - HomeGuards traded - Hunters of yesterday went to their Tent"

Feb. 26
" Wednesday Wind Weather and Mens Employ the same - This Morning Mr Thomas Wiegand and Severn Packet men set off on their return to that Settlement - HomeGuard Natives of Sunday went away"

Feb. 27
" Thursday Variable Breezes Cloudy with Drifting Snow - Mens Employ as before"

Feb. 28
" Friday The same"

March 1 1794
" Saturday NW Breezes Clear - One Man came from the Hunting Tent up the River with only 12 Partridges and Five Rabbits - Wooders came home with their Tent and Bedding - Two Men came from the Sawyers Tent for Provisions and to bake bread"

Mar. 2
" Sunday Wind the same part Clear part Cloudy and severe - Sawyers and Hunters of yesterday went to their respective Tents"

Mar. 3
" Monday Breezes NW Clear _ Sent 12 Men to Fell Timber near Pennycutway River - Two Men came from the Eastward Tents with 170 Partridges - Tradesmen at their respective occupations - Four at Work for Inland - Two for Trade - two grinding Oatmeal, Hunters as before rest variously Employ'd"

Mar. 4
" Tuesday Variable Breezes SW Clear - Hunters of Yesterday went to their Tents - Rest as before - In the Evening four Home Guard Natives arrived with a few furs and dried meat"

Mar. 5
" Wednesday Fresh Breezes NW part Clear part Cloudy - Natives of Last night Traded - Mens Employ nearly as before"

Mar. 6
" Thursday Breezes SW Clear - Men as before - Four Natives arrived with Sleds appearantly well loaded with Furs - I am sorry to remark all the Natives complain this Winter of a scarsity of Beaver, which they impute to the Shoalnefs of the Water in the Rivers in the Fall of the year which drained the Water from their Houses that on opening them it has not been unfrequent this Winter to find all the Beaver it contained dead - Should this calamity prove universal over this Extensive Country which God prevent, it is to be feared many of those valuable Animals will fall victims to want more than by the Hand of the Hunter - Instinct teaches them to avoid the Snares of the latter - as it very rarely happens that the whole Family of a Beaver House is destroyed, their subteraneous communications being so artfully continued as to baffel the most experienced Hunter, one or more generally escape, by which its Species has been hitherto preserved but a few Seasons of Drought would entirely destroy the whole Race"

Mar. 7
" Friday Southerly Breezes mild and thawing
Two men came from Nelson River with a few Partridges - Rest as before - In the Evening gusts of Wind variable and Severe"

Mar. 8
" Saturday Breezes NW Clear - Hunters of Yesterday went away - Two came from the Tent up this River - Two Sawyers and two Wooders came for Provisions - Two Men accompanied by an Indian arrived from Nelson River Settlement with Letters from Mr Cook"

Mar. 9
" Sunday AM Light airs variable, Cloudy with Snow - PM Stiff breezes with thick Drift - The Natives of Tuesday went away - Wooders Sawyers and Hunters went to their respective Tents"

Mar. 10
" Monday Light Breezes NW Clear - Natives of Tuesday went away - Two Men came from the Eastward Tents - Mens Employ nearly as last Week"

Mar. 11
" Tuesday Variable Breezes SW Clear - Hunters went to their Tents - Rest nearly as before"

Mar. 12
" Wednesday Southerly Breezes, Clear and Mild . Men as before"

Mar. 13
" Thursday The same"

Mar. 14
" Friday The same - Towards Evening the wind veered to the NW"

Mar. 15
" Saturday NW Breezes part Clear, part Cloudy
Men sent the 3rd Inst. to fall Timber near Pennycutway returned to Ten shilling Creek where they erected their Tent in readinefs to haul out Stockades to the Banks Edge - One Man came from the Hunting Tent up the River with 30 Partridges - Two Sawyers came home for Provisions"

Mar. 16
" Sunday Wind and Weather the same - Put an Indian acrofs Nelson River to the Hunting Tent. Wooders, Sawyers and Hunters went to their Tents - and two came from the Eastward"

Mar. 17
" Monday AM Light Airs Southerly Clear - PM gentle breezes variable - Hunters of yesterday went to their Tent except John Jennings who is at times very refractory and obstinate. his Tent mates are apprehensive of him doing them an injury - and notwithstanding he was hunting several miles on this side Ship River - he has gone that distance to destroy the Martin Traps of those hunting there to prevent their killing more furs than those with him and on the mens remonstrating with him on his behaviour he threatened to shoot them - As he continues in the same disposition obliged to take his Gun from him - put him on the Watch Bill - and send him to the Woods to afsist working the large Sled - This young Man has been rated in the Books as a Writer ever since the resetling of the factory in 1782 - but has not done the least duty as such - he can scarcely write his own name - his obstanacy prevents his improvement notwithstanding the pains that have been taken with him by Mr Martin, Mr Ballenden and myself - Mefs Thomas and Fidler came from Nelson River Tent. Mens Employ as last Week"

Mar. 18
" Tuesday NW Breezes Clear and Severe
Mens Employ as before"

Mar. 19
" Wednesday AM Wind and Weather the same PM Wind veered Southerly - Mr Thomas went to his Tent - Peter Fidler remains at the factory to prepare Accompt Books in room of Wm Sinclair who is getting things ready to set off for Chatham House - Rest Employed as before - Mr Longmoor and two Men packing Goods for Mr Cook"

Mar. 20
" Thursday Wind Weather and Mens Employ the same - Wooders came home with their Tent and bedding"

Mar. 21
" Friday Northerly Breezes Cloudy - Fourteen Men Employ'd with Large Sled hauling Boats Timber from French Creek - Rest nearly as before"

Mar. 22
" Saturday Strong Gales variable with thick drifting snow - Cloudy till PM when it cleared up - All hands variously employed in the House - In the afternoon one man came from the Hunting Tent up the River with 20 Partridges"

Mar. 23
" Sunday NW Breezes Clear - More snow fell Yesterday and during last night than at any one time this Season it is many feet deep in the inner Court - Two Men came from the Eastward Tents with 150 Partridges. Four men are at this Time Hunting so far as Cape Tatnam - All the Sawyers came home with their bedding - Prepared Letters and closed the Packet for Nelson Settlements"

Mar. 24
" Monday Gales of Wind NW with drifting Snow. All hands variously Employed in House"

Mar. 25
" Tuesday Breezes NW Clear - Hunters of Sunday went to their Tents - The Packet Men set off to Chatham House on their return - William Sinclair accompanied them who is set to take charge of a House Ordered to be erected in the spring when the Rivers are clear of Ice - John Thompson one of the Packet Men is detained for the Athapescow? Journey and Edward Tomison is sent to supply his room at Chatham - I spared several Dogs from the Factory to haul Trading Goods - Sixteen Men Employ'd clearing snow from Platform and wheeling it to the Banks edge - two in Sick list - Rest nearly as last Week"

Mar. 26
" Wednesday Mr Longmoor took two Men with him to examine the Seven Mile Island for Poplar Timber to saw into Boards for Building Boats for Stoneing? - One Man came from Nelson River with 100 Partridge Rest as before - variable Breezes Cloudy"

Mar. 27
" Thursday Variable Breezes all round the Compafs, Cloudy with Snow - sent two Men to Saw Poplar Boards at the Seven Mile Island - As there is no Geese to kill up this River The Hunters are ordered to afsist the Sawyers falling Timber. Fourteen men employed removing Goods from Launch house to Warehouses - Rest as before"

Mar. 28
" Friday NE Breezes Clear - Hunter of Wednesday went to his Tent. Rest as before "

Mar. 29
" Saturday Light airs variable Clear - One Man came from the Sawyers Tent for Provisions - Sent twelve men to French Creek with Large Sled for Topmast for flag Staff. Rest nearly as before"

Mar. 30
" Sunday Wind and Weather nearly the same - Sawyer of yesterday went to his Tent"

Mar. 31
" Monday Southerly Breezes Clear - Two Men came from the Eastward Tents with 130 Partridges - The Bricklayer came home from thence with his Bedding to prepare work? for Buildings - Cooper, Smith and Armourer at work for Inland - Fourteen men removing things from Launch house - and clearing away for Boat builders - to frame Boats for Inland. Taylors at work for Trade - Rest nearly as before"

April 1 1794
" Tuesday NW Breezes with light drifting snow - Hunters of Yesterday went to their Tent - Rest nearly as before"

Apr. 2
" Wednesday Variable Breezes Northerly - Mefs Thomas, Sutherland and party came home from Nelson River with their Tent and bedding. Rest nearly as before"

Apr. 3
" Thursday Wind and Weather the same - Fourteen Men Employ'd with Large Sled hauling things from Old York - as we have no tidings of Indians coming in for the Spring Goose Hunt - All the Invalids pitched away to the back of this Island"

Apr. 4
" Friday Wind Weather and Mens Employ nearly the same till the afternoon when those Employed on Large Sled, afsisted getting Lead on Flanker & Sheds"

Apr. 5
" Saturday Wind Weather and Mens Employ nearly the same - Two Men came from the Sawyers Tent for Provisions"

Apr. 6
" Sunday Wind and Weather nearly the same - Two Men came from the Eastward Tents with only 90 Partridges - Sawyers went to their Tent"

Apr. 7
" Monday Breezes NE Clear - Carpenters Employed on Building - Six men laying Lead on Flanker - Armourer, Smith, Cooper and two men at work for Inland - Taylors for Trade - Boat builder, Shipwright and two Men putting up frame of Boat sent from England - Eight men clearing Snow from around the Works which is many feet deep - Nine Men at Hunting Tents - four sawing Poplar Timber into Boards for Boats - Bricklayer and Two men set Lime Kiln - Rest variously employed"

Apr. 8
" Tuesday Wind Weather and Mens Employ nearly the same"

Apr. 9
" Wednesday Light Breezes SE Clear - Men as before"

Apr. 10
" Thursday Nearly the same"

Apr. 11
" Friday Wind and Weather nearly the same - Bricklayer began work on Chimnies in new Building - Had Lime Kiln drawn. rest nearly as before"

Apr. 12
" Saturday The same - Towards evening showers of rain - Sawyers came home with their Tent and bedding"

Apr. 13
" Sunday AM Light Breezes NW Cloudy PM Breezes Northerly with Snow"

Apr. 14
" Monday NW Breezes Clear - Six men clearing out Warehouses and preparing for Packing Goods for Inland Trade - Rest nearly as last Week"

Apr. 15
" Tuesday Fresh Breezes Southerly overcast - Had Shrowds fixed to Flagstaff - Two Men came from the Eastward Tents with 50 Partridges. Rest as before"

Apr. 16
" Wednesday Much rain last night Cloudy with light airs Southerly Thawing and much Water on the River Ice - Hunters of yesterday went to their Tents, with orders to bring home Tent and bedding - Rest as before"

Apr. 17
" Thursday Much Rain fell during last night. Day thawing with Southerly Breezes Clear. Mens Employ as before"

Apr. 18
" Friday Heavy rain during last night. AM Cloudy with variable light Breezes. PM Sleat - ? Hunters came from the Eastward - Three feet water on the River Ice obliged them to leave their Sleds acrofs the River"

Apr. 19
" Saturday AM Sharp frost and Cloudy - PM Mild and Clear - Sent Hunters for Sleds left acrofs the River yesterday - Rest nearly as before - Indians had their usual annual treat prior to the Geese comeing on the Coast - and notwithstanding only two Men Hunters the Expense is very heavy - every Woman and Child having presents made them the same as when Numbers of Hunters came in to kill Geese"

Apr. 20
" Sunday Variable light Airs Clear"

Apr. 21
" Monday AM Clear with Easterly Breezes PM Cloudy with fresh Breezes variable. Carpenters at Work on New Building - four putting together Boat sent out in frame. four at Pit saw - Cooper, Smith, Armourer and two Men at Work for Inland as are Eight packing Goods for that Trade. Mr Sutherland and three Men drying Sails of Craft. sent three men to Marsh to collect wood for Goose Tent - Rest variously Employ'd"

Apr. 22
" Tuesday Cloudy with Snow, fresh Breezes NW - All hands variously Employed packing Goods for Inland, slinging Rundlets &c - Much water on the River Ice"

Apr. 23
" Wednesday Variable Breezes part Clear, part Cloudy - Ten shilling and French Creek Ice broke up during last night - and from appearance of the Water on the Ice abreast the Factory - the river Ice upwards has given way - Geese seen to Day - Had meat taken out of the watering Hole. Afterwards Men exercising themselves with small Arms"

Apr. 24
" Thursday AM variable Breezes part Clear, part Cloudy PM Cloudy with Snow - Sent Eight Men to mend Deer Hedge and set snares - rest nearly as on Monday"

Apr. 25
" Friday Fresh Breezes NNE light Snow Cloudy - Mens Employ the same"

Apr. 26
" Saturday Light Breezes Easterly early part of the day overcast afterward Clear - River Ice so low as the Mile sand gave way - Mens Employ nearly the same"

Apr. 27
" Sunday Fresh Breezes Southerly Clear - Frogs made their appearance - remarkable early at this place - First Geese killed"

Apr. 28
" Monday Fresh Breezes NW Raw Cold - began fitting up Trading Room - Mens Employ nearly as last Week"

Apr. 29
" Tuesday Wind Weather and Mens Employ nearly as last Week - River Ice abreast the Factory gave during last Night"

Aug 30
" Wednesday The same"

May 1 1796
" Thursday More mild. Mens Employ nearly the same - Began working the Still"

May 2
" Friday Severe cold, Wind and Mens Employ the same"

May 3
" Saturday Wind the same Cloudy with Snow - Mens Employ as before"

May 4
" Sunday Wind and Weather nearly the same"

May 5
" Monday Variable Breezes Clear - Mens Employ nearly as last week"

May 6
" Tuesday nw Breezes Cloudy with Snow Cold - Men as before"

May 7
" Wednesday The same - One Deer caught in Hedge"

May 8
" Thursday The same - Clear Channel abreast the Factory"

May 9
" Friday The same"

May 10
" Saturday AM the same PM Clear with variable light Airs. Mens Employ nearly as before. Channel of the River clear of Ice so low as the Old Battery Bar"

May 11
" Sunday Fresh Breezes Southerly Clear - Took four Men in Boat and went to Ten Shilling Creek caught 30 lbs of Fish - A very heavy Deluge appears to have been up the River as the Wood hauled out last Winter to a Bank upwards of 40 feet above the Waters edge, is drifted far into the Woods and not a stick left where it was first placed. the Ice is piled very lofty along shore - and the Islands are covered to an amazing height with it"

May 12
" Monday Cloudy with stiff Breezes variable from NNW to ENE drifting Snow - Mens Employ nearly as last Week"

May 13
" Tuesday ENE Breezes Cloudy - Men as before - Mr Sutherland confined with the Rumatism - Three Natives came to the factory to beg supplies for themselves and Families"

May 14
" Wednesday Breezes Easterly Cloudy - Mens Employ as before - Twelve families of Indians Churchill homeGuards came in almost starving"

May 15
" Thursday Breezes Easterly Clear - Men as before - Indians of yesterday Traded. engaged the whole to kill Geese in the Marsh - which they readily complied with and promises to set off early tomorrow"

May 16
" Friday Breezes SE Clear - Sent four Men to the back of the Island for Geese - and four men in Boat to bring home Englishmen from the Marsh - sent all the Indians who arrived the 14th to Tent there and kill Geese &c - One Canoe of Natives arrived paid Debts and traded"

May 17
" Saturday Early AM fresh Breezes SW Sultry with Thunder Clear - afterward stiff Breezes NW Cloudy with heavy Rain PM Clear and pleasant. sent four men in Boat up the River for Poplar Boards - also four to the Marsh for Geese. the same number also went to the back of the Island - Rest as before - the Natives of the 16th went away - Received 236 Geese"

May 18
" Sunday Variable light Airs and Gentle Breezes - early part Cloudy afterwards Clear - Sent four Men in Boat for Geese"

May 19
" Monday Breezes SW Clear - Tradesmen at their respective occupations. Rest variously employed on Inland businefs &c &c In the afternoon four Canoes of Homeguards arrived well loaded with furs as did the Canoe of Natives who set off the 17th Inst."

May 20
" Tuesday Light airs and gentle Breezes SSW Clear - Early this Morning six Canoes of Home Guard Natives arrived well loaded with furs - and about Noon four others - Sent Men to the Goose Tents returned with about 300 Geese - Rest nearly as before"

May 21
" Wednesday Light Breezes variable Clear. Part of Natives traded and paid Debts. Mens Employ nearly as before"

May 22
" Thursday Light Airs Easterly Clear - Sent ten men to raft home Timber and Firewood - Eight Packing Tobacco for Inland - five digging Gardens - rest nearly as before - Natives came from the Marsh Goose Tent - paid them for killing Geese - One Canoe of Natives went away"

May 23
" Friday AM Cloudy with rain PM Clear and variable Breezes - Mens Employ nearly as before - Natives came from the back of the Island Goose Tent - Altho no more than two Men Hunters at the Commencement of the season - the arrival of the Natives the 14th enabled me to salt six hogsheads of Geese, besides serving out fresh supplies to Men"

May 24
" Saturday AM strong gale Northerly with heavy Rain PM stiff breezes NW with rain - All hands nearly as before except those that were at work in the Gardens yesterday are Employed packing Goods for Inland"

May 25
" Sunday Strong Gales NW Cloudy with Snow, Sleet and Hail - Engaged with Natives the whole Day in the Trading Room - In the evening two Canoes of Bungee Natives arrived"

May 26
" Monday Early this morning the Ground covered with snow - Severe frost - afterwards Clear with light Airs and Gentle Breezes variable. Sent Mr Sutherland and five Men to get off Sloop and bring her up the River - Rest employed nearly as last Week"

May 27
" Tuesday AM Clear PM Cloudy - Mr Sutherland brought up Sloop and Anchored abreast the Creek - Rest nearly as before
Three Canoes of Home Guards all men arrived well loaded with furs - they say that the scarsity of Animals on the Coast of last years - has distrefsed their families - when they were here during summer which obliged them to remove to a more plentiful Country a great distance from the Factory that their bringing their families with them would prevent the conveyance of furs - therefore the Men intend in future to come down in turns - while others remain to kill supplies for their families - They bring an account that a disorder broke out amongst them last fall, which disabled several during winter and that two very capital Hunters now remain at the point of Death

The Bungees who arrived the 25th Traded and went away. only one of whom paid their Debts owing here, the others had already been down to Severn with their furs and altho young Men, one came in a Captains uniform and a Flag flying - on ? account of not drefsing him in Chiefs Clothing the same as at Severn, they went away much displeased with a determination not to visit york any more - But as I am pretty certain the furs they procure will be carried to Severn I am not sorry for the event as it may be the means of putting a stop to their wandering from place to place for the sake of what they can collect, which is attended wih a heavy Expense annually to your Honours"

May 28
" Wednesday Strong Gales NE b N AM Clear PM Cloudy. Mens Employ nearly as before - Eight Canoes of Natives arrived well loaded"

May 29
" Thursday Fresh Breezes SSE Clear and Sultry much rain during last night. Sent men in Boat to afsist home with rafts of Firewood from French Creek - Cooper and two men filling Inland Rundlets with high Spirits. Rest as before - Natives of the 27th paid Debts and Traded - and two Canoes went away"

May 30
" Friday Fresh Breezes and squalls of Wind NNE. Cloudy at times Snow, Sleet and Rain- Obliged to send six in Boat to afsist the Wooders home with Rafts which are laying on the opposite shore. Rest as before - Natives of the 27th went away"

May 31
" Saturday SSE Breezes Clear - a sharp frost early this morning - Thirteen Canoes of Natives went away - those of the 28th paid debts, Traded and in the Evening went away - Men came home with 16 Rafts of Firewood and Timber - as they were obliged to warp them acrofs the River it was attended with much difficulty as the Warp broke whereby they lost one Kedge Anchor and one Grapnaal"

June 1 1788
" Sunday Strong Gales Northerly - Morning sharp frost with Sleet and Snow - afterwards clear - Sent four Men in Boat to bring home the flesh of a Buck Deer caught in the Hedge"

June 2
" Monday Northerly Breezes Cloudy thick Snow Raw Cold - All hands Tradesmen excepted conveying Wood up the Bank - Sent two families of Natives to Tent, attend Nets and Hunt at Ten shilling Creek - also two to set nets up this River and Hunt in the plains - two came from acrofs the River to afsist Englishmen up with Boats - All the above Natives Have engaged to hunt for the factory and Englishmen going up this River during the Summer Season. This I find necefsary for the welfare of the Men at the Factory - and having such a Number of Indians around am obliged to find Employment for them - As the Churchill homeguards are fully determined not to return back to that Settlement - and tell me if I attempt to force them - they have it in their power to prevail on many of their Relations (with whom they would wish to remain) to accompany them to Canadian Settlements - they are fully resolved not to go again to Churchill any more"

June 3
" Tuesday Northerly Breeze AM Severe frost with Snow - PM more moderate
Mefs Longmoor and Fidler with three others packing Goods and getting things in readinefs for Boats going Inland - Rest nearly as before - Six Canoes of Bungee Natives arrived"

June 4
" Wednesday Southerly Breezes Clear
Finished carrying the Wood up the Bank - afterwards had provisions put up for Boats going Inland. on making public my intention to go with Boat so far as Hill River - and that none but Volunteers accompany me it was a pleasing satisfaction to see almost every Man in factory offer their Service - who said they were both ready and willing to follow me wherever I went. therefore The obstacles I had to encounter last season is done away and I hope we shall be able to push on Inland businefs with more vigour from this factory than heretofore - Rest of Men Employed as before
Eight Canoes of Homeguard Natives arrived tolerably well loaded with furs - One Man a good hunter unfortunately lost the use of his Limbs last fall which disabled him from killing any Animals - His Debt is large and having a numerous family of young Children who will of course become burdensome to this place - His misfortune falls heavy on the factory"

June 5
" Thursday Strong Gales all last night with heavy Rain which continued till noon when it cleared up - Tradesmen as before, rest preparing packages for Boats - Part of Natives paid Debts and Traded - and two Canoes went acrofs the River"

June 6
" Friday Stiff Breezes variable early part Cloudy latter Clear. Bungee Natives of the 3rd paid Debts Traded and went away - All hands engaged on Inland duty - and with Natives"

June 7
" Saturday Stiff Breezes NW early clear afterwards Showers of Hail and Snow alternately - Laid out Boat Cargoes and fixed on Men for going Inland - In the afternoon's tide Launched the new Boat put up this season which only draws Eight Inches Water - as I have great expectations for her answering for making trips Inland - called her the Hope - the admeasurement is 9 Tons burden"

June 8
" Sunday Stiff Breezes variable all round the Compafs part Clear part Cloudy - Engaged with Indians and preparing for Inland the whole Day"

June 9
" Monday Strong Gales E b N towards evening heavy rain - Five Canoes of Homeguards went away - dispatched fifteen Men in the Large Boat with Trading Goods to the Rock in Hill River to meet the Men from Inland - We compute the Cargo of the Boat to be about nine Tons yet her draft of Water is no more than two feet with her full Lading. Engaged the remaining part of the Day preparing packages for another Boats Cargo in which I intend to embark myself in a few days"

June 10
" Tuesday Strong Gales NW with heavy Rain all last night which did not abate till 9 AM when it became more moderate with flying Showers at times Clear and Breezes NW
A Man came early from the party who sett off yesterday in Boat - says they are unable to proceed further than Dram Gut - the planks in the Boat being so bad that the Water comes in great quantities thro' the worm holes which has damaged many articles - and that they are unable to proceed further without the afsistance of the Boat builder - This obliged me to send of Shipwright and Boat builder with three Men in Boat - with necefsary articles to stop the Leaks. This circumstance alone will be a great lofs to the factory as I am necefsiated to send of the Boat builder to accompany the Boats Inland who had he staid down would have been enabled to have built a Boat for Stoning against my return to the factory - In the evening two of the men who went up with the Tradesmen in Boat to Dram Gut returned giving a very unfavourable account of the condition of many articles of Trading Goods - as well as Boat, requesting some Officer from the factory to go there & examine them - In consequence got things ready for Mefs Longmoor & Sutherland to set off early tomorrow morning
Rest of Men Employed as before"

June 11
" Wednesday SSW Breezes AM part Clear part Cloudy with flying showers - PM heavy rain
Early this morning Mefs Longmoor and Sutherland took a Boat with four men to Dram Gut. on their return brought one full Cargo of Trading Goods besides provisions from the large Boat- they report very unfavourable of the condition of many articles - owing to the Leakage of the Boat - thro' the Worm holes only - The Cargo of one Canoe being brought back is a great lofs to your Honours, as it will prevent nearly Eight hundred beaver of the old stock being brought from Cumberland House this Summer exclusive of the value of Mens wages - This circumstance alone shews that some attention ought to be paid to the quality of materials sent into this Country -
I am sorry I am obliged again to remark as I have often done before - That the Oak plank boards and other Wood work sent to this place is of the worst quality - and I am certain your Honours are greatly deceived in the person who supplies the Company with it - Many of the Timbers as well as Boards sent out for the Boats were so bad they were only fit for firing - and the Workmen (who are very capable men) were obliged to supply the deficiency from that sent out for other purposes, part of which is so much decayed - it is not fit for any use whatever - We have not sufficient left for the repair of other Craft.
As to Ash billets and helves sent out for our falling Hatchets, very few among the whole are to be found fit for the purpose for which they were intended - being partly decayed before Landed - and it is not uncommon for us to see the decayed parts in the latter stopped up with putty or some other mixture - this is evident that deceit was intended in the disposal of them - The sending such articles into this Country is often attended with very serious consequences - as we are so situated, have it not in our power to supply ourselves by other means but what is sent us from England.
Late in the afternoon three Canoes of Natives arrived with Letters from Mr Cook who are to return with powder - As his Letters require some consideration before I can draw out Instructions for his proceedings in Summer - obliged me to defer setting off tomorrow - Mr Cook writes me that he has not a Man that will undertake to stay at Sepawish House as Summer Master - Edward Wishart who has acted in that Station during Winter declines it, notwithstanding he entered into Contract for that purpose - Tho' I must confefs he was one necefsity compelled me to engage - for want of a person more capable - as he cannot write his own name and being obliged to apply to the Men to read his Letters of Instruction exposes him to their ridicule and contempt - Ever since I have been in this Country it has been more difficult to find proper Masters for Houses, than to find proper places to build Houses, which has prevented many erections from being made - It has been long remarked in this Country that the Men who are active and expert?, at the same time ignorant of Letters are the most ready in learning the Indian Tongue - here are several clever Men in this Service who scarcely know a Letter in the Alphabet are good Linguists and good Servants consequently would be proper for the station of Master, yet they are fearful to undertake it knowing that they would expose themselves to the ridicule of there fellow Servants - and Altho' there is of late years many pretty? Officers came from England to this place - few very few are to be relied on - They are too thoughtlefs to be placed in any station of confidence nay they are unfit to be trusted with a station of any Charge - or even permitted to do the most trivial concern without being followed.
Two Canoes of Natives came from acrofs the River"

June 12
" Thursday NNE Breezes heavy rain all last night which continued till noon afterwards part Clear part Cloudy with Thunder. towards evening Snow
Prepared Letters of Instruction for Mefs Cook and Sinclair for their proceeding during the ensuing Summer - Packed up Goods to send by Packet Indians - Mens Employ nearly as before - Prepared things in readinefs to set off tomorrow on Boat"

June 13
" Friday Early AM sharp frost with much Snow on the Ground. Westerly Breezes and Cloudy
Gave Mr Longmoor Instructions in writing for his procedure during my absence, and delivered to him the Keys and charge of the factory - and Embarked about 8 AM - with six men in a Batteaux Loaded with Trading Goods, in order to meet the Honble Companys Servants from Inland at the fall Hill River - As most of the Goods taken up in Boats are packed purposely for the Athapescow Expedition - my intention of leaving the factory at this time is purposely to Engage Men to carry on that undertaking - Engaged two Indians to accompany me in a Canoe - also took three from the factory to go so far as Pennycutway to bring down a Canoe left there by Hunters last fall - Put up the first night near the Poplar fall - Killed one Deer this Day"

June 14
" Saturday Fresh Gales NNE Clear -
At 3 AM proceeded on our Journey to Pennycutway - took down the Canoe to send to the factory by Indians - when preceving a quantity of Hair in the River, convinced me Deer were crofsing upwards - ordered the Natives to proceed in our Company - about 3 PM we came to the place where Deer were crofsing in Great Numbers, put up and killed upwards of Forty head this Evening"

June 15
" Sunday Variable Winds part Clear part Cloudy. towards evening Rain and heavy Gusts of Wind
Made a raft of the Deer killed last night and sent the Indians to the factory with them where they arrived the next day. about 6 AM proceeded on our Journey - Numerous were the herds of Deer we saw crofs the River and for some miles the Shores on both sides were covered with them. Meeting a Canoe of Natives going to the factory without furs or ammunition - We killed twenty Deer and desired them to proceed to the factory - Gave the Indians a supply of Ammunition but whither they dried the flesh and laid up a Store against their return back I cannot say - As Mr Longmoors Journal says that these Indians only brought down the flesh of three Deer to the factory where they arrived three Days after I parted from them - Put up this Evening in sight of Sumatoway Bluff"

June 16
" Monday Heavy showers of Rain and Gusts of Wind during last Night - At 4 AM stowed Tents and proceeded on our Journey, entered Steel River when a storm of Wind accompanied by heavy rain obliged us to put up about 10 AM. the rain continued till 3 PM We proceeded till the Evening when meeting a family of Natives going to the factory well loaded with furs. we put up together"

June 17
" Tuesday Rain last night with Thunder & Lightening - Day Clear and sultry - Light Airs Variable - Wrote a Letter to Mr Longmoor and delivered to Natives and at 4 AM proceeded and put up at the Log Tent early in order to dry our Bedding, Tents &c
This day Mr Longmoor sent off Natives in four Canoes Loaded with Trading Goods for Mr Cook"

June 18
" Wednesday Fresh Gales Easterly Clear - Struck Tents at 2 AM - and proceeded till an accident obliged us to unload and repair our Batteaux a Stick having gone thro' her bottom - When done and reloaded and went on at Noon entered Hill River - and about 3 PM overtook the Men who left the factory four Days before us with Large Boat. put up for the evening together - The Men in Large Boat having met with a trifling accident yesterday - disheartened them very much - and were fearful of proceeding - but on afsuring them that I would myself lead the way for the remaining part of the Journey, and having at my power to supply them with provisions - made them chearful in the evening and they appeared as contented to proceed on as when they left the factory - Muskeatoes numerous"

June 19
" Thursday A sharp frost last night - a thick fog early - day clear and pleasant - Blows Strong
At 5 AM Struck Tents and proceeded on our Journey - with the large Boat in Company - As the Water appeared Shoal ordered Mason the Pateroon to take only half Cargo in the Latter by doing which I find the Men could manage her with much ease as those with the Batteaux - When I found this I gave directions to the Pateroon to take his time to follow as it was my intention to proceed with all expedition to the Rock - in order to fall timber for building of a House - About noon we parted Company - The Pateroon with Large Boat to fetch remaining part of Cargo - myself and crew? proceeded on our Journey - put up at 4 PM. The current this day very rapid and strong"

June 20
" Friday AM thick fog - afterwards Clear with fresh breezes variable - flies numerous and troublesome
At 4 AM Embarked and proceeded on our Journey and at Noon reached the extent of Mr Donald's expedition with Boat last Summer. put up at 5 PM. The part of the River we pafsed this morning Strong current rapid and Shoal water, latter part easy current with sufficient water for our Long Boat close in shore"

June 21
" Saturday Wind and Weather the same
At 5 AM we proceeded on our Journey - bad tracking prevented our making that speed we wished - The Water being deep we had only to guard against the Large Rocky stones that rise from the bed of the River to near the surface of the Water - At 2 PM we got to the extent of our Journey, the Rock - Whatever merit is due from bringing a Boat thus far up Hill River my Men are entitled to it - as I was only a pafsenger on board the first wooden Craft that reached this fall
I left Men to pitch Tents and took others with me in Boat to the Rock to angle for fish which we found in plenty - Killed sufficient for this evening and tomorrow supply - After refreshing ourselves went to rest earlier in hopes of receiving benefit from Sleep which has been a Stranger to my Eyes ever since I left the factory"

June 22
" Tuesday Wind variable and Clear
Caught a large Number of fish this Day by Angling - enabled me to send upwards of 100 pounds weight to Men in large Boat. At noon sent three Men in Batteaux to afsist the others with part of Cargo
Late in the evening two Canoes of Natives arrived on their way to the factory, tell me they left Mr Isham and party this morning going down a new Track to avoid the heavy falls in Hill River. they put up and intend waiting his arrival"

June 23
" Monday Wind and Weather the same - flies very numerous and troublesome
Early this morning began clearing ground and falling Timber for building a Store House - About 10 AM Mr Mitchel Oman accompanied by 25 Englishmen and many Indians arrived in Nine Large Canoes loaded with furs from Cumberland House and at 11 the Men with Large Boat and Batteaux Loaded with Trading Goods all in good condition - As did Mr Isham and party about Noon in five Canoes accompanied by several Indians in small ones - Mr Isham tells me he had dispatched three Men in a Canoe from Swan River to Cumberland House to afsist down with furs
Mr Oman brought the disagreeable intelligence of Manchester House being plundered by Indians - last fall - and that upwards of three Canoe Cargoes of Trading Goods besides thirty new Guns had been stolen from that Settlement and the Men stripped of their all - at the time this happened only two Men and a Boy were in the House, four others were at a distance falling firewood - Only seven in the whole were left at it neither of whom understood the Language of the Natives, indeed six of them were young hands
Mr Oman also informed me that the Athapescow Expedition is entirely knocked on the head - that Mefs Rofs and Thompson desired him to tell me that they found it impofsible to carry on that undertaking from Cumberland House while Mr Tomison had any command there - But that Mr Rofs being anxious to carry it on - had fitted out one Canoe and was gone to settle a House to the Northward of Cumberland, this he was enabled to do with the afsistance of Men engaged at the factory last fall, He said many artifices had been used to discourage the Men this Season from Engaging on that undertaking, notwithstanding many offered their Service, provided they had it in writing the Wages promised them by Mefs Thompson & Rofs - This Mr Tomison positively declined by saying the Company had already obliged him to pay out of his own pocket a large Sum of Money for advancing wages to Men, and was determined to do so no more - Mr Oman pointed out to me several Men who were willing to have accompanied Mr Rofs into the Athapescow Country - these I examined - and they confirmed what Mr Oman before told me. As no Letters are sent to guide my proceedings I am at a lofs how to act - Could I have forseen that the Northern Expedition would have been set aside this year I would not have left the factory as any other person might have done as well as myself in seeing the Cargo of Boats deivered at the Rock - But the Council having taken such steps last fall to ensure the succefs of the undertaking into the Athapescow Country I had made myself easy, flattering myself that no one would be bold enough to set the orders given to Mr Oman by the Council and signed by every Member last fall for him to Conduct as many Canoes as pofsible to the factory early from Cumberland was set aside and men were forbid to obey Him
Mr Oman delivered Letters from Mr Tomison to me, as they appear to be written purposely to stop all kinds of Businefs - and throw the concerns of the Company into disorder - It is my determination not to answer them - or take any notice of the scurility they contain - I shall only endeavour to counteract his deep designs and prevent his carrying his threats into execution - that of giving the utmost trouble to his succefsor - by putting the Companys affairs into the utmost confusion on his leaving this Service - I saw sufficient this ? his disposition in the year 1786 in the contest between him and Mr Martin - which I will do my utmost to avoid controversy as I confefs he is more than a Match for me in scurility and abusive Language
Gave the Natives a little Liquor to drink and a scene of noise continued the whole Night"

June 24
" Tuesday Wind variable all round the Compafs
Mefs Isham and Oman afsisting me unpacking Guns and putting them into cases for conveying them Inland - All the Natives when they found I would not supply them with Liquor set off towards the factory except one I detained to go after Moose tomorrow, the Track of one having been seen near - Sent a Letter by the Natives to Mr Longmoor"

June 25
" Wednesday Moderate Breezes SSW Clear towards evening sultry with Thunder and Lightening - flies numerous and troublesome
Mr Oman got his Canoe in readinefs to accompany me up the remaining part of Hill River - being a part I wish to see whither it be practicable for Boats to be got up -
Boat builder repairing Boats and Men falling Timber for building - The Indian I detained last night returned in the evening having killed a Moose
Mefs Tomison and Bird accompanied by thirty six Men and three Indians arrived in Twelve Large and one Small Canoe - Loaded with furs - The Letters brought down from Mefs Thomspn and Rofs confirm what Mr Oman before told me - of the Northern Expedition being entirely set aside for this Season - I also understand from Mr Bird that both those Officers are so much disheartened at the repeated failures they have met with, had it not been for Mr Thompson adopting the plan of pursuing some other Track, that it was Mr Rofs's determination to have come down with the Canoes and gone to England
This day all the Homeguards came from acrofs the River to the factory with their families almost starved. so says Mr Longmoors Journal"

June 26
" Thursday Moderate Breezes part Clear part Cloudy with flying showers - flies numerous and troublesome
As many artifices had been used to put a stop to the Athapescow Expedition which occaisioned its being frustrated this Season, it was my determination to let no opportunity slip to engage Men purposely for that undertaking - And as Mef Rofs and Thompson sent a List of Men who were willing to engage at Cumberland House and were ready to have set off from that Settlement with (Mr Rofs) had Mr Tomison consented to give them any memorandum in writing for the advance of Wages promised. this being positively refused, the Men in consequence declined, as he told them that the Company had already obliged him to pay Money out of his pocket for advancing wages to Men
Called a Council purposely to settle Terms with Men for the Athapescow Country and to enter into Contract those Men whose times are expired

John Rofs who is in the last year of his first Contract and being a Steersman and Canoe builder made a Voluntary offer to conduct a Canoe to the Northward provided he was allowed Steersmans wages, The Majority of the Council considered him as a Man worthy of encouragement. engaged to give him sixteen pounds for the last year of his Contract and at the expiration thereof to enter him into Contract for three years at twenty pounds pr Annum and to be allowed the bounty of one fourth added thereto for and during such Contract - being the Terms allowed by the Honble Committee - to their Servants conducting Canoes to the Northwards of Isle le Crofs

Magnus Tate also agreed to enter into Contract at 20 pounds pr Annum as Steersman with the bounty of one fourth added there to.

Thomas Brown engaged as Bowsman at 16£ pr Annum - or on the same terms as Magnus Tate should it be required of him to steer a Canoe during this Contract

George Stranger engaged on the same terms as Thomas Brown

Malchom Grott who engaged last year as Steersman was promised to be put on the same footing as other Steersman going to the Northward by being allowed the bounty of one fourth added to his annual wages

John Park and Magnus Birston Bowsmen who were Volunteers for the Athapescow Expedition were promised that their Wages would be be made equal to fifteen pounds during their present subsisting Contract and at the expiration thereof to enter into Contract for three Years on the same terms as others of their fellow servants employed in that undertaking. Mr Tomison made many objections against John Parks engagement and declared that he should not go to any belonging to the Company but Buckingham House - this he made public before the Man, who said if you will give me equal encouragement to that I am promised for going Northward I am willing return with you, but on no other terms.
The reason why Mr Tomison wanted to detain this Man - he is very useful making Kegs Inland - which on my afsuring him that a Cooper was indented for last Season purposely for Inland, he agreed then to Parks going to the Northward.

When sufficient Steersmmen and Bowsmen were engaged for the Northward Expedition - Entered into Contract the following Steersmen
James Davey [and]
Magnus Spense at 20£ pr Ann. for three years
John Johnson Steersman and Canoe builder on the same terms
Hugh Sabiston for four years - two at 14£ pr Annum which are past and two at 20£ pr Ann..

The following being old Steersmen returned Inland for one year leaving their terms to the Honble Committee being Steersmen and Canoe builders Viz.
John Flett
William Flett Jun.
Robert Garroch
John Sabeston and
James Flett Taylor and Steersman
Gilbert Laughton, Smith, Steersman and Canoe builder entered into Contract for two years at 30£ pr Annum
William Flett Senior would not agree to the Honble Companys terms - and intends going to England
James Gaddy Steersman, Linguist and occaisional Master - would not agree to the Company's terms and intends going home pr next Ship -
Information says this person is engaged by Mr Shaw, one of the Canadian proprietors at 100£ pr Ann. clear of all deductions whatever"

June 27
" Friday The Officers afsembled as yesterday to engage Bowsmen - we found much difficulty this day - not one would enter at the old stated Wages at 12£ pr Annum - ? very young Bowsman came before the Council and publicly declared they would not take Charge of the Bow of a Canoe unlefs their wages were advanced more than that of Middlemen - when we found that all businefs was nearly at a stand necefsity compelled us to advance the Bowsmen wages to 14£ Pr Annum, the same as all the Servants were allowed indiscrimenantly Entering the second Contract in 1786 & 1787.

Entered the following into Contract for three years at the above Wages - Benjamin Bruce, John Johnson Jun., William Tate, Nichol Leight.
Magnus Cooper was also entered into Contract for five years, The four first years at 12£ Pr Annum and 14£ for the last year of his Contract.
William Mowatt, Taylor and Bowsman entered into Contract two years at 14£ Pr Annum and one year at 16£ as Steersman and during his Contract to do the duty as Taylor.
James Halcro entered into Contract for three years to commence in 1793. the first year at 10£ the second at 12£ and the last year at 14£ Pr Annum.
Andrew Flett and Robert Linkletter would not agree to the Company's terms.
John Ward and Robt Randal unwell.
Alex Johnson unfit for Inland.
The Council would not listen to James Sinclairs proposals on account of his bad beheavour to Mr Bird last Winter Inland.

In order that we may never experience the inconvenience felt for years past at this place for want of Bowsmen and Steersmen, at the same time put a stop to the combinations among them - I made it public that every young Man who undertook to do the duty of a Bowsman or Steersman during the first or second Contract without being rated as such should on their undertaking that duty be recomended to the Honble Committee to be allowed a bounty for the extra duty - They immediately said they had already been informed that the Committee would not allow them anything of the kind, which had stoped many from taking on them the trouble and fatague attending the charge of a Canoe - I afsured them the Contrary and to enforce it, promised to pay them out of my own pocket if bounty was not allowed them - One and all declared themselves satisfied and promised to exert themselves accordingly.
Having finished the businefs - fixed on twenty four Men to return Inland with eight Canoes, the Cargoes for which I had taken up in Boats, and to return Loaded with Furs from Cumberland to be sent to England Pr next Ship - To discribe the confusion that now ensued would be impofsible for it surpafsed any thing I ever heard. One and all, Mr Oman excepted, declared against making the trip - But when they found their abusive Language would not avail, and our steadinefs to presevere, They all very reluctantly complied - except William Flett Sen. who was pofsitive in his denial - Served out Provisions, Brandy and every necefsary the same as at the factory to Men returning Inland"

June 28
" Saturday AM Light showers of Rain Cloudy, PM Clear Breezes WSW
Began early to arrange businefs for my return to the factory, put two bundles of furs into every other Canoe going down in order to lighten the Boats and gave directions to William Manson? and Men to afsist building the House before they left the Rock. - Fixed on John Allan, Tho. Halcro, and John Houston to remain in charge of the goods left there - William Flett Sen., appointed to return Inland left his Tent early and took with him his bedding into the Woods- which occaisioned some stoppage of businefs for the present - as he has often been guilty of such flighty acts - tis generally beleived that he will return to go off with the rest of the Men Inland - All the Men and Canoes were set off except two, and my things were put on board Mr Tates and was going into it to proceed to the Factory When Mr Tomison told me he intended to return Inland himself with the Goods in room of Mr Wm Flett Sen. and that it was his intention to remain up - This rather surprised me - On my asking him what he would reccommend being pursued against Wm Flett Sen. for his beheavour and refusal of Duty. - Mr Tomison said, it was best to take no further Notice of him - but send him with the rest of the Men in Canoes to Cumberland House from the factory - This inclined me to think that Wm Fletts Absconding was a concerted scheme as James Davey Mr Tomisons tent mate was desired to leave the place as soon as pofsible lest he should be pitched on to supply Wm Fletts room to go Inland - Took leave of Mr Tomison and Embarked at 11 OClock in Mr Tates Canoe - One canoe in Company in which was Mr Bird - we proceeded to the Mouth of Hill River here we found two Canoes of Indians from the factory loaded with Goods for Mr Cook - These Natives I left on the Plantation a fortnight before - At midnight fell in with a herd of Deer in Steel River. killed three. and soon after over took Men in fourteen Canoes that had set off from the Rock before us - We kept Company to Dram Gut where we overtook Mr Isham and party and proceeded togeather to the factory where we arrived"

June 29
" Sunday At two oClock in safety after hard paddling for twenty seven hours in which time we had come 130 Miles - found all the Englishmen in health except Thomas Spense who is past hopes of recovery - Lodged all the furs for the present in the Launch House - Upwards of three hundred Indians on the plantation including those that accompanied the Englishmen down the River - part clear part cloudy towards evening heavy rain"

June 30
" Monday Variable Winds AM Clear - Noon cloudy towards evening Rain
Engaged on Inland duty the whole Day"

July 1 1794
" Tuesday Cloudy with flying showers
desired all the Young Indian Men to muster? to take goods in their Canoes to Gordon House Hill River - Thirty ? offered their service, six of whom I refused being concerned with others deserting Mr Cook when I first set on foot the Settlement up Nelson River.
Packed up Goods and sorted bundles - All hands engaged on Inland duty"

July 2
" Wednesday Wind and Weather nearly the same
Sent of 24 Indians in Twelve Canoes with Trading Goods and provisions to Gordon House Hill River, where I hope to get up large supplies of Goods as I intend to employ the Natives to convey the same from thence next Summer to or near Bowcowcaugan? - where another House will be erected - as a Store House above which Boats of Large Burden can be navigated with as much ease as Canoes - I have for the first Time trusted Natives to carry up high Brandy and am inclined to think they will not betray their trust
Shipwright and two Men having been at work on the Sloop for upwards of three weeks past - Reported this Day - that it was out of the power of Man to repair her in this Country fit for Sea - He says the Vefsel may Answer for two or three years afsisting to discharge the Ship while laying in five fathom Hole, but it would be dangerous to attempt a Voyage to Churchill or Severn - The Timber and planks being so much decayed - and to attempt putting on the Stem Sent out for her would only be so much Time wasted. As I desired the Shipwright to give his report in writing - I shall include the same in packet for your Honours perusal - Mens employ as before"

July 3
" Thursday Breezes NE Morning Cloudy afterwards Clear
All hands engaged on Inland duty the whole day - In the afternoon - The Men and Boats returned from Hill river loaded with furs. Manson the Pateroon acquaints me that Mefs Tomison and Oman accompanied by twenty three men in Eight Canoes set off from the Rock in Hill River - and proceeded on their Journey towards Cumberland House on Sunday morning last. And that William Flett Sen. who had set of into the Wood the day before returned to the House soon after Mr Tomisons departure - and came down in Boat this day. Called a Council to deliberate on the necefsary steps to be pursued against William Flett Sen. - the particulars of his Conduct and behaviour is before inserted in this Journal the 27th and 28th Ult. - The Council was unanimous in their resolution to fine him Twenty pounds - As there are many agravating Circumstances in his behaviour - A minute of the Council will be enclosed, a Number in the Packet - One Canoe of Natives arrived with furs from Cumberland House"

July 4
" Friday Clear Weather with light Airs
Packing Trading goods and serving out Men - but as Mr Tomison has not sent his papers or Accounts am at a lofs to proceed on our businefs
The Athapescow expedition being at a stand for want of proper information being sent from Cumberland House - therefore that undertaking remains where it did last year.
Employment as before"

July 5
" Saturday Clear Weather with NE Breezes
Early this morning Mr David Thompson arrived accompanied by John Harper and an Indian guide with bundles of furs belonging to Mr Cook
Mr Thompson tells me he is entirely? disheartened as is Mr Rofs - so many obstacle having purposely been thrown in the way to prevent the Northward expedition being carried forward from Cumberland House. That it was with much persuation he prevented Mr Rofs coming down in order to go to England - as he found it impofsible to fulfil the Honble Committees Instructions in the present situation of Affairs
Mr Thompson also tells me strange and unaccountable measures have been pursued to prevent Canoes being brought to the factory, and that there is at this time no lefs than Ten Good Canoes left at Cumberland House, part of which have only made one trip to the factory. - part of which could have been brought is evident by the number of Men who are come down
Mr Oman when at Cumberland house made an offer (much to his Credit) to Mr Tomison in presence of Mefs Rofs, Thomas Jun., Bird, Thompson and Tate to conduct Eight Canoes with only two Men and twelve bundles of furs each agreeable to the order of Council last Year, which was refused by Mr Tomison who gave orders to the three last named to fix men for Canoes coming down - They accordingly fixed Men for twenty five Canoes - But they suppose that on Mr Tomison finding more Canoes manned than there was a probabilty returning back with Trading goods to Cumberland - he altered the whole - when? only twenty one large and one small one was manned and came down neither of which had above fifteen whole bundles of furs - which bears no proportion to what might have been brought down had either Mr Omans' or Birds plan been persued - It gives me concern that I have had occasion to mention this businefs in my Journal so often - It is well known to every one - that formerly when there was not half the Number of Men Inland to what there are at this time, a number of Canoes used to be brought down and left at the factory which enabled me to begin the undertaking up Nelson River - but since that establishment has been set on foot great care has been taken at Cumberland to bring no more Canoes down than are necefsary to carry up trading goods - unlefs those that no man would venture in to return back in - Indeed Mr Oman told me at the Rock in presence of others that he had often heard Mr Tomison declare that he would take good care no Canoe from Cumberland should be employed elsewhere but up the Saskechewan River
But as Mr Tomison is absent it is my determination to make choice of the best Canoe for the ? that are brought down be the consequence what will. -
Men variously Employed on Inland duty
One Canoe of Natives arrived with a little dried meat - In the evening the young Men I sent off to Gordon House the 2nd Instant - having fallen in with herds of Deer crofsing the River - returned with the flesh of fifty two - Having left the Goods staged in the Woods - gave them a little liquor to drink as they promised to set off tomorrow - Thomas Spense very ill"

July 6
" Sunday Fresh Breezes SW Clear. There has been for days past an appearance of a Large fire upwards which Darkins the Suns rays by its smoak.
The Natives who came in with Venison last night returned to pursue their Journey to the Rock Hill River"

July 7
" Monday Fresh Gales NE clear much rain last night. the fire upwards seem to rage with uninterupted violence
The Native who accompanied Mr Thompson went away and took three bundles of Trading goods. Smoaked with the Natives from Swan? River and presented them three pipe stems - they afterwards Traded - and were paid for bringing down furs, and for taking up Goods - The expenses attending it is very great but as the Natives has long been in the habit of trading with the Canadians to whom they appear much attached ever since they were forbid to come to the factory, obliged me to be liberal in order to draw them from those enterprizing Traders - Men Employed packing Goods for Inland"

July 8
" Tuesday Calm Clear and Sultry
Settled Canoes to return Inland and fixed Men to whom provisions were served out. Mefs Thompson, Bird and Tate packing Goods - Natives in seven Canoes set off for Swan? River with Trading goods. Thomas Pybus Joiner accidentally cut his arm dangerously. - The Surgeons are of the opinion he will not be able to do the least duty for many Weeks - His being a good Workman, and a steady man the lofs of his work is of much consequence to this place at this busy time"

July 9
" Wednesday Gentle Breezes SW b S the fire upwards continues with unabated violence. The factory and for miles below is surrounded by Clouds of Smoak - and the sun appears thro' it like unto a Ball of fire.
Mens Employ nearly as before"

July 10
" Thursday The same - flies numerous"

July 11
" Friday The same - Laid out Cargoes for five Canoes"

July 12
" Saturday Wind and Weather nearly the same
This mornings Tide sixteen Englishmen and eleven Natives set off in five Large and one small Canoes with Trading goods for Cumberland House - The Canoes from Inland being much larger then they were Eight years ago - requires an additional number of hands to work them, more than it did then, consequently the expense is one third more to your Honours - Yet notwithstanding this advantage the cargoes have been the same as they were when smaller Canoes were Employed. This year, having an opportunity without interruption, I loaded every Canoe in proportion to the number of Men who work them. but this was not accomplished without much murmuring among them - who has been for this long time their own Masters
Laid out Cargoes for the Canoes preparing to leave the factory tomorrow"

July 13
" Sunday Variable Breezes Cloudy with heavy Rain - Thomas Spense very ill - The wet weather prevented the Canoes leaving the Factory"

July 14
" Monday Northerly breezes cloudy with misling? rains - This Mornings Tide Mefs Bird and Thomas Sen. Surgeon accompanied by Thirteen Men set off in four Large Canoes loaded with trading Goods for the upper settlements - I should have given my negative against a Surgeon's going Inland - Where I understand from Mr Tomison by experience there is no occasion for any - for during the two years the Surgeon has resided, it has been attended with a very heavy Expence to the Honble Company - without the least benefit arrising from his practice in Medecines - This I do not ? from my own knowledge but from what Mr Tomison acquainted me while at the Rock - and I should not have permitted a Surgeon to have returned Inland - had it not been for the great attachment Mr Thomas Sen. has for this Country, [1 line blotted out] - The want of proper Officers Inland to conduct affairs was a strong motive for my giving afsent - And I have not a doubt but he will render himself very serviceable to the Honble Committee not only as a Surgeon but as an Active Officer at the Company's settlements Inland - Mr Isham and party preparing to leave the factory and Mr Thompson &c packing Goods for the Northward - Mens Employ as before
About 2 PM Thomas Spense departed this Life - On comming out last year he received a fall on board the Prince of Wales by which he broke two of his ribs and otherwise injured him - as brought on a decline - he had not enjoyed a days health from the time he landed to his Death - Carpenters making Coffin.
The Natives I sent in twelve Canoes to Gordon House with Trading goods returned having delivered their Cargo safe"

July 15
" Tuesday Variable light Airs, Clear
Early this Morning Mr Cook accompanied by Eight Englishmen and Ten Natives in two large and? five? small? Canoes? arrived from Nelson Settlements loaded with furs - Want of Canoes obliged Mr Cook to leave one half of his Men and furs behind - The two large Canoes he brought down were in so bad condition it was with difficulty they reached the factory - How the furs left up are to be brought down it is out of my power at present to adopt means As I have no Canoes but what is otherwise engaged - this year I have had more occasion to complain for want of Canoes then Men - Never were this kind of Craft so well manned as this Season - Men's Employ nearly the same except four digging a Grave
In the afternoon Wm Flett Jun. with two men in a Canoe brought John Halcro Bowsman who worked Mr Birds Canoe, to the factory as he being taken ill was unable to proceed on the Journey - engaged Andrew Flett to supply his room, and in order that they might not be detained again, kept back two bundles of Trading Goods
Buried the remains of Thomas Spense"

July 16
" Wednesday Wind and Weather the same
When Tide served during last night Wm Flett Jun. and party set off. Engaged the whole day on Inland businefs - and with Natives. Laid out Cargoes for Swan River Canoes. Men variously Employed
One Canoe of Bungee Natives arrived with a few skins - This Indian belongs to a large Tribe who annually brought good Trades either to this place or Severn which I understand the Canadians has entirely cut off this Season - This person was deputed by his friends to acquaint me these particulars and to request some Englishmen to accompany him into his Country to preserve the furs. As the Canadians are going to build a house in the center of their hunting ground this fall - It is out of my power to send any man to oppose them, having no capable person to appoint as Master, neither are here any Canoes - or Men fit for the undertaking - for want of which has prevented your honours concerns from being carried on with that spirit it ought and which has confined our limits within a narrow space - It has been the occasion of the Canadian Traders gaining pofsefsion almost of the whole Country - They have such a number of Men in their Employ enables them to bring in large quantites of Goods - and fix stations in all quarters wherever Natives resort - over whom their influence is daily gaining ground - Their numbers keeps the Indians in Awe - and they gain their esteem by their liberal presents"

July 17
" Thursday AM Cloudy with showers of Rain fresh Gales Easterly - PM gentle breezes Clear - Too strong surf in shore to load the Canoes when tide served - Men variously employed Traded with the Natives of yesterday"

July 18
" Friday Part Clear part Cloudy Breezes NE
This days Tide Mr Isham accompanied by eighteen men besides Indians in five Large and two small Canoes set off for Swan River, I have given Instructions to Mr Isham to cooperate with the Companys Servants from the Bay Settlements. and sent a Letter to Mr D McKay for this purpose - I sent Thomas Swain, writer with Mr Isham to supply the room of James Peter Whitford whose indiscretions rendered him unfit to be continued in this service"

July 19
" Saturday Stiff breezes SW part Clear part Cloudy
Fixed men for the Northward and served out Provisions. rest employed nearly as before.
In the evening four Canoes of Natives arrived well loaded with furs, Dried meat, fat and Birch rind"

July 20
" Sunday Southerly breezes part clear part Cloudy. Engaged with Natives the whole Day"

July 21
" Monday Wind and Weather nearly the same
The Natives of Saturday went away - part of my home guards accompanied them - Laid out Cargoe for the Northern and Nelson River Canoes - And as part of Mr Cooks Trade is left up engaged Sixteen of my home guards to carry up goods and to bring down furs by Ship time - I was obliged to pursue this plan otherwise I must have been under the necefsity to have relinquished all the Nelson Settlements for want of Canoes to carry them on.
Men's Employ nearly as last Week"

July 22
" Tuesday Strong Gales variable Clear, Wind too strong for Canoes to set off. Men as before"

July 23
" Wednesday AM the same. PM Cloudy with a storm of Wind and rain
Mens Employ nearly the same"

July 24
" Thursday Wind and Rain continues. Men as before"

July 25
" Friday Breezes variable early part of Day cloudy middle and latter clear
Eight Canoes of home guards set off with Trading Goods up Nelson River - Stern necefsity compelled me to take these steps for want of large Canoes. The same Natives are also engaged to bring down furs - This mode of conveyance will be expensive, yet hope it will not equal the Interest of the Money for which the furs sell for - Besides I am under the necefity of relinquishing the Houses where the furs are now Lodged for want of Canoes to convey up necefsaries for its support. - To keep Men at those Houses another Season to protect the furs only - would in such an impoverished Country be attended with ten times more expense than the pay of Natives bringing the furs to the Factory - All this inconveniency trouble and expense might have been avoided and another Settlement supported to the benefit of the Company - had Canoes been brought down from Cumberland House as they were formerly.
Mefs Cook and Thompson with two Englishmen and two Natives set off in two small Canoes in company with Indians and dropt down to the Point of Marsh"

July 26
" Saturday Variable light Airs and gentle breezes SW part Clear part Cloudy.
About 2 AM Mr Tate accompanied by Eighteen Englishmen and two Indians as pilots in Six large Canoes set off up Nelson River - I have given Instructions how they are to be divided. Men in two Canoes accompanied by Mr Thompson in a smaller one are to proceed direct to Mr Rofs in the Northward Track - Men in two Canoes are to get in conjuction with the others and offer their afsistance - being sent to oppose a Canadian Trader at the Nes too wy aws. - And the remainder is to oppose the Canadians at two stations at and near the Crofs Lake - Chatham House - the split Lake and Sepawisk Settlements are obliged to be abandoned this Season - for reasons before afsigned.
Nineteen Young hands are sent from the factory this Year Inland - besides Mr Thomas Sen. Surgeon and Thomas Swain writer.
Servants left down are Mr Thomas Jun. Surgeon, James Peter Whitford Writer, William Flett Sen. Steersman, - Alex Johnson and Robert Randal who intend to return to England - The two latter are unfit for Inland duty - also Laughton Leith is left under the Surgeons care"

July 27
" Sunday Moderate Breezes Variable and Clear
Preparing things ready for Rafting tomorrow - and engaged Indians to afsist the Englishmen"

July 28
" Monday Strong Gales SSE - We have been surround with smoak this long time past, whenever the Wind is Southerly as to darken the Rays of the Sun - This is occasioned by a dreadful fire of the Woods upwards, which has continued burning for upwards of five weeks - The Officers from Inland tell me they first perceived it to the Southward of the Knee Lake the top of Hill River where it was burning very furiously since which it is evident it has been drawing downwards - Great indeed must have been the distruction of Animals by this devouring Element - and many score Miles of Wood Land laid waste. These distructive fires are often occasioned by Natives leaving their fires burning when on a Journey. They are often kindled as a signal for meeting of friends - and as often through wantonefs? - Their living depends on the Chase which obliges them to wander from place to place as game is to be found - makes them regardlefs of any consequence of any particular spot being destroyed - and altho they often feel the effects of their own folly by driving Animals from their Hunting ground - yet they are so inconsiderate as never to have a thought beyond the present moment.
This morning sent Nine Englishmen and Eight Natives to raft down firewood - Rest packing furs - This is a heavy task to us as we have none but Invalids to do this duty - not a fur has been packed by the servants from Inland this Season"

July 29
" Tuesday Strong Gales Westerly Clear
Mens Employ as before and preparing to set Beacons tomorrow"

July 30
" Wednesday Fresh breezes NNW Clear - Sent 12 Men to set Beacons and lay Buoys for Ship - Rest as before - Two Severn Natives arrived with only eight deer skins which they Traded"

July 31
" Thursday Wind and Weather the same - all hands at home packing furs. Natives of Yesterday put acrofs the River"

Aug. 1 1794
" Friday Variable Gusts of Wind with heavy Rain
Employment as before 'till the Rain obliged us to leave off packing Furs - Sent five Men acrofs the River to afsist home with Rafts. Began taking Stock."

Aug. 2
" Saturday Fresh Breezes SW part Clear part Cloudy with flying Showers. When Weather permitted engaged packing Furs - In the afternoon three Men came from the Woods to bake bread. the Wind blowing to fresh for their crofsing with Rafts - An Indian Child died on the plantation"

Aug. 3
" Sunday Strong Gales Westerly with flying showers
As the Wind appears to be settled in this Quarter - and no probability of getting home Rafts - sent for the Men at the Woods to afsist at the Factory"

Aug. 4
" Monday Strong Gales Westerly with flying Showers
Part of Men employed fixing up Launch part packing Furs and part afsisting making overhaul of Trading Goods &c"

Aug. 5
" Tuesday Light breezes Easterly Clear - After fixing up Launch, sent Sixteen Men to the Woods to bring home Rafts - Rest as before - Two Natives arrived with a few Summer Skins"

Aug. 6
" Wednesday Wind and Weather the same. Men sent yesterday returned with eighteen Rafts of Firewood, Plank &c - Rest nearly as before. Trusted several home Guard Natives Winter debts. Four Men in sick list"

Aug. 7
" Thursday Flying showers with SW Breezes part Clear part Cloudy - Sultry and at times Thunder.
Engaged all the Home Guard Natives to afsist the Factory people to carry Wood up the Bank. Finished packing furs"

Aug. 8
" Friday Wind Weather and Mens employ the same"

Aug. 9
" Saturday Fresh Breezes Northerly Clear
Mens employ nearly as before - finished carrying Wood up the Bank - Two Canoes of Natives arrived Loaded with Deer Skins - and James Hourie one of the Men engaged for the Northward Expedition returned to the Factory unable to proceed on the Journey on account of an unfortunate accident that befel him on one of the Carrying places whereby he broke two of his fingers - The Native who brought him from thence is now at the back of this Island unable to round the point of Marsh in his Canoe. for particulars I refer your honours to Country Correspondence No. 82"

Aug. 10
" Sunday SW breeze Clear - Engaged trusting Home Guard Natives Winters Debt the whole DDay - One Canoe of Natives arrived being those that brought down James Hourie from Nelson River"

Aug. 11
" Monday Wind and Weather the same - Sent six Men to Raft home Firewood for the use of the Ship - and four to set remainder of Buoys - Rest of Men variously employed clearing Ware houses

About noon Mefs Oman and Vandriel accompanied by twenty three Men in Eight Canoes arrived from Cumberland House being the same I dispatched from the Rock the 29th of June last - Mr Vandriel brought the melancholy intelligence of the South Branch House being plundered by Natives the 24th June last - before they made the attack on the House they murdered Magnus Annel (the person who Mr Tomison left in Charge) and Hugh Brough who were, on the Indians arrival, without the Stockadoes, they afterwards killed William Fea, three Women and several Children belonging to Englishmen - after which they plundered the House of every article amounting to upwards of 4000 MB belonging to the Honble Company besides that belonging to the Company's Servants. Mr Vandriel very fortunately escaped the savage fury of the Native by hiding himself in a Cellar in the old House and afterwards made his escape to Cumberland House - As Mr Vandriels Narrative of this unfortunate affair will go as a number in the packet I shall not enlarge thereon.

The Indians carryed off the Scalps of the unfortunate sufferers in triumph and afterwards made an attack on the Canadian House about 300 yards distant from the Company's - the Canadians were only five Men - but being on their guard and having a few friendly Indians who joined them - prepared for making a defence - the Afsailants were repulsed and a number of them killed - it is supposed that the Natives who were guilty of this outrage were the same Tribe who plundered Manchester House last fall - and being flushed with that easy conquest enduced them to pursue their depredations which we have fatally experienced - it is much to be feared that Buckingham House has shared the same fate of the South Branch - and the poor Men who resided there have ? this fell victims to Indian fury. This unfortunate affair is a severe blow to the Honble Hudson Bay Companys concerns Inland - It has almost discouraged the whole of the Men from returning to the Upper settlements - and those who came down this day in Canoes are I here? determined not to go back on any account whatever - A few Days may perhaps work a Change- at present they appear resolute and determined.
Five Canoes of Natives set off for their Wintering Ground"

Aug. 12
" Tuesday Early AM Breezes SW hazy, afterwards fresh Gales NE part clear, part cloudy.
Early this morning the Beaver Brig appeared in the Offing and soon after came to an Anchor in five fathom hole, the Wind being against her coming up the River while tide served - Engaged on Inland businefs and with Natives the whole Day
Twelve Canoes of Natives set off for their Winter Hunting Ground"

Aug. 13
" Wednesday NE Breezes Clear - This mornings Tide the Beaver Brig came up the River and anchored abreast the factory - Mr Taylor delivered Severn and Bay packet, - pafsengers from Severn are Mr Thomas Wiegand Writer, John Moad & James Woolridge whose times are expired - and intend to return to England - also James Ballanden and Hugh Leask Jun. who are intended for Inland
Mr William Sinclair and four Canoes of Indians arrived from York House (a Settlement I had erected this spring) - with a few Bundles of furs he traded after the Canadians had left their House - Two Canoes of Natives also brought a few Bundles of Furs for Mr Cook - All hands variously Employed packing Goods for the Inland Settlements - and furs brought from thence"

Aug. 14
" Thursday SE Breezes Clear - Engaged packing furs - One Canoe of Natives came acrofs the River as did one from the Natives who left the Factory the 11th & 12th with empty Rundlets - Severn home ward bound Cargo landed"

Aug. 15
" Friday Wind nearly the same - hazy. PM Fresh Gales NE Cloudy. delivered Mr Taylor the Signal to be observed on the Approach of the Companys Ship - ordered him to get ? and every thing in readinefs to drop down to five fathom hole early tomorrow morning - Men came from the Woods unable to bring home Rafts. - Rest as before"

Aug. 16
" Saturday Wind and Weather nearly the same - towards evening Rain. - Mr Taylor in the Beaver Brig dropt down to wait the Arrival of the Ship. Rest as before"

Aug. 17
" Sunday Wind and Weather as yesterday
Five Canoes of Natives went away"

Aug. 18
" Monday Breezes SSE part Clear part Cloudy
Three Men making Indian tracking lines - Rest variously employed on Inland duty - Two Natives arrived to have their Guns repaired - Sent eight men acrofs the River for Rafts of Firewood"

Aug. 19
" Tuesday Wind the same sultry - towards evening heavy Rain - Had Canoes repaired - The unfortunate affair that has happened Inland has filled the Men with fear - and notwithstanding their Contracts - many are determined to forfeit the penalties contained in them sooner than return to the Upper Settlements. others again? whose Contracts are expired refuse to engage and are resolved to return home - The non arrival of the Ship is a great stoppage to Inland businefs. We are in want of many Articles of Trade. But Men are the principal ? and most ? - The Natives of Yesterday were put acrofs the River - In the evening Five Canoes of Bungee Natives arrived with a few furs &c &c"

Aug. 20
" Wednesday Strong Gales & variable with continued heavy Rain - Men variously employed within doors"

Aug. 21
" Thursday The same."

Aug. 22
" Friday The same. Natives Traded.
I do not remember such a continuance of heavy Rain as that which has fallen for three days succefsively"

Aug. 23
" Saturday Flying showers breezes NE Cloudy thick fog - The Natives of Tuesday were going away when three Canoes of the same tribe arrived with a few skins - which ? the whole - Part of the Men carrying Wood up the Bank - The rest on Inland Affairs"

Aug. 24
" Sunday AM Clear with NE Breezes PM Cloudy with showers of Rain. Mr Taylor came to the factory for provisions and returned to the Brig. Engaged with Natives the Whole Day - In the evening four Canoes of HomeGuards arrived with furs belonging to Mr Cook's Trade"

Aug. 25
" Monday Part Clear part Cloudy with flying showers and Breezes variable. Remaining home Guard Natives returned with furs accompanied by Mr Cook - All hands variously employed drying furs &c. The men inclined to return Inland are very importunate? to set off - I cannot consistent with my duty comply. I cannot for the present fit out more than five Canoes - therefore the late arrival of the Ship this Season will I fear be attended with very serious consequences for want of Men to protect the Settlements"

Aug. 26
" Tuesday Wind and Weather nearly the same - very cold - Mens Employ as before."

Aug. 27
" Wednesday Wind, Weather and Men's Employ the same - Five Canoes of Home Guards went away"

Aug. 28
" Thursday Raw Cold - Wind variable part Clear part Cloudy - Men variously employed - The Men who are returning Inland are very Troublesome and urgent to set off - Fixed on Saturday for their departure whether the Ship arrives or not.
One Canoe of Natives went away took Trading Goods for Nelson Settlements"

Aug. 29
" Friday Wind and Weather nearly the same. during last night hail & Sleet - Raw Cold - Several Natives arrived having left the furs intrusted to their Charge by Mr Cook at the back of the Island, They being unable to round the point of Marsh in their small Canoes. - Mens Employ nearly the same. Fixed Men and laid out Cargoes for five Canoes to set off tomorrow for Cumberland As I am apprehensive the Winter will set in early - and am fearful should the Men be detained longer they would not be able to reach the upper Settlements."

Aug. 30
" Saturday SW Breezes Clear - about Noon Mr Mitchel Oman accompanied by nineteen men in five Canoes set off with trading Goods to the Upper Settlements. Sent sixteen Men for the Furs left at the back of the Island yesterday - Rest as before.
Mr Taylor with four Men came to the factory for fresh provisions &c"

Aug. 31
" Sunday Wind and Weather nearly the same
Mr Taylor went on board - In the afternoon Men in one of the Canoes that left the factory yesterday returned with Magnus Hutchinson, a young hand who declares he is unable to proceed on the Journey, but I understand this young fellow who is very indolently inclined said before he left the Factory - that all the Men in the Country should not oblige him to go so far as Steel River Point - The return of this Canoe occasioned me a great deal of trouble before I could prevail on a man to supply his room - At last James Halcro was prevailed on to return on his being promised that it should be left to his own option - to remain at Cumberland House or proceed to the upper Settlements - Fear has taken pofsefsion on almost every Man in this Employ - and those who before this Season refused going any other track but up the Sascachawan on account of the high living - are now willing to go the North Track - especially since the news of the Natives hostile behaviour towards us - and distruction of the South Branch House - Trusted several Natives Winter debts."

Sept. 1 1794
" Monday Strong Gales of Wind SW b W part Clear part Cloudy - Early in the morning heavy Rain with Thunder & Lightning - Sent off Men and Canoe that returned yesterday - Those men whose times are expired and had made a second trip to Cumberland House for furs and refused to return up that Track, part willingly engaged for the Athapescow Country - and the rest for North River - And to prevent the lofs of one Canoe for the want of Bowsmen, necefsity compelled me to engage James Sinclair for one year who was intended to be sent home for bad behaviour to Mr Bird - Fixed men for two Canoes and served out provisions.
Having no other person at the Factory that can be spared capable to take charge of the House in Hill River obliged me with the consent - nay reccommendation of the Council to appoint Mr. J.P. Whitford Writer, who was brought down from Swan River to be sent to England for mismanagement - As he appears sensible of his folly and promises faithfully to be attentive in future - I am in hopes of him still becoming a useful Officer - very probable no other oppertunity will offer this Season to accompany Natives - he made preparations to leave the Factory tomorrow.
Six Canoes of Home Guard Natives set off to their Winter quarters - A Vefsel appeared in the offing but the Wind prevented her coming near. The Wind blowed? so strong this day as to carry away the flag staff near the Bank"

Sept. 2
" Tuesday Fresh Gales NW b W and Westerly Cloudy.
Trusted several Natives Winters Debts - Many who had their things packed up Yesterday for going away to day - Stop't in hopes of the Ships arrival having had a sight of her last night - But as no Vefsel has been seen to day expect their departure tomorrow - Men variously Employed"

Sept. 3
" Wednesday Variable fresh breezes all round the Compafs, with hail, sleet & Rain alternately. Cloudy.
Seven Canoes of home Guards went away - Sent three Men in boat to examine the Banks of the River for Firewood - Rest variously Employed - A Vefsel again appeared in the Offing but the wind being Contrary obliged her to put to Sea in the Evening. This is a mortifying circumstance as here are Indians waiting on the Plantation to take up Debt which cannot be given them for want of Shot."

Sept. 4
" Thursday WNW Breezes, flying Showers, Cloudy.
Men variously Employed. In the afternoon the Prince of Wales Anchored in five fathom hole - and in the evening Captain Hanwell and Mr George Sutherland landed and delivered your Honours Packet"

Sept. 5
" Friday Variable Breezes Cloudy with flying showers, heavy rain in the evening - Sent down all the Craft to the Ship. - The Brig came? up and Landed all the pafsengers viz. Mr J. Wright Surgeon, William Sclater Joiner, James Clouston and William Petree Coopers, James Petree Taylor - and John Clouston Labourer from the Bay all for three years. - George Grey, James Spence 3rd, John Clouston 2nd, Magnus Moar?, Robert Annal, Thomas Anderson, Wm Houston?, James Morrowick, Henry Budge and James Scott Labourers for five years. also John Robinson Sailor for 3 Years - Nine of the principal and best hands were left at Churchill notwithstanding they engaged for this Place only - This circumstance will I fear entirely frustrate our plans next season - which cannot be carried into execution for want of Men - I am apprehensive, the engaging Men in the Orkneys for one Settlement and leaving them at another in the pafsage will be attended with very serious consequences to your Honours and prevent many from engaging in this Service - I wish it may not prove detrimental, but from the conversation of the Men who landed this Day it is expected unfavourable accounts will be transmitted to their Friends"

Sept. 6
" Saturday Fresh Breezes SW part Clear part Cloudy - Rain in the Night - All hands busily employed Unloading the different Craft and collecting Stones for Ship - Brig dropt down to Old factory ready for stoneing? tomorrow"

Sept. 7
" Sunday Fresh breezes NE flying Clouds Even'g Clear -
Early this morning Capt. Hanwell went on board Ship - All hands engaged the whole day landing Goods from Craft and collecting stones - three Canoes of Natives went away"

Sept. 8
" Monday Strong Gales Southerly fair - Brig dropt down to the Ship - Long Boat and Shallop came up in the Evening - prepared for sending off Canoes tomorrow - A Family of Natives arrived with a few skins he Traded and were trusted Winter Debt."

Sept. 9
" Tuesday Fresh Gales NW Clear. - Mr Sinclair accompanied by Eight Englishmen and Natives as Pilots in three Canoes loaded with Trading Goods dropt down the River to be in readinefs for rounding the point of Marsh when the Weather becomes moderate - All hands engaged Unloading Crafts, packing Furs, Collecting Stones &c. Indians of Yesterday went away as did two Canoes of home Guards."

Sept. 10
" Wednesday Moderate Breezes part Clear part Cloudy.
Brig and Sloop came up, the former part unloaded. In the Evening Capt Hanwell came to the Factory in the Long Boat - An Indian unfortunately broke his leg."

Sept. 11
" Thursday Fresh Gales Northerly Cloudy with Showers of Rain - Brig unloaded and took in part of home ward bound Cargo till the rain obliged to leave off. - Four Families of Natives crofst the River to kill Geese - and two of home Guards to their Winters Quarters."

Sept. 12
" Friday AM Fresh Breezes Ne cloudy with mizzling Rain - PM fresh Breezes NW Eevening Clear - Severe frost this morning - Brig dropt down to the Ship with part of the homeward bound Cargo on board - Unloaded Shallop -- and got on board Stones - both Long Boats dropt down the River.
The Men who set off last Tuesday to go Inland returned unable to proceed owing to the severity of the Weather. They are apprehensive the winter will set in before they reach the extent of their Journey. - To prevent the Servants Inland from experiencing distrefs from the non arrival of the Canoes collected the best hands and fitted out two Canoes with light Cargoes and fixed? the same on board Shallop to convey it to Flambro House and appointed people to carry the Canoes over land to prevent their distruction."

Sept. 13
" Saturday Moderate Breezes SSW Clear Severe frosty Weather early in the Morning. - Shallop rounded the point of Marsh with the Canoe Cargoes on Board - Long Boat came up and unloaded - as was part of the Sloop. Men in one Canoe fitted out for Cumberland returned unable to proceed on their Journey owing to an accident in tracking the Canoe and being apprehensive that the time it would take to repair her would be detaining them too long at this Season of the year."

Sept. 14
" Sunday Light Breezes SSW Clear PM fresh Breezes
Sloop unloaded - Brig came up as did the Ship's Long Boat"

Sept. 15
" Monday AM light Breezes SSW Cloudy with mizzling Rain. PM Cloudy.
Brig and Long Boats unloaded and dropt down to the Ship with the remainder of the Homeward bound Cargo on board.
In the Afternoon James Dunning accompanied by two Natives arrived from Churchill with the Packet for England - Six families of Natives set off for their winters quarters."

Sept. 16
" Tuesday AM Breezes Northerly Cloudy with mizzling Rain. PM blowing strong from the same quarter - Sloop unloaded - The Brig, Shallop and Long Boats came up the two latter unloaded"

Sept. 17
" Wednesday Fresh Breezes NW Rain & Cloudy
Brig came up and part unloaded as did long boat. Mr Ramsay came on Shore. Closed the Packet for Churchill"

Sept. 18
" Thursday Strong Gales NW Cloudy with Sleet & Snow - Brig unloaded and took in part of Severn Cargo. Fifteen Men collecting Stones for Sloop and filling Water Casks for the Ship - The former dropt down the River - One family of Natives set of up Nelson River has been waiting ever since the Ship's arrival for fine Cloth to take to one of the Inland Houses and the Bale that contained it was not landed till this day."

Sept. 19
" Friday Fresh Breezes NW Severe Cold & Cloudy
Sent off the Churchill Packet men Mr Vandriel accompanied them - Mr Stayner having solicitted an Officer for Inland to be sent him. Shallop dropt down to Ship with Water on board which is to take in a Loading of Coals? and proceed with the Packet men to the North shore of Nelson River. - Men as Yesterday collecting Stones for Sloop - Remainder of Severn Cargo put on board the Brig. In the afternoon John Allen and one Man arrived from Hill River House having delivered up the Charge to Mr Whitford. - In the Evening the Shallop run up to the factory the Wind being against her getting up Nelson River, and it blows too strong for her riding at Anchor in five fathom Hole."

Sept. 20
" Saturday Wind and Weather the Same -
Sloop dropt down to the ship - All hands collecting stones and filling Water Casks and preparing the Brig for Sea - Late in the Evening Sloop came up."

Sept. 21
" Sunday Strong Gales NNW Cloudy with thick drifting Snow all Day. All hands engaged collecting Stones for the Ship"

Sept. 22
" Monday Breezes NNW Cloudy with Rain.
Gave Geo. Sutherland Instructions in Writing for his procedure the ensuing Year aand delivered up the Keys and charge of the Factory to him. Closed the Packet for England and delivered the same to Capt Hanwell - Discharged from your Honours service, Thomas Smith Cooper, Willm Flett Sen., John Moad Labourer - John Jennings and Mr Tho. Wiegand Writers who went on board.
Mefs Wm Cook Trader & Inland Master - Mr James Sutherland Sloop Master, Mr Tho. Thomas Jun. Surgeon with myself accompanies Capt Hanwell when he goes on board Ship - The Brig is ready for Sea - Pray God send each a safe and pleasant pafsage to their Respective Ports. Amen.
Jos. Colen"

B.239/a/96

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