" A Dairy of Occurrences at York Fort Hudsons Bay
by Mr John Ballenden Chief Factor
Commencing September 23rd 1798
Ending "


Sept. 23 Sunday
" Thick hazy Weather wind NW blowing very Strong.
Yesterday at Noon Captain Richards reced the Packet and immediately went on board his Ship as did Mefs Colen, Mr Geo. Sutherland and Mr Malcom Rofs, likewise all the other Pafsengers for England - Late last night received a note from Captain Richards advising me that he had forgot some necefary Articles belonging to the Ship which he requested immediately to be sent on board, as well as some bowls, platters, and 12 Yards of Vittery for the use of Pafsengers while on board. - The Weather being very bad could not send the Boat to the Ship."
[In the margin "Rec'd 50 Geese from Ind. and one Porcupine."]

Sept. 24 Monday
" The weather more moderate than yesterday. employed caulking the Dwelling House, preparing Provisions and other necefsaries for sending to Gordon House also doing various necefary Jobs. Early in the morning sent the lone Boat down to the Ship and at noon returned.
Two Canoes of half home Guard Indians arrived, brought a few Beaver Skins & some dried meat. Sent Several of the Home Guard Natives who had been laying on the Plantation for Some months Past acrofs the River to provide for themselves and Trap furs.
Reced 170 Geese from Indians."
[In the margin " Mr Donald McKay went down to the Marsh a hunting a few Days. 2 Canoes arrived traded 109 lbs of Dried meat from them."]

Sept. 25 Tuesday
" Fine clear frosty Weather wind in the morning NW by W the King George, Queen Charlotte & Beaver Brig got underway but the Wind falling Calm & inclinable to come round to North'd they came again to anchor. Sent the Long Boat down to the Ships to give afsistance and to take up the Buoys after the Ship Sails. Employed at the factory taking some of the Boats up upon the Bank, carrying the Coals from the Launch within the Gates and doing var. Jobs. Long Boat came up from the Ships for some small necefsaries. - Received some Geese from Indians."
[In the margin "60 Geese from Indians."]

Sept. 26 Wednesday
" Wind variable in the NW Quarter fine light breezes until the evening when it then began to blow stiff Northly.- About 9 oClock AM observed the Ships yesterday mentioned got underway and at 3 PM were out of sight of the Factory. Long Boat came up with one of the Buoys, it blow'd too hard for her to stay until she was able to take up the others, which shall likewise be as soon as weath. permits. At 11 oClock AM Sent a Boat with Trading Goods Stores and Provisions for Gordon House. Men at the Factory Employed nearly the same as yesterday. Indians that came on Monday went away as did several of the Severn Indian who have been harbouring about this Place now for many Months. Received some Geese from Invalid Natives who are harbouring in the Marsh procuring Provisions for themselves and doing what they can for the use of the Factory."
[In the margin " 40 Geese from Indians. King George Queen Charlotte Beaver Brig Sailed. Sent 10 Men up to Gordon House with Provisions &c One man will remain there."]

Sept. 27 Thursday
" A very Hard frost this morning wind W a gentle Breeze clear. Men employed stacking the Hay - Pumping the Cellars, stowing away the Brandy in the Distill House and doing sundry triffling necefsary Jobs. - Prepared every thing this evening for making an attempt to distill strong Spirits for Inland use tomorrow morning."
[In the margin " Mr McKay left the factory for the Marsh of his own accord."]

Sept. 28 Friday
" Wind S and SSE blowing very hard at times with Snow until noon when it moderated with fine clear weather. Did not attempt to do any thing with the distillery as yesterday mentioned. Fitted out Mr Howse and Mr James Tate with Provisions and necefsaries for Pennycutway and accordingly they proceed in a Canoe sent two Men along with them to take the Canoes back. also sent six Men in a Boat with Provisions to the eight Mile Island to be in readinefs for those who are to go to Sprig? & Collect fire Wood for the next Winter and in the evening they came back.
In the morning early sent the Long Boat down the River to take up all the Buoys which it did and afterwards unrigged her in readinefs to take up the Bank. Did several other necefary Jobs. The few Indians who have been hunting in our Marshes came home the Geese being all gone."
[In the margin "Mr Tate and Mr Howse set off for Pennycutway. Sent Provisions up to the Woods."]

Sept. 29 Saturday
" Agreeable pleasant Weather wind Variable. Hauled the Long Boat upon the Bank and did sundry necefsary Jobs. - Several Half Homeguard Indians came to the factory for necefsaries brought the Carcafses of five Deer and about 50 Parchment Beaver."
[In the margin " Reced 5 Deer from N River? also 50 Beaver from Haman? &c"]

Sept. 30 Sunday
" Gentle Breezes in the S and Eastern Quarters - Mr MacKay came up from the Marsh for some necefsaries and returned."

Oct. 1 Monday 1798
" Fine clear pleasant weather wind Southerly.
Employed taking up the Launch and putting several Articles to rights that was laying in a carelefs manner around the Factory. - Sent all the able Indians off the Plantation to provide for themselves and trap Furs. - Those that now remain are chiefly old Women and Orphan Children."

Oct. 2 Tuesday
" A continuance of wind and weather much the same as yesterday. Employed clearing away some of the Roots of Wood that every way obstruct a person as he walks on the Plantation. also Brewing small Beer."

Oct. 3 Wednesday
" Cold sharp Clear Weather wind W and NW. In the night heavy rain Sleet and Snow. - Set the Distill to work and cleard a part of the Plantation as yesterday."

Oct. 4 Thursday
" Weather and wind as yesterday. Men employed Two distilling 3 Caulking the House - nine digging up Roots on the Plantation - the others asisting me doing triffling Jobs in the Warehouse. NB Case No. 19WT mifsing contg Sundries of Consequence."
[In the margin " Rec'd 1 Carcafs of a Beaver from an Homeguard Indian Lad."]

Oct. 5 Friday
" Cold cloudy weather wind Easterly. Employed clearing the drains round the Factory. Piling up the Timber and Plank what was saved from the old Sloop destroyed by the deluge in 1797 it being laying in a carelefs manner. also at work distilling and Coopering small Rundlets."
[In the margin " Mr Donald McKay returned from the marsh."]

Oct. 6 Saturday
" Clear cold freezing weather wind Northerly.
Employed much the same as yesterday. Received two Rabbits from an Indian Boy. Mr Donald McKay not well."

Oct. 7 Sunday
" Wind S a small Breeze with snowy showers. Mr McKay still very poorly. Received the Carcafses of 30 Deer from Indians."
[In the margin " 30 Deer Reced from Indians."]

Oct. 8
" Monday wind as yesterday clear fine Weather
One Man daily employed waiting on and Cutting wood for Mr McKay who Resides in the Officers Inland House. others Clearing Drains, Helving falling Hatchets, Jobbing in the Carpenters way, Cooper &c &c Indians went away. Mr McKay as before.
At 8 OClock this evening John Paplay & John Davey arrived with 5 Young hands that were sent Inland. Mr Oman having left them at Oxford House as they were not able to bear the fatigue of going farther. - Mr Sinclair who Commands there finding he had more Men than he was able to maintain sent them down to the factory to be provided for. One of them is very ill - Received at the same time Letters from Mr Sinclair and Mr Whitford which are entered in the Correspondence Book."
[In the margin " John Paplay as Pilot, John Davey, Wm Loutit, John Irvin, John Ireland, Adam Mowatt, Peter Kirknefs"]

Oct. 9 Tuesday
" Pleasant Clear warm Weather Wind Variable
Employed in the morning hauling the Seine Net caught upwards of one hundred fine Tittemeg - Afterwards did various Jobs. One of the Men who came down from Inland very ill. Mr McKay at present pretty well."

Oct. 10 Wednesday
" Thick snowy weather all day Wind Nly.
Men's Employ - Carpenters doing some necefsary Jobs in the Officers Cabins. Coopers repairing Rundlets. One Taylor making Cloathing for the Officers, the other with the Boat at Gordon House. all the other People at necefsary Jobs. Sent four Men to French Creek to Hunt Partridges & angle fish."
[In the margin " Peter Goudie, Edw'd Inkster, John Halcro, Nich'l Tait."]

Oct. 11 Thursday
" A very heavy Snow until near the evening when it Cleared up at which time our Boat came from Gordon House. Men employed at various Jobs in Doors. One Man very ill."

Oct. 12 Friday
" Raining hard most part of this Day wind Variable Mr Sutherland with every person at the Factory getting what Boats was moor'd in the River hauled up the Bank and secured for the Winter. -
I cannot help remarking to your honors that the Warehouses, Dwelling House &c are so leaky that scarce any articles can be kept dry. the whole Building is a mere Shell more Calculated for show than use. In a very few Years the whole will require to be rebuilt. What a pity Mr Colen should ever have thought of removing the Factory from the Old Spot where there was good Ground to this Swampy wet place that takes up the time of a Number of Men in the Summer and Fall to keep the Drains Clear who might otherwise be employed upon more material Jobs. The Cellars within the Factory must be Pumped every two or three Days. Mr Tate came home from Penny cutway for some necefsaries for himself and Mr Howse & who are Tenting at that Place, he informs me that since they have been there they have only caught a few Methy & Jack Fish most part them he brought with him."

Oct. 13 Saturday
" Mild Cloudy Weather wind SW
Employed taking up Greens and Turnips from out of the Garden. Repairing Rundlets - making Window Sashes, repairing some fixtures in Mens House. also Sundry other necefsary Jobs. Received the Carcafs of a Beaver from an Home Guard Indian who came to get his Gun repaired then returned."

Oct. 14 Sunday
" Clear pleasant Weather throughout the Day - wind Variable. Mr James Tate returned to his Tent at Penny cutway."

Oct. 15 Monday
" Remarkable fine Weather Wind Sly.
Three Men Caulking the House in the morning and about Noon dispatched thirteen Men off to the Woods to Sprig & Collect our next Winters fewel. Afterwards with the Men left at the Factory hauled the Seine Net at Ten Shilling Creek Caught a large Quantity of Suckers & Tickomeg - Saw several Geese flying too & again acrofs the Marshes, Rivers &c."

Oct. 16 Tuesday
" Cold clear sharp weather wind NW.
Shelving Ice along Shore. Hauled the Boat up the Bank which went up with the Wooders Yesterday - finished caulking the House. One Man began making sinneting for Inland use - Two Pumping the Cellars the others that is well Tayloring Cutting firewood &c. Received the Carcafses of four Beaver from Home Guard Indian Lads who are Tenting at a small distance from the Factory providing & taking care of their aged Parents. gave them supplies of Oatmeal, Pease &c and they went away."
[In the margin "Three Men not well."]

Oct. 17 Wednesday
" Wind SSE a small Breeze clear and sharp
Employment -
2 Men making Window Sashes
1 Do. - Sinnating
2 Do. Trimming and cleaning Warehouse
2 Do. Tayloring
1 Do. making hinges for Windows
2 Do. making small Sledges
2 Do. Distilling
The others cutting firewood and attending three Men which is very ill. Shelving ice along shore. all our Craft is upon the Bank and every thing put away that ought to be for the Winter."

Oct. 18 Thursday
" Wind as yesterday clear fine Weather.
Tradesmen employed as follows. Carpenters sawing feather edge boards making Window Sashes &c Cooper repairing Rundlets & small Sleds. Taylors making Cloathing for the Men. Smith making small Hinges. the others filled the Brewing Copper and did various necefsary Jobs. One Man very ill."

Oct. 19 Friday
" Pleasant Clear Weather wind variable.
Men employed turning over the Timber on the Plantation and collecting what is fit for sawing into feather edge boards. - also hauled the Sein Nets in the evening caught a fine quantity of fish."

Oct. 20 Saturday
" Cloudy weather - wind Southerly
Men at the Factory cleaned their Cabbins - Guard Room. John Halcro and Nichol Tate came from French Creek for necefsaries and returned in the evening. They brought a few Trout. also James Hourie from the Wooders tent for some Medicines for two of the Men that tents with him which has been poorly for some days past."
[In the margin "13 Trout"]

Oct. 21 Sunday
" Pleasant clear frosty weather. James Hourie returned to his Tent up the River with what he wanted. Homeguard Indians which harbours a small distance from the Factory came for Provisions and returned. These Indians are those that are incapable to follow them who are gone a trapping and annually a Number are left at this Place upon such occaision otherwise they would be able to do nothing but hunt for them. One of our Men continues very ill."

Oct. 22 Monday
" Light airs of wind Southerly. A very hard frost last night. Employed 13 Men at the Woods sprigging and collecting firewood. - four men hunting at french Creek. Mr Howse and Mr Tate on the same duty at Pennycutaway. 2 Sawing feather edge boards 3 in the Warehouse repairing some of the fixtures there. 2 making small Sledges 2 Ripping up Canvas for making Bags for Inland use. 2 Tayloring one making Sinnet - One Dayly attends Mr McKay cutting firewood for his appartment the others that is well variously employed. The Number of men stationed at this Factory including those at the Woods and Hunting is forty nine.
Received nine Trout from Invalid Natives."

Oct. 23 Tuesday
" Sharp Clear frosty Weather Wind SSW
Employ as Yesterday One Man very ill."

Oct. 24 Wednesday
" Thick Snowy Weather all day - Wind variable
The Men employed in the forenoon as Yesterday the afternoon Cut fire Wood and cleaned the Yard, Gangways &c One of our Coopers & a labourer very ill."

Oct. 25 Thursday
" Mild Cloudy weather Wind W & NW
Tradesmen and others employed as on Monday. Two Men very ill."

Oct. 26 Friday
" Wind N & NW gentle Breezes clear frosty Weather.
Tradesmen & others employed at necefsary duty. - In the evening Mr Howse arrived in a Canoe from Pennycutway, he informs me that himself and Mr Tate have been succefsful in Deer hunting and that they have twenty six laying a small distance from their Tent to be sent to the Factory. Am fearful I shall not be able to get them down by Water as a great deal of Ice was driving to & again in the River to day. But however no time shall be lost to send for them as soon as pofsible."
[In the margin "from Mr Howse 2 Rumps Venison, 2 Jack fish, 20 Deers Tongues"]
Oct. 27 Saturday
" Thick snowy Weather and drifting very much towards night Wind NW. Men cut firewood and did necefsary Jobs indoors,
One Man continues very ill."

Oct. 28 Sunday
" Clear Sharp Weather with a low Drift all day. River full of Ice at High Water. Mr Howse detained from going to his Tent by bad Weather. William Loutit something better to day."

Oct. 29 Monday
" Thick drifting weather all day - wind W & NW squally at times Employed as follows -
Two men sawing feather edged boards.
Smith making hinges for Windows.
Two men repairing some fixtures in the Warehouse.
Two Tayloring for the Officers.
One making Sinneting
Two ripping up Canvas for Inland Bags.
One repairing small Rundlets.
Two Distilling.
One attends Mr McKay dayly cutting firewood for him as he is situated in the Inland Mens House by himself having no other way to accomodate him.
The Rest at various triffling Jobs. - River is fast about a Mile above the House."

Oct. 30 Tuesday
" Clear sharp weather wind W & SW
Mens employ the same as yesterday. 4 Partridges to day from Officers. the first killed this Season near the Factory."
[In the margin
" Mr Ja Sutherland 2 Partridges
Mr Don'd McKay 2 Do."]

Oct. 31 Wednesday
" Light breezes North & NE snowing most part of the day. Tradesmen employed at their respective duties the Rest afsisted Killing Pigs for Winters use."
[In the margin " 4 Pigs Killed 218 lbs. Mr Ja Sutherland 2 Rabbits."]

Nov. 1 1798 Thursday
" A Stiff Breeze Easterly thawing all day. Employment as Yesterday - William Loutit who has been ailing for some Weeks past still Continues unable to attend duty."
[In the margin " 5 Pigs Killed 150 lbs"]

Nov. 2 Friday
" Dark Cloudy weather all day wind variable in N & NE quarters. Carpenters repairing & Glazing Windows. Smith making Hinges for Do. The others wheeling Snow from out the Inner Yard and killing Pigs."
[In the margin " 4 Pigs killed 140 lbs"]

Nov. 3 Saturday
" Wind Weather & Mens employ the same as Yesterday. About noon Mr Tate came from Pennycutaway in order to enquire after Mr Howse his Tent mate having been anxious for his safety ever since he left him to go to the Factory the 26th Ult. - Mr Tate informs me that he is fearful they will not be able to preserve the venison they have got to send to the Factory from the Wolves, notwithst'g they take all imaginable care of it - they having taken a great deal already. - River ice fast a few Miles above the Factory."

Nov. 4 Sunday
" AM cloudy with small snow. - PM clear and very sharp. Wm Loutit continues still very poorly he is one of the young hands come out this year and was the Strongest among the whole."

Nov. 5 Monday
" Sharp clear weather all last night and this day.
Early in the morning Mefs Howse and Tate set off to their Tent at Pennycutway. John Paplay accompanied them to secure the Venison they have got up there until I am able to send for it.
13 Men at the Woods collecting firewood for next Winters use.
4 at french Creek a hunting
1 making sinnet & 1 Foxes for Inland
2 Coopering small Rundlets
2 Brewing small Beer
The Rest cutting firewood & clearing the yard of Snow.
Late in the evening made a large Bone fire in remembrance of the day."

Nov. 6 Tuesday
" Cold clear Weather wind W & NW fresh Breezes.
River continues open abreast the Factory - fast with Ice above and below. Officers set Guns and Traps for Foxes. - the Rest as yesterday."

Nov. 7 Wednesday
" Wind Weather and Employment much the same as Yesterday."
[In the margin " Mr J Sutherland 1 Martin"]

Nov. 8 Thursday
" Thick Rhimy weather all day wind SSW blowing fresh
In the evening John Paplay arrived from Pennycutaway hav'g secured the Venison as desired. As he has a Dog with him he brought the Carcafs of two Deer from thence one of which he left at the Wooders tent according to orders the other he brought to the Factory. Homeguard Indians that is tent'g acrofs the River came for supplies of Oatmeal Pease &c. they brought a few Partridges. Men at the Factory empl'd at necefsary Jobs. Indians in the evening went away."
[In the margin
"Parts.
40 Omatchick
10 Wilks
10 Morris
10 John Petre?
20 Tommy "]

Nov. 9 Friday
" Pleasant and mild weather wind variable all round the Compafs.
Men employed as follows
Coopers repairing and making small Sledges
Carpenters repairing & making Mens bedplaces
Taylors making beaver Caps & mittens
Smith making Hinges for Office Doors
One man making sinnet
Two making Oatmeal & Flour Bags &c
One attends the Cattle &c
One wheeling Snow out of the Yard
The others cutting firewood."

Nov. 10 Saturday
" Close Cloudy Weather wind W a gentle Breeze
Employment nearly as Yesterday. Two of our french Creek hunters came to the Factory as did three of the Wooders - the former brought some fish Partridges & Rabbits. the latter came to make bread."
[In the margin " from Crofs Creek 100 Trout & Jack 40 Partridges 10 Rabbits brought by P Goudie & N Tate who Crofs the River at the Mile Sand."]

Nov. 11 Sunday
" Clear sharp weather wind NW blowing stiff.
Wooders and Hunters returned to their respective Tents. Wrote Letters for Gordon and Oxford Houses intending to dispatch John Paplay and John Davey to the latter Settlement where they belong to. they came down the 8th October from there with all the young hands which went up with Mr Oman for the upper Settlements. Mr Oman finding much difficulties in getting up the Canoes Loaded with Trading Goods through the Shoalnefs of the Water and much ice and Snow laying along shore obliged him to leave the goods and Men at Oxford House where Mr Sinclair took the most prudent method to send the latter to the Factory - several of them were so fatigued and not well that he dispaired of reaching that Settlement with them. - Mr Oman proceeded Inland with little or no Goods and the four old hands he had with him afterwards."

Nov. 12 Monday
" Wind and Weather as Yesterday. Early in the morning John Paplay & John Davey set off as Yesterday mentioned and Nine Men went up to Pennycutway to bring home Venison they are to Join eleven of the Wooders whom I have ordered on the same duty. No Foxes or any Game to be got near the Factory - the Officers amuse themselves daily by hunting. Thermometer 8 below the Cypher."

Nov. 13 Tuesday
" Pleasant Clear Weather Wind Wly
Men at the House employed as follows. Cooper making small Sleds. Two Men Distilling - the others who are well cutting firewood.
Invalid Natives came for supplies of Oatmeal &c & returned - Agreed with two Indian Boys to carry a Packet and few necefsaries to Gordon House they have orders to come to the factory on Sunday."

Nov. 14 Wednesday
" Thick snowy weather all day - wind NE & E fresh Breezes - in the evening a low Drift.
Employment as Yesterday."

Nov. 15 Thursday
" Snowing a little all day wind W moderate
Men at the House employed as before the nine Men I sent up to Pennycutaway arrived with the flesh of nine Deer and an half. the Wooders will bring what they brought from thence (except what I ordered them to keep) on Saturday."
[In the margin
" 9 Deer from Pennycutaway
5 Joints Do.
1 Large Pike"]

Nov. 16 Friday
" Clear sharp weather wind SW a gentle breeze
Men employed at necefsary duty. - Invalid Natives came for supplies of Oatmeal &c No Game of any kind to be got near the Factory - Natives returned."

Nov. 17 Saturday
" AM Cloudy - PM clear - wind NW
Employed casting out Snow from out the yard. making Rundlets - repairing sml Sledges and cutting firewood. - A Hunter from french Creek came home with 20 Parts. and 70 Fish. Wooders likewise came to the Factory in order to make up Bread. they brought the Carcafses of five Deer which had been hauled from Pennycutaway a few days since in Company with our Home People who arrived with their share on Thursday last."
[In the margin " 20 Partridges 70 lbs Fish John Halcro"]

Nov. 18 Sunday
" Clear sharp weather wind W and SW
About noon eight Indians arrived from the Eastward very much distrefsed for necefsaries particularly Snow Shoes - They having been so unfortunate as to fall in with no Deer - so as to enable them to get that very efsential article executed - those that they made shift to get to the Factory with were netted from Beaver skins. - they brought upwards of one hundred & fifty made Beaver in various kinds of furs. - Gave them a small treat Brandy and sent them to ten shilling Creek where the Invalid Natives Tents to drink it - having no convenience about the Factory at this Season to accomodate them. - French Creek Hunters and Wooders returned to their respective Tents."

Nov. 19 Monday
" Part cloudy part clear wind South
Employed - Carpenters sawing feather edge boards
Coopers making 3 Gallon Rundlets for Inland.
Taylors making cloathing for the Men & Officers
One man making sinnet
One making Inland Bags.
Smith making hinges for the Cow House Doors
13 Men at the Woods collecting firewood
2 at Pennycutaway hunting
4 at French Creek on the like duty
the rest cut firewood.
Mr McKay's behaviour this evening gives me no favourable Idea that I shall pafs a very agreable winter with him. Am sorry Capt Richards refused to carry him to England when he was so very desirous to go. - His Launching out into such gusts of pafsion without the least provication makes me think at times he is deranged in his mind. What I alude to is his demanding a young man who is Your Honours Contracted Servant as a Taylor to wait upon him. He says he is his Servant and has a year of his time to serve him. As I know nothing about Mr McKay other than his being here a Gentleman at Large which every civility and attention shall be paid him. but I will not submit myself to his overbearing temper. - He has always had the Indulgence of a Servant to cut his firewood for him or do any thing he wants - My Officers were unhappy with him last Winter and they are no better this or expect to be."

Nov. 20 Tuesday
" Mild cloudy weather - wind East
Six men cut a Hole in the River Ice for freshening Provisions therein. - the others at their respective Jobs. - Dispatched two Indians with a Packet to Gordon House."
[In the margin " 1 Red Fox Mr Sutherland"]

Nov. 21 Wednesday
" Wind and weather as yesterday
Men employed at necefsary Jobs.
Indians that arrived on Sunday went away.
Finished destilling High Spirits - the quantity destilled this Season is 1300 Gallons. Mr Colen used to destill Red and White Waters for Inland use but as my knowledge of destilling is very supperficial as well as having no ingrediants fit for the purpose shall not attempt it."

Nov. 22 Thursday
" Pleasant warm cloudy weather - wind in the East Quarter - Tradesmen and the others employed at necefsary duty. Home Invalid Natives came as usual for Provisions and returned."

Nov. 23 Friday
" Wind weather and Employment the same as yesterday. No Game of any kind is to be seen near the /factory - which gives me no favourable idea that I shall be so succefsful in fox hunting as my Predecefsor was last Season.
It gives me much concern to inform Your Honours that the whole of the Flour sent out this year is very bad - when served out heavy Complaints are made without being able to supprefs them Curse on the Meal Man for deceiving your Honors."

Nov. 24 Saturday
" A Continuance of fine pleasant Weather Wind S.
Men employed variously. A hunter came from French Creek with 60 fish & 70 Partridges, Three of the Wooders also arrived to make up Bread for themselves and Tent mates. Received a note by them from Jas Hourie whom I have appointed their Pateroon informing me that the Work I appointed them to do will be done in the course of next Week and desires to know what they are to do afterwards.
Three Indians came in for necefsaries which they and their families are much in want of. they have been four days on their journey hither - brought a few Beaver & Martin Skins."
[In the margin " 2 White 1 Red Foxes Crofs Creek Ed'd Inkster"]

Nov. 25 Sunday
" Thick Rhimy Weather Wind NW moderate. Traded the few Skins that were brought by the Indians Yesterday and prepared them nearly for going away tomorrow."

Nov. 26 Monday
" Thick Snow & Drift all day Wind North blowing stiff.
Too bad Weather for Indians to sett off to day
Employment as follows Carpenters sawing feather edged Boards, Taylors at Work for Officers & Men, Smith Jobing in his way, Coopers making Rundlets for Inland.
One Man making Sinnet.
One Do. Do. foxes
One Do. waiting upon Mr McKay & family. Thirteen at Woods Sprigging & Collecting firewood - Mefs Tate & Howse at Pennycutway fishing and hunting. 4 Men at french Creek on the same duty - the Rest variously employed."
[In the margin "Mr Ward 1 Porcupine"]

Nov. 27 Tuesday
" Sharp clear weather - wind Wly & NW a fresh breeze. Employment as yesterday - Indians that came here on Saturday went away."

Nov. 28 Wednesday
" Wind Weather and Employment the same as before. 9 Partridges killed to day by Officers - No Foxes to be got at our Set guns - Great attention is paid in looking after them."

Nov. 29 Thursday
" Sharp clear weather - wind W moderate
Tradesmen and the others employed at their respective Jobs. Invalid Natives came for Provisions - Altho' there is several young Lads amongst them who dayly employ their time in hunting Partridges &c - they inform me it is with much exertion they get two or three some days and at times none. Being such a scarcity of Game makes them rely upon afsistance from the Factory which otherwise they would not. - The whole of them small and great is 27 in number. - Therm. -33"

Nov. 30 Friday
" Very cold clear sharp weather wind NW moderate
Men employed at their respective Jobs. Ten young Indian men arrived from down the River - brought a few Martins and some Deer skins chiefly to trade for Brandy for themselves and Relations whom they left behind four days walk from hence. - Therm -35"

Dec. 1 1798 Sunday
" Very sharp weather wind as before. Men employed at various Jobs Wooders came for Provisions and to make up Bread. - A Hunter likewise came from French Creek with 40 Partridges and 40 Fish - Myself Mr Sutherland and Mr Ward emp'd with the Natives who came last night."

Dec. 2 Sunday
" A Continuance of cold clear sharp weather
Fitted out the Indians with every necefsary I could supply them with and they went away. As did Mr Colen's Girl & Children who was desirous to follow them she having soon after the Ships departure engaged a Male Companion who had long since been in the habits of her attention & affection. she & her Children has received every Civility from me that one Brother Officer could expect from another. So no Blame can attach to me by her not Residing near the Factory should he again visit this Country which I know was his wish when he went home. - Therm -43"

Dec. 4 Monday
" Very sharp weather with a thick Rhime
Mens Employment
4 Sawing feather edged Boards
One making sinnets
One making Foxes for do.
Two making Rundlets
One repairing Ice Chizzels
Two Tayloring for the Officers & Men.
Thirteen at the Woods at duty there
Mr Howse & Tate at Pennycutaway fishing and Hunting
Four at French Creek on the same duty.
The rest cuts firewood and wheels Snow from out the Works. Therm. -43"

Dec. 4 Tuesday
" Wind NW blowing strong with Snow and drift - Six men opened the Victualling Hole in the River ice, took out the Provisions that has been freshening since the 20th Ult. and put more in. - the remaining hands employed as yesterday. - Mr Sutherland took a Walk to the Wooders tent in order to give instructions where to fall our Next Winters firewood - Late in the evening he returned and gives favourable reports of duty done there. - Therm -26. - William Loutit who has been long in the Surgeons List is employed this day in making Bags for Inland Packages."

Dec. 5 Wednesday
" Thick Rhimy cold weather wind blowing fresh NW
Tradesmen and others as on Monday. Therm -28"

Dec. 6 Thursday
" Wind weather and employment the same."

Dec. 7 Friday
" Do. Do. Therm -25"

Dec. 8 Saturday
" Sharp Clear Severe Weather wind WSW a gentle breeze - 40 Partridges and five Rabbits from our Hunters at French Creek. Three of the Wooders came home for Provisions - Men at the Factory employed at necefsary duty."
[In the margin " Crofs Creek 40 Partridges 5 Rabbits 1 White Fox - pr P. Goudie"]

Dec. 9 Sunday
" The weather more moderate than it has been for many days past. Wind variable. Wooders and Hunters returned to their respective tents. the former has orders for all of them except two (which is to stay to take care of the Tent &c) to come to the Factory the 18th of this present Month."

Dec. 10 Monday
" Mild Snowy Weather Wind Variable all round the Compafs. employment as follows
Four Men sawing feather edged Boards
Two Coopering & making small Rundlets
One making sinnet for Inland
One making Foxes for do.
Two Tayloring for Officers and Men
Thirteen at the Woods falling firewood
Four at french Creek hunting Tent
Mefs Howse & Tate at Pennycutway
The rest Brewing small Beer"
[In the margin "1 White Fox Mr J. S."]

Dec. 11 Tuesday
" Warm Cloudy weather wind East
Men employed nearly the same as Yesterday five Indians came from the Eastward for supplies of Oatmeal and some necefsaries which they are much in want of - They brought no furs."

Dec. 12 Wednesday
" Agreeable fine weather snowing a little at times. Men employed at necefsary duty.
One of the Indians who came to the Factory Yesterday being a very Old Man begs leave to stay a few days to rest himself. It is his Children, Grand Children & Great Grand Children that now accompanies him."
[In the margin "2 Pigs Killed Wt. 130 lb"]

Dec. 13 Thursday
" Thick snowy weather and towards Night a low Drift.
Men employed as on Monday. In the morning the two Indians that went with the Packet to Gordon House returned, all well there. On their road hither they met the Indians which went away the 2nd Instant and was persuaded by them to stay & drink a share of what Brandy they had from the Factory, as they had then Just arrived to where they had left their Relations - accordingly they agreed without much solicitation - and staid four nights. - On my asking if they had left them all well they replied Yes only a few escaped from from being burnt a little. One old man a leader had his thigh much scorched and it was feared he would do little good this Season in procuring furs."

Dec. 14 Friday
" Sharp clear weather wind W & NW blowing fresh with a Low drift
Indians went away and hope I shall not see them again before the Spring as they do little good when they visit the Factory often in the Winter Season.
Men employed at their respective Jobs."
[In the margin
" Mr Jas Sutherland 1 Red fox
Geo. Harvey 1 Do. Do."]

Dec. 15 Saturday
" Dark Overcast Weather Wind S a good breeze
Men employed this day as before. 46 Partridges and a few fish from french Creek Hunters. Game of every kind very scarce near them."

Dec. 16 Sunday
" Calm pleasant Weather. Mr Howse came from Penny cutway with part of his Tenting Utensils. he informs me Mr Tate will be home on Tuesday with the Remainder. A Party of the Wooders has orders to go up to the Tent & afsist down to the factory with any thing they may have. French Creek Hunter went away."

Dec. 17 Monday
" Wind NW a gentle Breeze - clear fine Weather
Mens employ as follows
Carpenters & Sawyers sawing feather edged Boards, Taylors making Cloths for the Officers, Two Men making Sinnet for Inland use, Coopers making Rundlets, Smith making Ice Chifsels, One Man attends daily on Mr McKay & family, Two in the sick list & two wheeling Snow from out the Works.
Two Young Indian Lads arrived from the eastward for supplies of some Oatmeal and any thing else which can be Spared them. they Complain very much of every kind of Game being very scarce. they brought thirteen Beaver in Martins."

Dec. 18 Tuesday
" Wind ESE a gentle Breeze with dark Cloudy weather
Employment much the same as Yesterday. Mr Tate about noon arrived from Pennycutaway with a Party of the Wooders whom I had ordered to Afsist Home with all the things belonging to himself and Mr Howse. These Gentlemen endeavours this fall I am much obliged to, having killed & sent home upwards of 20 Deer also having Traped about 36 Made Beaver in various kinds of furs. In the evening Remainder of the Wooders came home to afsist in doing some necefsary Jobs and to spend the Christmafs hollidays."

Dec. 19 Wednesday
" Pleasant mild Cloudy Weather with a little Snow in the Night.
The Men that came from the wooders Tent Cleaned their Cabbins - and Carted Snow from out the works. the rest employed cutting open the Water hole took out the Provisions & put more in to freshen also cut firewood."

Dec. 20 Thursday
" A Continuance of fine pleasant Weather wind Variable in the E & S Quarter.
Men employed cutting firewood & taking Snow from out the Yard. Indians that came on Monday went away."

Dec. 21 Friday
" Very fine Weather Considering the Season. wind Variable light Airs
Men Brewed small Beer, cut firewood & wheeled Snow from out the Yard.
Received 48 Partridges from Natives Residing near the Factory."
[In the margin " Last Night Mr Howse's Girl was delivered of a fine Boy."]

Dec. 22 Saturday
" Snowing a little all day long. Wind in the Eastern Quarter.
Men cutting firewood & Received their Christmas Provisions. - At Noon the four Men who have been hunting at french Creek came home with their Tent & bedding &c. they brought 60 Partridges and 36 Beaver in Martins & Foxes. - Their report of Game is very scarce - as they have tried their endeavour as far along the Eastern Shore as Ship River Beacon without being able to see above a Dozen of Partridges in the Coarse of a Day and what is worse I have not one Man at the Factory but the Armourer that can fire a gun. Every useful Person in that way went home last Shiptime by consent of the Council - Many would have staid just upon the Eve of the Ship departure that refused a few days before upon the most prefsing Solicitations - therefore it was considered not to comply with them when they would as it would be laying down a precedent for others to wait always the arrival of the Ship - Altho perhaps not the least intention to return to England."
[In the margin "Mr McKay 2 Martins"]

Dec. 23 Sunday
" Agreable pleasant fine weather - wind N & NE gentle breezes. - Invalid Natives came for Provisions gave them what I could spare according to the usual custom upon the approaching occaision and they returned to their Tent."

Dec. 24 Monday
" Thick snow and drift all day - Men cut firewood."

Dec. 25 Tuesday
" Snowing hard all day In the forenoon performed Divine Service as appointed for the day. the afternoon the People amused themselves at innocent Diversions according to Custom."

Dec. 26 Wednesday
" Wind W & NW fresh breezes with Snow and drift all day. Men as before."

Dec. 27 Thursday
" Wind SW a gentle breeze with mild cloudy weather. Men as before at innocent diversions. Invalid Natives came to the factory staid a few hours & returned."

Dec. 28 Friday
" Wind & Weather as Yesterday.
Men set Beacons acrofs the River as a guide for People when they crofs it in foggy weather."

Dec. 29 Saturday
" Thick snowy weather wind variable. Men cut some firewood and clean'd their Cabbins."

Dec. 30 Sunday
" Sharp clear weather wind NW blowing stiff breezes. Performed Divine Service. - In the evening according to custom the watch person who had the Watch came in the Officers Guard Room to sweep it as usual - being somewhat intoxicated he saluted Mr Howse with impertinent Language - Mefs Howse, Ward and the Surgeon ordered him to do his duty he still continued to behave in an insolent manner for which they thought proper to push him out of doors when he fell & cut his Cheek. The Tradesmen & Labourers immediately came out in the Yard and told the Officers they would never in future come in their House to obey them in that office. - I am extremely sorry as hitherto the Christmas hollidays has past with the greatest Chearfulnefs."

Dec. 31 Monday
" Thick Rhimy weather - very cold - wind NW at time a strong gale - Men continues to be very much disatisfied about the usage of William Cooper yesterday - the person who insulted the Officers last evening."

Jan. 1 1799 Tuesday
" Wind W a smart Breeze with a Continuance of very Cold weather. In the afternoon had all hands upstairs in my Room, reasoned with them on the impropriety of their Conduct the two preceeding days. many paid great attention to what was said to them, and others whom I judge to be rather in Liquor still persisted their being ill used by the Officers both now and at a former period. I answered that no Officer here present I was certain would ever use any of them ill if they did not give them reason for so doing and that it was my wish that every Respect due to my Officers should be paid by them whilst I had the Command and that I expected every one of them would obey the orders given them or they should answer for the Consequence - their wish at last was that the Officers whom they thought had Offended should make some consefesion which I promised them that they should in reason to morrow morning. No person was more active in this diisturbance than Edward Inkster and from what I have been able to learn from those who has long been acquainted with him appears to me to be a very dangerous Man particularly when in Liquor - They retired informing me that it was never their wish to disobey me, only the Officers who had used their fellow Servant Ill - I told them they should obey them likewise or answer for their conduct. Ther. -43."

Jan. 2 Wednesday
" Clear severe weather - little wind Westerly - very cold - Nothing can be kept from freezing in my Room of any Liquid, even close along side the Chimney - During my residence in Hudsons Bay I have never seen the like. - in the Forenoon called all hands out in the Yard when Mefs Howse, Ward & Fielding condesended much against my inclination to inform the Men that they were sorry for what happened to William Cooper last Sunday evening - the insulting Language from him provoked them & hoped he would never be guilty of the like in future or any of them when they came on duty where they were - They all insinuated that they never had or ever wished to give reason for complaints against them - and as they were now satisfied hoped everything on the Subject would be forgot - Ordered seventeen of them to get in readinefs for going to the woods and hunting - the rest cut firewood - helved Hatchets and did sundry necefsary Jobs. - Ther -53."

Jan. 3 Thursday
" A continuance of cold weather - wind NW a fresh breeze. Rhimy - Sent Mr Kennedy with three of the Men to the Eastward to hunt Partridges - Others preparing to go to the Woods and taking the Provisions out of the Water hole also put a quantity more in to freshen. filled the Hay loft with Hay."
[In the margin " Mr ? Kennedy, Peter Goudie, John Halcro, Morris."]

Jan. 4 Friday
" A Strong gale NW drifting very much. - Thirteen men were ready to set off to the Woods this morning to haul out firewood to the Bank edge ready for rafting in the Summer but too bad weather for them to set off employed them at various Jobs.
Four men sawing feather edged boards
Smith and one man making falling Hatchets for Inland.
Taylors cutting out Trading Cloaths
One man making Sinnet
One Do. making Bags for Inland
Coopers making Rundlets
One Man attends on Mr McKay and Family
Four men at the Eastward hunting.
The rest variously employed. - Two Indians came from the Eastward almost starved by cold and Hunger brought not one Skin of any kind. they inform me several others are on their way to the Factory in the same Condition. I much fear your honors trade will fall off much this year to that of last, by the appearance I have yet seen of Indians arriving. I sincerely wish I may be disappointed in my thoughts."

Jan. 5 Saturday
" Mild cloudy weather wind W a moderate breeze. In the morning sent thirteen men to the woods to haul out firewood to the Bank edge ready for rafting it down to the Factory in the Summer. The others employed Sawing feather edge boards, Tayloring for trade &c. Three men in the sick List. Caught two white Foxes at our Set guns."
[In the margin " 1 Mr Sutherland, 1 Mr Tate."]

Jan. 6 Sunday
" Clear sharp weather blowing fresh at NW. Some of the Invalid Natives came for supplies of Oatmeal &c. They brought 20 Partridges."

Jan. 7 Monday
" Wind and weather as yesterday
Men employed as follows
four Sawing feather edged boards
Two making Inland Rundlets
Two Tayloring for Trade
Two Brewing small Beer
One making sinnet for Inland Packages
Five at the Eastward hunting Partridges
Thirteen at the Woods hauling firewood to the Banks edge, Two in the sick list, the Rest variously Employed. Officers attend sett Guns and amuse themselves hunting Partridges which are as scarce as ever was known. Seldom above one or two will be caught in a whole days endeavours."
[In the margin " 1 White fox Mr Tate."]

Jan. 8 Tuesday
" Weather part clear - part cloudy wind W & NW. - Men employed as yesterday except Brewers who are cutting Wood. an Indian Lad came from the Eastward Complained of being almost starved no Provisions of any kind to be got - He informs me he left his Relations about 12 Miles distant on the road to the Factory in the same situation as himself which I am very sorry for as my Stock of Oatmeal and every Article in the Provision way is now very small to what was usual about this time. - A great deal was expended in the Fall owing to so many Men from Inland being at the Factory. and the supplies they had to carry them Inland."

Jan. 9 Wednesday
" Calm pleasant weather. Men employed as before. eleven poor Indians arrived. their looks denotes that they have been in a starving condition for some time past. They brought 50 Made Beaver in Sundries - Gave them a supply of Oatmeal, Pease &c and sent them acrofs the River to Tent. - 14 Partridges killed to day near the Factory."
[In the margin " 1 White Fox Mr Tate."]

Jan. 10 Thursday
" Part clear part cloudy. Wind variable from W to North. Men employed at their respective Jobs. - 30 Partridges killed by the Officers near the Factory and one Porcupine."
[In the margin " Mr Ward 1 Porcupine."]

Jan. 11 Friday
" Thick snowy weather most part of the day. wind South blowing fresh. Mens duty as before.
Officers caught 3 Foxes at set guns.
One man in the Surgeons List."
[In the margin " Mr Ja. Tate 1 Red fox, 1 White Do., Mr Ja. Sutherland 1 Red Do."]

Jan. 12 Saturday
" Weather part clear part cloudy wind in the Eastern quarter. Men employed at their respective Jobs. One man arrived from the Eastward hunting Tent with seventy Partridges and 15 Martins. three of the Wooders likewise came home for Provisions. Caught two White Foxes at our Set guns."

Jan. 13 Sunday
" Pleasant clear weather wind variable. Hunter and Wooders returned to their respective Tents. several of Home Invalids came for Provisions and returned."

Jan. 14 Monday
" Mild cloudy weather wind SSE a fresh breeze.
Early in the morning sent four Englishmen and four Indian Lads to hunt Partridges acrofs North River. The rest of men employed as follows
four at the Eastward hunting
Thirteen at the Woods hauling out firewood to the Bank edge for Rafting home in the Summer.
Two Tayloring for trade
Two Coopering
One making and repairing falling hatchets
One making Sinnet for Inland use
One attending Mr McKay and Family
and two Wheeling Snow from out the Works.
3 Foxes from Officers and fourteen Partridges."
[In the margin "Mr Ja. Sutherland 2 foxes, Ja. Tate 1 Do., John Ward 2 Martins."]

Jan. 15 Tuesday
" Clear pleasant weather. wind in the Eastern and Southern Quarters. Men employed Brewing small Beer, helving Hatchets and doing several necefsary Jobs. - Employed all the Invalid Indian Women to make trading Caps."

Jan. 16 Wednesday
" Thick snow and drift all day - wind North a strong Gale. - Mens duty nearly the same as Monday. Received 89 Partridges from Indians. Two young Indian Lads came from their Families which is tenting about three days walk from here up the River complaining much of being in a starving state - supplied them immediately with what they wanted and sent them away."

Jan. 17 Thursday
" Clear fine weather. wind variable
Men employed as before.
Caught two white foxes at our Setguns."

Jan. 18 Friday
" Wind weather and Employment much the same as yesterday. - At the usual time of Supper this evening My Officers were called, when I was surprised on Mr McKay's sitting down to Table hearing him make use of very out of the way exprefsions No person making him any answer after sitting some time he got up & retired seemingly much difsatisfied with some Person or other. My Officers acquainted me he had a dirk by his side and by what he said they were sure he came up stairs merely to Quarrel with some Person or other at Table. - however he was disappointed as no one wished to enter into an Altercation with him."

Jan. 19 Saturday
" Thick snowy weather wind N a fresh Breeze
Had the Water Hole opened took out the Provisions and put more in to freshen. the Rest cutting firewood & cleaning the Guard Room &c.
Received 160 Partridges from Indians who went away acrofs the North River on Monday last.
In the evening received a Letter from Mr Donald McKay which will be entered in the Correspondence Book. it Contains his desire to be served out his Allowance as he says he has been used with much disrespect. since my Short Residence with him I have treated him with as much respect in my power as my Officers can bear testimony. His unsettled behaivour have given me much concern.
The following is a Short Note I sent to his appartment in order to speak with him

Mr Ballenden presents his Compliments to Mr McKay and if he is at leisure would be much obliged by his favouring Mr B. with a few minutes Conversation on the subject of the Letter sent by him this afternoon.-
YF January 19th 1799
He sent to me a Verbal mefsage by my Servant "that he had made up his mind, and if I wanted to speak with him I must come to him his Letter spoke his Sentiment"
I cannot help remarking here the answer I received from him this morning when my Servant went to inform him Breakfast was ready, Mr McKay said he should not get up, I then sent my Servant with my Compliments & desired to know if he would wish to have anything sent him. he returned for answer "tell your master I want nothing from him" - I should not have been particular were I not certain Mr McKay makes remarks of the most trivial thing that transpires - however this evening I answered his Letter. a Copy of it is transcribed & inserted after that of his for your honors perusal.
Mr John Ballenden
Sir
Whereas Donald McKay has been at Sundry times insulted and treated with disrespect (without any provocation) contrary to the Orders Instructions and the Intentions of the Honourable Committee of the Hudsons Bay Company so inconsistant to the Rules of Justice & Good Order and Contrary to the Laws of England which renders it indispensible necefsary to draw some preliminaries and to fix an Epoch? to such Articles as may be proper to direct the further Conduct of both Mr John Ballenden and Donald McKay, and to avoid any misunderstanding for the future.-
The said Donald McKay makes the following proposals. Viz.
1st That the said Donald McKay be served or Issued out Weekly the companys Allowance of Provisions with all the extraordinaries the Company is pleased to allow their Officers (as they are called) supposed to be as follows.
2ndly That the said Donald McKay should receive half a pint of Wine every Wednesday and every Sunday with two Glafses of Rum pr Day for the time and term of seven Months from the date hereof.-
3rdly That the said Donald McKay should receive a pint of Porter or Strong Beer pr day for time above Stated.
4thly That the said Donald McKay be provided with a Suitable Afsortment of utensils till the expiration of the time limited in this proposal.
Lastly. And whereas Donald McKay conceives? that Mr John Ballenden must have private orders or Instructions to treate the said Donald McKay in the manner before mentioned, without afsigning any Reason whatever, the said Donald McKay as in duty bound in submifsing to their Honors, will Comply with whatever their Substitute Cheif may think proper to agree with in these proposals.-
At the same time charges the said Cheif in the seeing & doing Justice to the said Donald McKay till further orders from the Hudsons Bay Company.
(Signed)
Donald McKay
York Factory 19th January 1799
Note, Your answer to in Writing.
The following Letter is an answer to the fore going. -

YF January 19 1799
Mr Donald McKay
Sir
In reply to your Letter of this Afternoon I beg leave to afsure you that however you may be pleased to misconstrue any part of my Conduct towards you it as ever been my leading Wish to make you as well as the Rest of my Officers under me Comfortable & happy. My Behaviour in your Regard particularly has never been such as to merit those unkind Epithets you have thought proper to bestow on it this you yourself must be fully concious of and I believe every one of our Mefsmates can bear Testimony to the very friendly Treatment you have experienced from me since I have had the pleasure of your acquaintance at York.-
But waving this subect, with respect to your being served out the daily Allowance I cannot but exprefs my Reluctance to relinquish the social Company & Conversation of a Mefsmate especially when the Consequence of a Misunderstanding, as in this case it appears to be, yet I certainly can have no real objection of it can in the least contribute to make your situation lefs irksome and yourself more happy and you may rest afsured that I shall always feel a singular pleasure in shewing you every Indulgence and affording you every Gratification that Circumstances will admit of and the rest of my Officers enjoy.
I must however inform you that you need be at no further Trouble in Writing to me either Publickly or Privately as I shall make it a point from this time to carry on no Correspondence in Writing with any Person whatever who has it in his power to Communicate his Sentiments personally.
I am &c.-
The Steward has orders to wait on you tomorrow morning with a List of Provisions &c. if on your perusal you perceive any Omifsion be kind enough to intimate them in order to their being inserted.-"

Jan. 20 Sunday
" Thick Rhimy weather wind NW a smart Breeze with a low drift. Serv'd out Mr McKay Provisions &c according to his request - the Steward will include it in the General Provision Book. but for your honors inspection a separate Account will will be kept and sent Home in the Packet. - I find myself badly situated with such a Man, that for all my endeavours it is not in my power to please him. He is the only person during my Residence in Hudson's Bay since I have had any Command in your honors employ that I could not put up with the foibles of and it behoves me to be carefull how I act with such a Man. Yesterday he neither came to Breakfast Dinner or Supper. what my self and Officers had at Table - a part thereof was sent him.
Wooders came for Provisions and other necefsaries. - Received 100 Partridges from our Eastward hunters."

Jan. 21 Monday
" Sharp clear weather wind W & NW stiff Breezes.
Wooders & Eastward Hunters returned to their Stations. - Two Hunters arrived from the Northward with 120 Partridges and 1 Red Fox. The Men at the factory employed sawing feather edged Boards, Tayloring for Trade, making Sinnet, cutting out Gun Cases for Inland, making falling Hatchets for Do., and wheeling Snow from out the Works. One of the Officers killed a Large Porcupine near the factory."
[In the margin "Mr McKay 1 Red Fox. Mr Joseph Howse 1 Porcupine."]

Jan. 22 Tuesday
" Clear severe weather wind as Yesterday
Part? Nelson Hunters returned to their Tent. - Men at the Factory employed at necefsary duty. Caught a white Fox at our Set guns. - Received a Martin from Mr McKay."
[In the margin " Mr Ja. Tate 1 White fox."]

Jan. 23 Wednesday
" Part Cloudy part Clear wind variable in the SW Quarter.
Tradesmen & others employed as Yesterday. 23 Partridges killed this Day by Officers."

Jan. 24 Thursday
" Wind Weather & Employment the same. Rec'ed a few Partridges from Indians. -
This evening the Steward came & informed me that Mr McKay had sent for him & told him that he could not drink the Rum he brought him the 20 Instant. he might take it away and if he did get better he would not have any. it was his desire to have such as was drank at the Table. A sample of what he had got he would preserve for your Honors inspection. the Rum I sent him was the oldest consequently I thought it the best. however I immediately changed it for that which came out this year."

Jan. 25 Friday
" Clear Weather until Noon then Overcast Wind S and SW.
Men employed at necefsary duty. Received 10 Partridges from Indians."

Jan. 26 Saturday
" Thick snowy Weather all day. Wind N & NE blowing fresh with a low Drift.
Four cutting fire wood & the Rest as before. Three of the Wooders came for Provisions As did the home Invalid Natives for supplies of Oatmeal, Pease &c they brought 90 Partridges. Caught a Red Fox at the set Guns."
[In the margin "Mr Tate 1 Red fox."]

Jan. 27 Sunday
" Last night a heavy gale of Wind N & NW with much Snow & Drift - this morning more moderate and towards evening mild Weather middling Clear. - Wooders & Indians went away."

Jan. 28 Monday
" Part Clear part Cloudy Wind NW a Gentle Breeze.
Men employed
Four at the Eastward & four at the Northward hunting Partridges. Thirteen at the Woods hauling firewood to Banks edge ready for Rafting in the Summer, Two Tayloring for Trade. One making sinnet for Inland use. One making Gun Cases for ditto. One attends Mr McKay & family as a Servant. The Rest clearing the Gangways of Snow, Platforms &c. More Snow on the Ground than I have generally seen at this Season."

Jan. 29 Tuesday
" Cold clear sharp Weather Wind SW moderate.
Men in the morning filled the Brewing Copper and two afterwards Brewed small Beer the rest went to their respective Jobs. - About Noon Mr Thomas accompanied by an Englishman and an Indian arrived from Severn having left all well. - and about half an Hour afterwards I was favoured with a sight of Mr Stayner & Mr Auld from Churchill - they were accompanied by two Englishmen and two Indians. - One of the latter is the person who accompanied Mr McKay to Churchill last Winter as a guide. - I cannot help remarking that Mr Stayner and Mr Auld both has? acted ever with a disinterested regard for me ever since I have become acquainted with them - which they have given proof off by their visiting me at this season and should be sorry if ever there should be anything to intervene as not to merit a continuance of their Esteem. - John Halcro arrived from the Eastward with 100 partridges two white foxes & one Red one."

Jan. 30 Wednesday
" Clear Rhimy weather wind NE a gentle breeze.
Employed at various Jobs. Eastern Hunter returned to his Tent."

Jan. 31 Thursday
" Wind Weather and Employment the same as Yesterday. One of the Wooders came to the Factory for necefsaries to repair the Big Sled which is Broken. He returned to his Tent immediately."

Feb. 1 1799 Friday
" Clear sharp weather Wind NW. - Employed at various Jobs."

Feb. 2 Saturday
" Close Rhimy weather all day wind variable. Men variously employed. - This afternoon I was surprized as I was sitting in my Room enjoying the Conversation of the gentlemen now at the factory, by seeing a Letter handed to Mr James Sutherland marked public from Mr Don. McKay. By the general voice of all at Table it was thought proper to return it un opened. In about half an hour afterwards Mr Donald McKay came up Stairs in my Room. after desiring him to sit down & showing him every Civility in my power he began to apologize for intruding on the Company and repeated the purpose of his Letter which was Complaining of his Servant not having been attentive to him and desired to have another or else that he would have none at all. His reason for applying to Mr James Sutherland he says was because the Chief had Prohibited his Corresponding with him. I informed Mr McKay that the Person whom I had ordered to attend on him was able to do any thing he wanted, and it was out of my power to change him. after some frivolous Altercation he retired as did all the Gentlemen below Stairs. On Mr McKays going away I requested his Company to Supper he accepted my Invitation and I must confefs the evening pafsed disagreeably away his Language & manner were so extremely disgusting to every one present."

Feb. 3 Sunday
" Wind NNE a gentle breeze with drizzling snow most part of the day. John Halcro arrived from the Eastward with 110 Partridges and three Foxes."

Feb. 4 Monday
" Pleasant weather wind variable.
Men employed Sawing feather edged boards making Hatchets for Inland Tayloring for trade - making Rundlets and doing various necefsary Jobs. Hunter of yesterday returned to his Tent."
[In the margin " A sow Pigged 4 pigs."]

Feb. 5 Tuesday
" Weather and employment the same as yesterday. North River Hunters came home with 100 Partridges and three Foxes."

Feb. 6 Wednesday
" Clear pleasant weather wind SW a gentle breeze.
Men employed variously."

Feb. 7 Thursday
" Part clear part Cloudy Wind variable.
Men's Employment
4 Cutting feather edged boards
2 Tayloring for Trade
1 Making Sinnet
The rest making foxes & cutting firewood."

Feb. 8 Friday
" Mild Cloudy Weather Wind SW moderate. Men employed at necefsary Jobs two families of Homeguards came in with a few furs."

Feb. 9 Saturday
" Clear Breezes from the SW quarter to the NE cold
Men employed at necefsary duty. Rec'd 110 Partridges and two Foxes from one of our Eastern Hunters. Wooders came for Provisions."

Feb. 10 Sunday
" Clear Sharp Weather Wind SW Drifting.
Wooders returned to their Tent. But too cold for Eastern Hunter to return. - Traded with Indians who came on Friday and sent them away. - This Evening Mr McKay sent by his Servant a Bottle of Wine he had received from me in the morning (the usual quantity he has had every Sunday since he has been served out his allowance) with a mefsage desiring me to take it, at the same time intimating that he had preserved a phial ful to shew the Gentlemen of the Commitee and unlefs I would furnish him with some of a better quality to keep it to myself for he Mr McKay would have none. This mefsage was delivered to me in the Presence of Mefs Stayner, Thomas & Auld all of whom tasted it & gave as their Opinion that the Wine was very Good but having been shaken in the Bottle was not quite clear. Contrary to the advice of these Gentlemen I sent him another Bottle by my own Servant, this he at first refused, on the Servants retiring he called him back and took the Bottle observing at the same time that we wanted to poison him and further that when he was up in my Room a Week ago something was put into his Glafs for that purpose. This afsertion so absurd and improbable needs no Comment by me."

Feb. 11 Monday
" Strong Gale at WNW with snow and Drift.
Men employed - Sawing feather edged boards - making Trading cloaths - Sinnet - Gun cases and cutting firewood. - Too bad weather for the Hunter of Saturday to go away. - Two of our Hunters came home from the Northward having severely felt the severity of the badnefs of the day by being much froze. they brought 100 Partridges. Two white Foxes and a Quiquehatch."

Feb. 12 Tuesday
" Clear fine weather until the Evening when it then began to blow a fresh breeze at WNW with a low drift. - Men employed at their respective Jobs. At 1/2 past seven AM Mr Stayner and Mr Auld with two Englishmen and Indian that accompanied them hither, set off on their return to Churchill and at the same time Mr Thomas and James Monkman and an Indian for Severn. hunters returned to their respective Tents."

Feb. 13 Wednesday
" A fresh breeze at NW with snow and drift. Men employed Brewing small Beer in the morning and afterwards went to their respective Jobs. Three men not well with different complaints."

Feb. 14 Thursday
" Very sharp weather drifting all day - wind W & NW.
Men employed at their respective Jobs. - Caught a white Fox at our Set guns. - Two men still continues ailing, one of which has been so ever since the 8th Oct. last."

Feb. 15 Friday
" Pleasant clear weather - wind variable.
Men Employed as before.
Invalid Natives came for Provisions - Several of whom are ailing with various complaints. In the evening they returned to their tents."

Feb. 16 Saturday
" Very cold - drifting much - wind NW
Men as before. 120 Partridges from Indians.
Two of our Eastern Hunters came home with 46 Mart. one Quiquehatch and 100 Partridges. Wooders likewise came for Provisions."

Feb. 17 Sunday
" Wind & Weather as Yesterday. Wooders returned to their Tent. This afternoon Mr McKay sent his Servant for some Strong Beer. I informed him that there had been none at our Table for several Days past the Porter being all frozen in the Casks, but as soon as I should have some myself I would acquaint him with it. Soon afterwards he sent Servant again to know whether he was to have any Porter or not. I made the same reply as before."

Feb. 18 Monday
" Thick drifting Weather Wind NW blowing strong at times.
Men's Employ as follows
Four Sawing feather edged Boards
Two Tayloring for Trade
One making Sinnet for Inland
One making Bags & Gun Cases for Do.
Smith & one man making Hatchets &c
One man attends on Mr McKay and Family as Servant.
Thirteen at the Woods hauling firewood to the Bank edge ready for rafting in ? Summer.
four at the Eastward and four at the Northward hunting Partridges.
Mefs Howse and Ward Writing
Mefs Sutherland, Tate and Self packing Goods for Inland. Gave the Invalid Natives some trading cloaths to make as I find myself not so forward as I could wish."

Feb. 19 Tuesday
" Part clear part cloudy wind variable
Men in the morning opened the water hole Took out the Provisions and put more in to freshen - afterwards ordered them to their respective Jobs as yesterday - Two Hunters came from the Northward Tent with 110 Partridges and at the same time I rec'd 90 from Ind. - Two white and two Red foxes today."

Feb. 20 Wednesday
" Moderate clear weather Wind variable
Men employed about necefsary duty
Wm Loutit very ill confined to his Bed. Tho. Moore also unable to attend duty.
An Indian man & his Wife very ill they came to Factory the 9th Ult. almost starved. Mr Fielding the Surgeon daily attends them. He informs me it is the Veneral Complaint they Labour under & that they must have contracted it a long time since."

Feb. 21 Thursday
" Gentle Breezes of Wind S & SW Employed about various Jobs. - Officers packing a few Articles for Inland. Caught a Quiquehatch & Red fox at set Guns."

Feb. 22 Friday
" Blowing fresh NW Snow & Drift.
Men employed variously. 2 Men in Surgeons List. the poor Indians above mentioned much the same as before."

Feb. 23 Saturday
" Thick Drifting Weather Wind W Men as before. Wooders came for Provisions as did the Natives who reside a small distance from the Factory. after being supplied with what I can spare they returned to their Tent. Gave orders to those who are capable to make Snow Shoes frames the Women to Nett them. In the evening arrived two hunters from the Eastward with 86 Partridges & 2 Foxes."
[In the margin " Mr Kennedy & Morris"]

Feb. 24 Sunday
" Part clear part cloudy & Low drift towards evening. - Wooders returned to their Tents."

Feb. 25 Monday
" clear weather wind NW a stiff breeze
Men employed
Two Sawing Boards for sundry uses? wanted
Two Tayloring for trade.
Carpenter making a ? for keeping Books & papers.
One man making Boxes for Inland packages
Coopers making Rundlets
One man making Sinnet
Pne Do. making Gun Cases
One Do. attends on Mr McKay and family.
Thirteen at the Woods hauling and Falling firewood
four at Nelson River hunting Partridges
five at the Eastward with the Smith whom I have sent this day with the two that came from there on Saturday. Five in the Sick List
Mefs Howse and Ward Writing Mefs Sutherland and Tate and Self preparing and sorting Articles for Inland."

Feb. 26 Tuesday
" Clear Weather Wind variable
Men employed, Two Brewing small Beer the rest as Yesterday - One Man ill."

Feb. 27 Wednesday
" Pleasant Clear Weather Wind Westerly moderate.
Men employed as on Monday. - in the Morning Mefs Sutherland and Howse visited the Wooders - In the Evening they returned Judging favourably of work done there."

Feb. 28 Thursday
" Clear fine Weather Wind SW
Men employed at their respective Jobs. One Man in Surgeons List.
14 Partridges killed this day by Officers."

Mar. 1 1792 Friday
" Wind Weather & employment the same as Yesterday.
Traded several pairs of Snow Shoe Frames from Invalid Indians."

Mar. 2 Saturday
" Very thick drifting Weather Wind NW Men opened the Water hole - and did Various Jobs. - Wooders came for Provisions as did the Invalid Natives. the latter returned in the evening."

Mar. 3 Sunday
" Clear Weather but very sharp. Wooders returned. Reced a Packet from Mr Cook, three Englishmen accompanied it."

Mar. 4 Monday
" Pleasant warm weather Wind variable. In the middle of the day thawed a little.
Men employed
Two sawing Boards for necefsary uses.
One making Mouldings for the Windows on the Outside ready for weather Boarding the Masters Quarter of the factory.
One plaining feather edged boards
One making Sinnet & foxes
Two Tayloring for trade
Two making Rundlets for Inland use.
Thirteen at the Woods hauling firewood to the Banks Edge ready for Rafting in Summer
Eight out hunting for Partridges
four foxes killed to day. Two Hunters arrived from the Eastward as did two from the Northward brought 280 Partridges."

Mar. 5 Tuesday
" Thick Rhimy weather wind W & NW
Too bad weather for Hunters to go away - Men at the Factory employed as Yesterday and Packing Oatmeal for Inland."

Mar. 6 Wednesday
" Clear & Sharp Hunters went away to their Tent. Men employed as before. Packetmen afsisting packing Oatmeal.
Mr McKay and family went away a Trapping towards Flambro' House. John Mowatt accompanied him as his Servant."

Mar. 7 Thursday
" Clear severe weather until the Evening then a low drift. Men employed variously. William Loutit still continues in the Surgeons List and has been so ever since the 8th Oct. last. He came out last Ship time and was as stout a Young Man as any of the Pafsengers."

Mar. 8 Friday
" Strong Gale NW and W Drifting very much.
Mens Employ the same."

Mar. 9 Saturday
" The weather more moderate towards evening Clear & fine.
Men at the Factory employed as before. four of the Wooders casme for Provisions. Mr McKay's Servant came to the Factory for necefsaries which was wanted at their Tent."

Mar. 10 Sunday
" Sharp clear weather wind W a fresh Breeze
Two Hunters arrived from the Eastward with 150 Partridges & 2 Foxes - Wooders returned to their Tent."

Mar. 11 Monday
" Early in the evening one of the Hunters mentioned Yesterday returned to his Tent. I have detained the other (being the Smith) to do duty at the Factory much wanted. Mr McKay's Servant went away also with what he wanted to his Tent.
Mens employ as follows. four sawing Boards, one plaining Do., one making mouldings for the Windows on the outside, five Packing Barley & Beer? for Inland, Two Tayloring, thirteen at the woods & eight at two different Hunters Tents. - One Man in Surgeons List.
Late in the evening two Hunters arrived from the Northward Tent they brought 140 Partridges & 2 Foxes."

Mar. 12 Tuesday
" Mild overcast weather - Northern Hunters returned to their Tent. The People employed at various Jobs. - Invalid Natives came for supplies of Oatmeal and returned."

Mar. 13 Wednesday
" Sharp clear weather wind W fresh Breeze at times. - Men employed at their respective Jobs.
In the Morning Mefs Fielding, Ward & Self took a walk to the Wooders Tent in order to see how they go on with duty there. find they will by the middle of next Week have sufficient firewood hauled to Bank Edge ready for Rafting in the Summer as to serve for next Years fewell, and another felled on the ground with a good many Timberpieces for various uses. Officers killed several Partridges near the Factory."

Mar. 14 Thursday
" Thick overcast weather blowing fresh Sly with a Low Drift. Carpenter plaining boards making mouldings for the Windows on the outside in readinefs for Weather Boarding, also began fitting up a place for the Second table mefs, hitherto they have made but a sorry shift. Several of the most able of the Young Indian Lads who have been harbouring about the Factory all the Winter sett off a trapping - Caught a White fox at sett Guns."

Mar. 15 Friday
" Cold sharp weather wind W with a brisk drift.
Men employed as yesterday. Fitted out the three Englishmen which brought Letters from Mr Cook the 3rd Inst. in order to their setting off tomorrow morning on their return if weather permits. - A White Fox from sett Guns."

Mar. 16 Saturday
" Fine Clear Weather - Men employed as before. In the morning Mr Cooks Packet Men went away. Wooders came for Provisions, as did two of the East'd Hunters, the latter brought 110 Partridges & a white Fox."

Mar. 17 Sunday
" Clear severe weather
Wooders returned to their tent with four days Provisions. Invalid Natives came for supplies of Provisions. gave them what I could spare for a few days & they returned. Mr McKays Servant came for Provisions for himself and Master - they are tenting (by his information) about Nineteen miles from the Factory."

Mar. 18 Monday
" Thick Snowy weather fresh Breezes N & NW
Mens Employment as follows
2 Sawing Boards for present use.
One plaining feather edge boards
Smith Jobbing in his way
Taylors for Trade
1 Man making Bags for Inland.
4 Do. Opened the Water Hole
13 Do. at the Woods
8 Do. hunting Partridges.
1 Do. attends the Cattle, Pigs, &c.
1 Do. Do. the Sick Man.
1 Do. in Sick List.
Mr McKay & one Man Tenting
Self & Officers sorting Goods for Inland
Invalid Natives pitched their Tents on the Plantation. twenty nine poor helplefs Creatures small & Great."

Mar. 19 Sunday
" Clear fine weather. Men employed nearly the same as Yesterday. - Mr McKays Servant returned to his Tent with what Provisions was requested."

Mar. 20 Wednesday [B.239/a/102 - I've been combining 2 copies of the same Journal. I've put both versions of Mar. 20 just for an example.]
" Agreeable fine Weather. thawed a little in the middle of the day.
Men at the Factory employed as before.
Wooders came home with their Tent & Bedding having finished hauling out to the Banks Edge ready for Rafting a sufficient quantity of firewood for next Winter, also cut down another. Invalid Natives employed netting Snow Shoes. Mr McKays Servant returned with the following Letter from his Master.
' Mr John Ballanden
Sent? 20th of March
1799
Sir.
As John Mowatt has acted Notorious? as to come from the Factory contrary to my Orders to him which I often repeated to him - till? Saturday next. I request that you will employ him at the Factory as he is of no use to me here. I do not Know but I may set off for the Factory before the Provisions now sent are expended for nothing is to be Caught here. I cannot supply myself with Partridges. what few there is I cannot get a Shot at them.
As for Foxes or Martins I cannot ? out? any to Kill either & indeed there are no Tracks to be seen as Yet the weather has been ever since I came away very Cold which I think prevent any Animals running about. should I remain here longer than the Provisions last. Please to send a Man who can bring it. As for Mowatt he left his Sledge half the way between the Factory and this Tent and is in danger of being eat up by the Wolves & Foxes &c. And I now send him to you to do his duty as a Man at the Factory.
I have mentioned it before to you, which I hope you will now? acquiesce with my request in this Particular - I thank you for the new pair of Snow Shoes and sorry to say that my endeavours cannot make any return as there is no Prospect at all of getting any thing ?.
My Compliments to your Mefsmates and
I remain
Dear Sir
Your Obed. hble Serv.
(Signed) Donald McKay
I am now on my way to fetch my own Provisions should I find it safe? DMK'"

Mar. 20 Wednesday [B.239/a/101]
" Agreeable fine weather thawed a little in the middle of the day.
Men at the Factory employed as before.
Wooders came home with their Tent and Bedding having finished hauling out to the Bank edge ready for rafting in the Summer a Sufficient Quantity of firewood for next Winter - also felled another. -
Mr McKays Servant returned having been sent to the Factory by Mr McKay as not being capable to do the duty he wants - requests another to be sent should he not return himself before his Provisions is expended. - Invalid Natives employed Netting Snow Shoes for? factory? service?"

Mar. 21 Thursday
" A Continuance of fine Weather.
Gave the Men this Day to Clean their Cabbins, Guard Room &c Wm Loutit Continues very ill."

Mar. 22 Friday
" Pleasant thawing Weather Wind SSE.
Men employed at necefsary duty."

Mar. 23 Saturday
" Clear & Sharp Wind NW.
Tradesmen employed at their respective Jobs. The others Sleded home Tent Poles from a small distance behind the Factory.
In the evening five of our Home Guard Indians arrived complaining much of Cold & hunger which they have suffered for a long time. Paid about half their Debts. their Reason for not paying the whole is as usual, being detained at the Factory so late in the Fall which prevented them from getting to their proper hunting Ground. Mr Colen's reason I have been given to understand was want of Factory Goods &c to give them Credit untill the arrival of the Ship. however it shall be my particular study? that they shall not have that as an Excuse for the future. they inform me the Rest of their friends have not been more succefsful. all have been Tenting about 50 Miles distance from the Factory and in a Short time I may expect them here."

Mar. 24 Sunday
" Dark cloudy weather - wind S & SSE blowing fresh. Performed Divine Service as appointed for the day. - Indians yesterday mentioned went away. - One of our Eastern Hunters arrived with 100 Partridges and two Foxes."

Mar. 25 Monday
" Weather and Wind as yesterday.
Carpenters plaining Boards and trimming up a place for the Second Table Mefs. - Taylors working for trade - One man making Boats Sails for Inland. Smith making Gun worms. Five men packing Goods for Inland. One man attends the sick four a hunting at Nelson River - four at the Eastw'd on the same duty and the rest wheeling Snow out of the Yard & Gangways &c &c Eastern Hunter went away and one from the North'd arrived with 160 Partridges."

Mar. 26 Tuesday
" Drifting very hard - wind NW
Men employed in doors at various triffling Jobs."

Mar. 27 Wednesday
" Clear sharp weather.
Men employed. - Tradesmen as on Monday the others grinding Oatmeal and Casting Snow from within the works."

Mar. 28 Thursday
" Wind Weather and Employment as yesterday.
Willm Loutit very ill."

Mar. 29 Friday
" Clear weather with Westerly Breezes.
Tradesmen at their respective Jobs. - the others grinding Oatmeal - Packed some bundles of Trading Goods for Inland & Casted some snow from within the Works.
About Noon several of our home Guard Indians arrived, a party from the Eastward, & another from up the River, the latter party brought a poor sick Girl which appears to me to be so much wore away that she cannot exist long - Her friends informed me before she became so Weak that she was delerious, and at such time they were obliged to Confine her, she is about Eighteen Years of age."

Mar. 30 Saturday
" Cold clear weather - Men employed as before. - Indians of Yesterday came into the Factory - they paid about two thirds of their Debts - the winter in General has been very cold and to add they have fell in with no Deer which is the Reason of their not paying their Debts in full. Eastern & Northern Partridge Hunters - one from each Tent brought 160 Partridges."

Mar. 31 Sunday
" Thick overcast weather Wind W.
The sick Indian Woman died last night.
Hunters sett off to their Tent."

Apr. 1 1799 Monday
" Fine mild overcast Weather.
Tradesmen & Labourers as last Week.
In the evening two Indians arrived from Churchill with a Packet all well there."

Apr. 2 Tuesday
" Pleasant warm thawing Weather.
Two of our home Guard indians arrived from down the River complaining as usual of being almost starved, they paid about two thirds of their Debt."

Apr. 3 Wednesday
" Clear fine Weather thawed much during the day.
Tradesmen trimming? and preparing the House ready for Weather Boarding, making a Boats mast, fitting up Cabbins in the Room where the Chiefs Servants Mefs, Tayloring for Trade & Jobbing in the Blacksmith way. the others making Boats Sails, Fishing Nets, Packing Goods for Inland & Casting out Snow from the Works. The two Indians that came Yesterday went away. Caught two White Foxes at our Set Guns."

Apr. 4 Thursday
" Clear weather with variable Winds. Men as before.
At 1/2 past 2 PM William Loutit departed this Life aged about 28 Years - Until? a few minutes before he died his speech was very plain & distinct - Has left a Wife and was only married a Month before he entered in your Honors Service."

Apr. 5 Friday
" Very warm thawing Weather Wind South.
Early this morning dispatched off Adam Mowatt with Provisions for Mr McKay who is tenting on the Backside of this Island - he is to attend him as his Servant, an Indian Lad accompanied him to show him the way, towards evening they both returned, could not find his Tent. - Men employed making a Coffin and digging a Grave for the poor Man who died Yesterday. Two families of Indians came in from the Eastward to attend the years Hunt they brought a few Furrs."

Apr. 6 Saturday
" Thawed much this day. Calm & Clear.
Sent again Adam Mowatt & John Mowatt with Provisions for Mr McKay, the former to stay as his Servant - four Men digging a Grave the others cleaned the Cabbins, Guard Room, Office, Gangways &c - In the evening Buried the Remains of Wm Loutit and read the burial Service over him as customary on such an occaision. Rec'ed 200 Partridges from our English hunters - The Churchill Packet men returned to that Settlement."

Apr. 7 Sunday
" Wind East a Gentle Breeze. It thawed very little today.
Hunters returned to their Tent. Gave them orders to come to the Factory next Saturday with their Tents & Bedding.
John Mowatt returned from Mr McKay with the following Note.

Unlucky Tent 7th April/99
Dear Sir
I reced your Letter the 6th Instant and Glad to hear that they are all well at Churchill. I thank you for another Servant as I cannot do every thing at this Tent. - I have built fifty Traps for Martins since I came here, but you may believe me to tell you truth, I have caught no more than two martins since I left the Factory -
The Whisky-Jacks are so numerous that out of all these Traps none will be found standing next morning, and very few Tracks is at any time to be seen your? new Servant will soon convince you of this? -
As for Partridges it is out of my Power to kill more than two or three in a Day. I would go into the Factory before now? if it was not on account of Burning firewood & that wood is plenty where I am. Please to send me the articles which is required as pr list Inclosed. These articles I am much in want of. you may Charge it to my Account as you choose, but I hope you will be pleased to grant it me.
My best Compliments to all your Mefsmates.
I am
Dear Sir
Your most Obedt.
Humble Serv't
(signed) Donald McKay
PS I am sorry to hear of any Mortallity at the Factory or any where else. I condole with you on that Providential event."

Apr. 8 Monday
" Cloudy with small snow at times Wind variable Mens employ as follows
Two weather Boarding the SW Flanker
Two Do. Do. Roof of the Cow House
One trimming Boats Sprits? &c.
The others Packing Trading Goods and Provisions for Inland, also Casting Snow from out the Works."

Apr. 9 Tuesday
" Thawing very much all day wind Variable.
Tradesmen & Labourers employed as Yesterday - Sent all the Indians that were on the Plantation to the Back of the Island to prepare for Goose hunting. One Old Man amongst them appears very ill. Early in the morning sent John Mowatt with sundry articles for Mr McKay's Tent in the evening he returned."

Apr. 10 Wednesday
" A Continuance of fine warm thawing weather. Men employed variously.
Several Indians arrived to day. Traded the few Furs they brought, In the evening sent them away to the Back of the Island to join those who are there already."

Apr. 11 Thursday
" Cold raw diagreeable Weather all day wind NE blowing fresh.
Men employed as before - Snow Birds numerous on our Plantation they have been seen twenty Days since by Natives who went away Yesterday."

Apr. 12 Friday
" Part Clear part Cloudy Wind Variable around the Compafs.
Men employed Variously."

Apr. 13 Saturday
" The first and middle parts of the day attended with Rain Sleet & Snow, the latter Clear & freezing. Wind SSE and NNW Men cleaned their Cabbins Guard Room, Yard, Gangways, &c &c. the Natives who pitched to the back of the Island in order to be in readinefs for the Goose Hunt came to the Factory for Provisions & returned. - Early in the morning Our Eastern & Northern Partridge Hunters came home with their Tent and bedding &c according to order they brought 200 Partridges and a Red Fox."

Apr. 14 "Monday"
" Dark Cloudy Weather wind N a Gentle Breeze. sent several Indian Boys to the Eastward a small distance to hunt Partridges."

Apr. 15 "Tuesday"
" Clear fine thawing Weather wind Variable light Airs. - Men employed Packing Goods for Inland, Weather Boarding the Masters flanker, Cleaning & repairing Hunting Guns, Tayloring for Trade, repairing one of the Boats, and wheeling out Snow from the Gardens &c."

Apr. 16 Tuesday
" Wind & Weather very variable, Alternately clear and Snowing & Sleeting - Men employed as Yesterday when weather permitted."

Apr. 17 Wednesday
" Sharp Clear Severe weather all day Wind NW & N fresh Breezes - Tradesmen & Labourers employed as on Monday. Received 60 Partridges from Indian Boys & two white foxes."

Apr. 18 Thursday
" This day Winds, Weather, and Employment little Variation from Yesterday. - Indians from the Marsh came for supplies of Oatmeal &c. Received the following note from Mr McKay.

Tent April 18th 1799
Dear Sir
By Adam Mowatt I do myself the pleasure to return you many thanks for the Tea & Sugar which you was pleased to send me - As I cannot procure the least thing either Partridges or Martins I am determined to go into the factory Monday next.
I do not want to send out to me any thing as it would be unnecefsary for so short a time. the bearer will inform you what succefs I had since he came to me. I may be more fortunate in the next world for in this I have had plenty of Misfortune & bad Luck, Labour, Fatigue, and disappointment since I came abroad out of my Native Country.
I hope every one is well at the Factory and that plenty of Trade is now coming in every day to you which is the sincere wish of
Dear Sir
Your most Obedt.
Humble Servant
(signed) Donald McKay.
{To Mr J. Ballanden Chief York Factory}"

Apr. 19 Friday
" Mild cloudy weather wind East gentle breeze. Men employed as before. Received 50 Partridges from Indians and a Red Fox."

Apr. 20 Saturday
" Wind variable from North & SSW light breezes
Men cleaned their Cabbins and got what necefsaries they wanted out of the Warehouse for the Season."

Apr. 21 Sunday
" A Brisk Gale at SSE overcast & Clear alternately -
Several Indians arrived from down the River, some to attend the Geese & others for necefsaries to return back with, Many of them did not pay half their Debts which they contracted for last fall, they gave their reasons as those that came in before, obliged to wait until the Ships arrival, no Goods being in the Factory to Supply them with at the proper Season so as to enable them to reach a more plentiful country in proper time. they have been almost starved this Winter no Deer being on the Coast."

Apr. 22 Monday
" Wind SSW a gentle Breeze with Snowy Showers at times. - Tradesmen employed at their respective occupations. the others cleaned the Warehouse, Offices, Magazines &c - In the forenoon Mr McKay, Family and Servant came to the Factory - with their Tent and Bedding - Mr McKay has been absent from the Factory since the 6th of March."

Apr. 23 Tuesday
" Fine mild Weather wind NNW a gentle Breeze
Men exercised small Arms according to custom. Several Indians went away to their Families as before mentioned, will not make their appearance again until the River Ice breaks up."

Apr. 24 Wednesday
" Cold Cloudy weather wind variable in the Eastern and Northern Quarters. Men employed variously. Reced from Mr McKay one Red fox and Seven Martins equal to four Beaver. Several Women & Children came from the Marsh begging for supplies of Oatmeal or any thing that can be spared as they might? exist? at present - no Partridges or any Kind of Game is to be seen near hand that they can provide a substitute for themselves - they inform me most of the Young Men have been absent from their Tents now two days looking out for Deer. Gave them what I could pofsible spare and they returned to their Tent."

Apr. 25 Thursday
" Wind & Weather and Employment the same as Yesterday. The Young Indian Men mentioned Yesterday pafsed this way on their return to their Tent. inform me they have been very unsuccefsful having caught nothing."

Apr. 26 Friday
" A Smart breeze Eastly Snowing a little at times. Tradesmen at their respective occupations - the Labourers wheeling Snow from out the Gardens and Packing Goods for Inland."

Apr. 27 Saturday
" Wind and Weather pleasant during the first and middle parts of this Day. the latter cold blowing a fresh Breeze Northerly - Men cleaned their Cabbins, Guard Room &c &c. - Many of the Indians came from the Marsh begging for Provisions, supplied them with what I was able and they returned."

Apr. 28 Sunday
" Wind WNW blowing fresh - snowing hard at times. Several Goose Hawks seen Yesterday which gives great hopes to the poor Natives that Geese will be on th Coast soon."

Apr. 29 Monday
" Cloudy with a little snow at times.
Tradesmen & Labourers Employ as follows. Shipwright & one Man repairing Boats, House Carpenter and two afsistants weather Boarding the House, Blacksmith & Armourer repairing Guns, Taylors making Indian Cloathing, Nine packing Goods for Inland, the others wheeling Snow from out the Garden."
[In the margin " One of our Cows Calved a Bull Calf."]

Apr. 30 Tuesday
" A Gentle Breeze SSW clear pleasant weather.
Tradesmen & Labourers employed much the same as Yesterday. - Five Grey Geese seen this evening, the first this Season."

May 1 1799 Wednesday
" Cold Cloudy weather snowing a little at times. Wind NW Men employed in doors at various necefsary Jobs."

May 2 Thursday
" Variable Breezes in the Northern and Eastern Quarters Weather Clear and Cold. Tradesmen and others employed at necefsary duty - This day made a finish of Packing the Bale Goods for Inland Amongst other things which I find a material lofs of for Inland is Biscuit - only eight Casks came from England by last Ship, five of which was expended and sent Inland during her stay - Not a Biscuit has been given to an Indian at the factory since I have had the Command - It has not been unusual? for some Hundreds to be expended in the course of a Week at this Place amongst Natives - I have much trouble & will have more to satisfy them that I have it not. - they tell me when I was at a small Place they wanted for nothing, and I was very good to them, now I am quite the Contrary. I hope I shall have influence enough yet to convince them - as it is out of my power this Year - Another Year will make amends and that they will be amply supplied with every thing I am now defficient of."

May 3 Friday
" A fresh Breeze Southerly Clear & Serene?
Men employed variously - A great deal of Water on the River and a fine Run of the same along shore."

May 4 Saturday
" A Continuance of fine Sly Breezes - clear and Cloudy alternately. Men cleaned their Cabbins, Guard Room, Platform, Yard &c. In the evening received a Goose from Indian Boys, the first killed this Season."
[In the margin "Saunders 1 Goose killed by Waker?"]

May 5 Sunday
" A Strong Gale NW first and middle part Snowing & Drifting, the latter part more moderate - Reced 1 Goose."
[In the margin "Corsequoy 1 Goose"]

May 6 Monday
" Pleasant weather wind variable all round the Compafs. Men Employed
Carpenters weather Boarding the House, repairing Boats &c
Taylors working for Trade
Armourers repairing Guns
Smith making Hatchets
Coopers trimming up Rundlets for Brandy
One Man making Nets
One Do. Do. Bags for Inland uses.
The others cleaning the Drains, and doing small Jobs.
Received the Carcases of three Beaver from Indians."
[In the margin
1 Beaver Hortles?
1 Do. J. Petre
1 Do. Dully
1 Do. Queens's Son"]

May 7 Tuesday
" Agreeable fine Weather Wind S & SW
Tradesmen and Labourers employed much the same as Yesterday - Received 14 Geese from Indians."
[In the margin "14 Geese from Women & Children sent by the Men from the Marsh for Brandy"]

May 8 Wednesday
" Dark cloudy Weather variable Winds all round the Compafs.
Tradesmen at their respective occupations - the others with the Officers examining Brazil Tobacco, and packing what is Good to be sent Inland. am sorry to inform your honours that by a thorough overhaul #573 was found entirely damaged and thrown over the Bank?. more will be examined tomorrow - Received 14 Geese from Indians."
[In the margin
5 Kitaway
2 Tuseway?
1 Billy
4 Saunders
2 Rabbit."]

May 9 Thursday
" Cold Cloudy weather wind Easterly
Tradesmen and Labourers employed as before. #235 of Brazil Tobacco was found Damaged this day which was disposed of as Yesterday.
Received 8 Geese from Indians."
[In the margin
"Geese
2 Wapusk
1 Tommy
4 Morris
2 Wilks"]

May 10 Friday
" Moderate Clear weather wind as before.
Employed as Yesterday and Seasoning Rundlets for filling with High Spirits for Inland. Received 14 Geese from Indians - Several flocks were seen flying towards our Marshes."
[In the margin
"Geese
3 Huggemowkeshick
5 Ometchuck
5 Corsequoy
2 Chochack"]

May 11 Saturday
" Light airs of Wind Sly.
Men employed as before. Received a few Geese from Indians."
[In the margin
"Geese
5 Hamman
3 Ground
2 Saunders"]

May 12 Sunday
" Fresh Breezes Nly. Indian Women & Children came from the Marsh for a supply of Oatmeal, Pease &c. Received from them 3 Geese they returned towards evening."
[In the margin " 3 Corsequoy."]

May 13 Monday
" Cold Cloudy Weather wind Nly
Men employed - repairing the Boats, Sawing feather Edged Boards, Cleaning and repairing trading Guns, Tayloring, Seasoning Rundlets for Inland Service. Jobbing in Blacksmiths way, overhauling the Crafts Rigging, Stores &c. Cleaning & trimming? the Gardens, also clearing a small Portion of the Plantation in readinefs for Indians to Tent thereon. Reced 3 Geese from Indians."
[In the margin "Geese 3 Saunders."]

May 14 Tuesday
" Cloudy weather with Sleet and Snow wind N & NE fresh Breezes
Tradesmen as Yesterday. Labourers slinging Inland Rundlets in readinefs for filling with High Spirits - also at work in the Gardens - No Geese flying."

May 15 Wednesday
" Wind Weather and Employment the same as Yesterday. Many Indians came from the Marsh Complaining much of being almost starved and to add to their distrefs it is out of my power to help them as they have need. - No Geese seen Yesterday or to day."

May 16 Thursday
" Very little alteration of either Wind or Weather.
Brewed small Beer & did various necefsary Jobs. 3 Geese from Indians."
[In the margin " 3 Geese Casequey"]

May 17 Friday
" Clear weather wind variable all round the Compafs.
Tradesmen employed at their respective occupations. the others filling Rundlets of High Spirits - the Garden so hard froze as yet that it will not permit us to dig it not being in many places above an Inch thawed - Received some Geese from Indians."
[In the margin
"3 Saunders
2 Chocask"]

May 18 Saturday
" Calm pleasant weather
Men employed at various duties - Received a few Geese from Indians."
[In the margin
" 5 Kitaway
6 Ground
8 Casequey
3 Tuseway
14 Ometchuck"]

May 19 Sunday
" Pleasant weather Wind Sly
Received a fine quantity of Geese from Indians. Ten Shilling Creek & French Creek appears to be broke up."
[In the margin
" 8 Wilks
17 Huggemowkeshick
10 Morris
5 Muskenawan?
8 Kitaway
18 Ometchuck
6 Casequey
8 Tommy
10 Chochack
4 Jack Turner
8 Saunders
7 Thomas

John Petre 1 Deer."]

May 20 Monday
" Wind variable light airs very warm weather
Tradesmen employed repairing the Boats, Cleaning and repairing Trading Guns, repairing and making Rundlets, making trading Cloaths and plaining weather Boards - the others brought home the Carcafses of four Deer which Mr Tate killed & one from Mr McKay - the first of his Game I have received excepting 10 Martins & 2 Red Foxes which I have before mentioned.
A great Run of Water along Shore."

May 21 Tuesday
" Thick close weather wind Ely - Tradesmen employed at their respective occupations the others brought Geese from the Indian Tents in the Marsh, very few flying - River Ice broke up as low down as three miles above the factory"
[In the margin
"+ 12 Kitaway
+ 14 Ometchick
+ 3 Jack Turner
+ 13 Wapusk
4 Wilks
+ 3 Huggemowkeshick Jun
+ 15 Groundwater
+ 22 Hamman
8 Wappasish
+ 19 Tusaway
18 Tommy
7 Morris
13 Thomas
8 Huggemowkeshick Sen.
+ 3 Wakasuket
+ 10 Cormakene?
+ 18 Casequey
+ 8 Chochack
+ 22 Saunders
10 Muchapew
1 Omeckenowan
+ 10 Hostler?".]

May 22 Wednesday
" Cold thick foggy weather wind as yesterday.
Tradesmen and Labourers employed at necefsary duty. River ice continues much the same having moved very little. - Sev'l of our People complains much of being afflicted with different complaints such as cold, Sprains &c. One man (John Irving) has been in the Surgeons List some time past & continues so, am much affraid I shall have little duty done by him this Summer. and how I shall mannage to get the Boats up to Gordon house with Goods God knows. very few Geese flying."
[In the margin " + Those mark'd thus? are Severn Indians.

10 Geo. Harvey"]

May 23 Thursday
" Heavy Rain & Sleet greatest part of this day. Wind as before. Early this Morning the Body of the Ice got under way and before Noon the River was quite clear, to appearance as far as we can see from the Factory, little or no Ice remaining along Shore. Mefs Sutherland & Howse and James Hourie launched one of our small Boats into the River at 10 o'Clock and went up as far as the 8 Mile Island, they returned in the Evening reporting the River clear from side to side. Great Quantities of Ice lying on the Sides of the River up above. little or none within five or six Miles of this place. Men employed filling Rundlets and slinging others. Received seven Geese from Mr McKay and 35 from Indians."
[In the margin
" 7 Geese Mr McKay
10 Kitaway
10 John Petre
10 Hoslter?
5 Jack Turner."]

May 24 Friday
" Cold freezing Weather Wind North a fresh Gale. Men employed at necefsary Duties. Received 326 from Indians & English"
[In the margin
"Geese
14 Kitaway +
48 Hamman +
8 Mansee +
15 Corsequoy +
47 Saunders +
10 Ground. +
34 Hugemawkeshick Sen.
25 Cannakene +
30 Muskapow?
22 Thomas
27 Wappasish?
10 Omeckanawan?
20 John Petre
6 Wapoos
9 Mr Sutherland
2 Mr Tate.
327

+ Severn Indians."]

May 25 Saturday
" Moderate clear Weather Wind variable.
Tradesmen at their respective Occupations. the others brought Geese from the Indian Tents. Twenty three Canoes of Homeguard Indians arrived and I am certain they have not brought so many Beaver Skins as they themselves are in Number, and their other Furs are but few. all they have to say of their not being more succefsful is that they were not sent early enough away last Summer and therefore - could not get to their proper Hunting Ground. Many of them have not been farther distant than Steel River which is not above 50 Miles from the Factory."
[In the margin
" 21 Wilks
11 Hugemawkeshick
10 Morris
3 Omeckanawan?
18 Sowenafs
21 Kitaway
70 Ometchick
35 Corsequoy
11 Ground.
15 Tommy
28 Teasaway?
24 Chochack
9 Wappasish
18 Jack Turner
37 Wapusk
6 Tommas
337."]

May 26 Sunday
" A Constant Rain all Day. Wind variable in the NE Quarter. - Myself & Officers employed with Indians who came Yesterday receiving such part of their Debt as they are able to pay. The produce of their Exertions this Winter for Furs is miserable indeed."
[In the margin
" 6 Hamman
27 Mansee
11 Hugemawkeshick
6 Corsequoy
11 Wakesuket?."]

May 27 Monday
" Drizzling Weather greatest part of this day. Men brewing Small Beer, Cleaning & repairing Trading Guns, Making Iron Work for the Boats, Making Inland Tents, Weather boarding the Front of the Factory, also wheeling Mud into the Gardens and doing various other Jobs. Several of the Indians that came on Saturday went acrofs the River to hunt."

May 28 Tuesday
" Fine clear pleasant Weather Wind variable. Tradesmen at their respective Jobs. The others brought 248 Geese from the Indian Tents in the Marsh. In the Evening six Canoes of Homeguard Indians arrived, the whole Amount of their Winters Hunt did not exceed 300 MB. Received from them likewise 13 Deer.
Yesterday Morning about 1/2 past 5 o'Clock I was informed by my Servant that there was a paper nailed up in the inner Gateway. I desired him to take it down and bring it to me. It was as follows "You milk hearted Street Scrub Writer, come to the Old Factory and read the Answer to your scrawling Note" at the Bottom of this paper was sketched a drawn Sword with some Figure denoting Something else. on the other side of the same paper was as follows "whatever may happen the Chief is responsible. The Subscriber is not the Aggrefsor. Keep this as a Voucher"
Mr McKay has dropped in the Yard several papers and nailed up others, one of the latter is just brought me, the following is a Copy, ? it like? Advertisment
" Whereas a Street Scrub writer, and is Supposed to be a pick pocket, has made his Escape from Billingsgate in June 1795, and fled to York Factory Hudsons Bay N. Am. This is to give Notice to any person or persons who may apprehend the said Miscreant will receive One Hundred Guineas Reward by applying to - No.6 Northumberland Street Strand
And this also gives Notice to any person or persons who may keep his Company, or afsociate with him, will be considered as an Accomplice or Accomplices by all decent and honest Men.
Mark read and Digest this
You toad poxedfaced Vagabond
Your Note is dabed with Cheat?
& your face may be served the same."

The above is inserted merely to give your Honours a moderate Sample of Mr McKay's Talents in polite Literature.
About 7 o'Clock the same Morning Mr McKay's Servant came by his Masters orders to inform me? that Donald Sutherland's Contract would expire this day and that if he (Donald Sutherland) should do any more Duty after such time he (Mr McKay) would strike him off Duty. My Answer was, that Donald Sutherland is the Company's contracted Servant, and as such should do the Duty I ordered him, and that if Mr McKay had any thing further to say about him, he must apply to the Honble Committee.

This and the two preceeding Evenings a Gun has been fired from one of the Windows of Mr McKay's Appartment. it has regularly taken place immediately on the Bell's being rung at 8 o'Clock to set the Watch for the Night. As I have carried on no kind of Correspondence with Mr McKay for a long time, any Conception of his Motives to this practise can be at the best but vague and uncertain, but if I may be allowed to form an opinion by a Comparison of this with many other Instances of extravagant and unaccountable Behaviour on his part that I and my Officers as well as Servants have witnefsed, I really can draw no very favorable Conclusion in regard to the Sanity of his Intellects
Monday Morn'g, the last time he was seen ------- my Servant observed that he was armed with a Sword Gun and Pistols, certainly there is no Necefsity for his thus accoutring himself where he has no Enemy to contend with, such a Mode of conducting himself is highly improper, and more especially at this time as three or four hundred Indians are on the plantation."

May 29 Wednesday
" Brisk Gale W & NW with flying Showers of Rain.
Launched the Mercury and Charlotte Boats in the River and moored them safe. likewise carried Goods down to the launch house in Readinefs for sending up to the Rock.
Several of our Goose Hunters arrived, they inform me that there are very few Geese flying. they wish to get paid for what they have killed so that they may go a Deer hunting."

May 30 Thursday
" A gentle Breeze NNW mild Weather.
Tradesmen at their respective jobs. The others preparing necefsaries for going to Gordon House with the Boats which were loaded this Evening and moored in the River. Two Men kept Watch in them. One Deer & 26 fine Trout from Indians.
This Afternoon Mr McKay sent a Mefsage by his Servant signifying "That Donald Sutherland Should not go to the Rock and that he himself would be at the launch end tomorrow morning to see who should be the Man who would dare to put him in the Boat." to this no Reply was made but I questioned the Lad whether these were the exprefs words made use of by his Master . he answered in the Affirmative, Mr James Sutherland was present and said as the Servant was leaving us, "that he thought Mr McKay might as well stay away from the Launch end". Soon afterwards Mr McK. was seen walking in the Yard and was heard to say to his Servant "Go and tell Mr Sutherland to challenge me in writing for not coming to the Launch end" or very nearly those words. this exhorted from Mr S. no other Reply than " You may tell your Master that I laugh at him". afterwards Mr S. desired the Servant to be the Bearer of no more such Mefsages to him or that he would punish him. Your Honours will be pleased to understand that Donald Sutherland among others has received orders to go with the Boats to Gordon House.

What Opinion does Mr McKay entertain of the Chief at this place, and on what ground does he suppose that I am under his Control? [his question mark] Or what exalted Ideas has he of himself and of power vested in him that can thus prompt him to attempt the arbitrary Disposal of any of your Honours Servants under my Direction? [his again] What ever may be his Sentiments, I feel myself fully justified in deviating from the mode of procedure he has, with so intolerable a degree of Arrogance and Impudence, presented? in this Instance. indeed I Should think myself so fully lost to your Honours Interest and to my own Senses were I, to the Detriment of the Honourable Company's Concerns, to relax? in what I consider my Duty merely because my Line of Conduct may not exactly coincide with the Wishes of so capricious unsteady a Man as Mr McKay, but neverthelefs I would wish to have it understood that although I am so cautious of swerving from the path which your Honours Interest so plainly points out, yet I am not so tenacinis? of my own Opinion or regardlefs of the Advice of others, but that I shall on all Occaisions wish & hope to have the cordial Afsistance amd Cooporation of every Gentleman of the Council, Mr McKay not excepted, if from it some Benefit be likely to accrue to the Honourable Company, but I can never acquiesce in the adoption of Measures so self evidently prejudicial to your Honours' Affairs and which if persisted in would eventually tend not only to retard but totally to obstruct the Transaction of Businefs by those in your Honours' Employ in this Quarter.
With regard to the Services of Mr McKay, I beg leave to say that I sincerely wish the Prospect of his Abilities and Exertions were as flattering to us as doubtlefs it was to your Honours when he was instructed to come out to York. on the contrary, with all due Deference to your Honours Recommendation, I clearly am of Opinion from what I have seen of him hitherto, that he seems far better calculated to impede than facilitate your Honours' Affairs, and more likely to defeat than suggest any beneficial Scheme, much lefs carry into Effect any project that may be set on foot with a view to your Honours Advantage. I think that I need adduce? the recent Instance of day only, as the Detention of that single Man would have delayed for several Days, if not prevented, the sending of a Cargo of five Tons and a half to Gordon House for Mr Tomison, and this at a time when the Water in the River is becoming every Day lefs, and of course would have been? at any Rate subjecting us to very great Inconveniences in the Conveyance of heavy but necefsary Articles to that place.

This Afternoon two of yout Honours Servants had occaision to go into a Room on the Ground floor of the Inland Men's House to fetch some Necefaries previous to their setting off with the Boats. Mr McKay followed them with a Pistol in his Hand and in an angry tone demanded their Businefs which they told him, he staid watching their motions 'till they went away and then strictly charged them and every one else not to come there any more, at their peril. It should be observed of Mr McKay's Appartments, that they are up stairs and though a portion of the Inland House, no other part of the Building has the least Communication with it there being a distinct outer Door that leads to his Rooms and no where else.

This Evening one of our Coopers, an inoffensive old Man going towards the Brewing Copper for a Billet of Wood chanced to look round towards Mr McKay's Habitation when he was immediately called to by that Gentleman, who was standing at his own Door, in a menacing Posture he asked him "what he was looking that way for" to which the poor Man replied "he could not tell". He then asked him if he had the Watch to night, being answered in the negative Mr McKay swore, at the same time brandishing his Pistol, that if he or any other person came within certain Limits (the Corner of the Men's House) that he (Mr McKay) would do for them.

On a calm and serious Review of the Occurences of this Day, my Mind naturally recurs? to the many unhappy Moments I have spent in regretting that I should unfortunately be destined to pafs so large a Portion of my time with a Man of Mr McKay's Disposition, and what is a matter of no small Concern to me is, that there now remains no Source from wherever? I can derive the solasing Prospect, the cheering Hope of the latter part of the Year rolling? over more comfortably than the former has done. when I consider the very strange unexampled Conduct which I perpetually witnefs, when I reflect on his unatural perversenefs to, nay inveterate Hatred of all social and amicable Intercourse so afsiduously manifested on every Occaision, and again when the numberlefs Instances of friendly Attention and a continued Observance of the most obliging Deportment towards him are contrasted with that relentlefs Ill-nature, and revengeful Rancour, that seems to guide him in every Action, and to burst forth in every Word, I own myself unable to supprefs the indignant Emotions that the Contemplation of such a Character must necefsarily excite and which it is not within the narrow Sphere of my Ability to exprefs. I can scarcely reconcile my Ideas of him with anything human.

Since I have been invested with some degree of power in this Service, I have lived with people of a Variety of Tempers, some that called forth all my Energy to conquer, but I never met with those over whom I could not gain an Ascendancy either by flattering their foibles or correcting their Errors. imprefsed with these Ideas I promised myself the grateful satisfaction of a complete Conquest of this man's turbulant Temper. The hope was as delusive as the Event is to me unfortunate. He baffles all my Skill. Inflexible to respectful Behaviour and the most conciliating Language, unmoved by studied Civilities and insensible to Obligations conferred, we are at last obliged tho' reluctantly to relinquish the hopelefs Attempt of gaining his Confidence and thereby terminating those Difsentions? and Animosities which have been and still are so unhappily prevalent.

I have used every Effort in my power to discover the Cause of these fresh Instances of his outrageous Behaviour, but it bids defiance to the most diligent Enquiry, and to the utmost stretch of my Imagination to conceive, in fact I feel daily more and more persuaded that he acts under the immediate Influence and Operation of some evil Genius or that he is a Victim to one of the most deplorable human Infirmities - a disordered Mind.

A most implacable Enemy to his own Happinefs he most afsuredly is. and I may say without doing him the least injustice that he is a Pest to all around him."

May 31 Friday
" A gentle Breeze Northerly fine clear Weather. Early in the Morning sent off twenty Englishmen and two Indians in two boats loaded with various Kinds of Goods for Gordon House, the rest of the Men digging the Gardens and employed upon Inland Services. All our Goose hunters came to the Factory the Geese being gone off the Coast. we have had about 1100 brought in this Season."

June 1 Saturday 1799
Gentle Breezes variable, fine clear Weather
Men in the Morning carried Goods to the Launch house and prepared the Jupiter Boat for going to Gordon House with a Cargo on Monday if the Weather permit. Men afterwards cleaned their Cabins. Natives preparing to go a Deer hunting."

June 2 Sunday
" A Continuance of very heavy Rain all Day. Received the Carcases of two Deer from Indians.
Notwithstanding the Behaviour of Mr McKay, I sent him as usual a Bottle of Wine. On its being delivered to him he at first hesitated and was undetermined whether he would keep or return it, but presently said to the Servant who had taken it " as it is sent I will accept it but desire the Chief to send me no more Liquor of any Kind either Rum or Wine before Shiptime for if he does I will return it to him.""

June 3 Monday
" Wind NNE a brisk Gale with frequent Showers. Two Englishmen & five Indians set off with a Cargo of Trading Goods in the Jupiter Boat for Gordon House. Men at the Factory employed at necefsary Jobs.
Too bad Weather for Indians to set off in their Canoes a Deer hunting."

June 4 Tuesday
" The first part of this day fine clear Weather Wind N. the middle & latter parts heavy Rain light Airs. Wind variable. Tradesmen at their respective jobs. The few Men that remain at the Factory are sewing Seeds in the Garden for the first time this Season. Officers set Nets in Ten Shilling Creek and caught a considerable Number of fine Trout by angling. Natives did not like to leave the plantation on account of the disagreeable Weather."

June 5 Wednesday
" Wind and Weather variable. Employed with our Homeguard Indians fitting them out to go a Deer hunting, the greatest part of them went away, some up the River & some acrofs. Ten fine Trout from Nets set Yesterday, many more had been caught in them but the Indians had robbed them a little before."

June 6 Thursday
" Part clear part cloudy with variable Breezes. Men employed at necefsary Jobs.
The Remainder of the Indians went away, leaving many helplefs Widows & Orphan Children to be provided for about the Factory as usual."

June 7 Friday
" Gentle Breezes variable with Small Showers. Men carried Goods for Inland to the Launch House in readinefs against the Boats arrive. Two Canoes of North River Indians arrived, brought no Furs having traded all their Winter's Hunt at Mr Cook's House. by them I received a Note from Mr Cook requesting that Some Ammunition might be sent him the first Opportunity. Took up our Nets as no fish are now to be caught. only one has been procured the two preceeding nights. Judge the Natives rob the Nets."

June 8 Saturday
" Wind E & NE gentle Breezes
Men employed at necefsary Duty.
Received one Swan & three Ducks from Indians."

June 9 Sunday
" Calm pleasant Weather all Day. In the middle of the Day Musquitoes made their Appearance, and altho' the first time this Season are very troublesome. North River Indians went away. Sent by them what Mr Cook requested."

June 10 Monday
" The first part of this Day calm clear Weather. Muskitoes numerous & troublesome, the latter a fresh Breeze Nly & Cloudy
Employed weather-boarding the Shed, fronting? the Gateway, cleaning Trading Guns, preparing moorings for the Boats. Launched three of them this Evening, also finished digging and sowing our Gardens."

June 11 Tuesday
" Stiff Breeze Nly Cold Cloudy Weather.
About Noon our three Boats arrived from Gordon House. two of them set off for that place the 31st ult., the other the 3rd Inst. They brought down with them 1600 MB belonging to Oxford House and from Gordon House. Moored the Boats safe in the River and began preparing for a second Trip."

June 12 Wednesday
" A fresh Gale Ely Cold disagreeable Weather.
Men employed packing Necefsaries for Inland. Several of our Homeguard Indians returned having met with no Deer, and by their Account many Families will be in soon as they cannot provide for themselves. Indeed I am in a bad Situation myself every Article of provisions now in the Factory being very Small. such a Number of Men Women and Children as are to be provided for at this Factory would require a Shipload of Grain to maintain them through a Summer. Should the Deer not make their Appearance Soon, God only Knows what we shall do."

June 13 Thursday
" Clear pleasant Weather, Wind variable in the Eastern & Northern Quarters. Men employed carrying Goods down to the Launch House, also put a part thereof in four Boats in readinefs for setting off tomorrow with full Cargoes to Gordon House. Engaged twelve Indians to afsist in tracking Boats up, intending myself to accompany them. as? Mr Howse had every thing in preparation last Fall for establishing a Settlement at Poplar River, he now embarks with me for that Appointment or any other Station to which the Council may appoint him. He is well qualified for most Stations in your Honours' Service indeed anything I can say in his Favour will be far short of his Deserts. Mr Sutherland will be left in Charge of the Factory, a worthy good Officer, I should not do him Justice if I omitted to acquaint your honours that he has upon all Occaisions afforded me every Afsistance in his Power and I have no Doubt that the Businefs of the Factory will be transacted during my Absence to my entire Satisfaction.
Yesterday Evening I fixed on the Men who were to go with the several Boats, since which one has been ill so much so as to be disabled from accompany the rest. this Circumstance has reduced me to the Necefsity of applying to Mr McKay for his Servant to go in his Stead, which I did in as polite a manner as I could. I am sorry to say that my Servant did not bring his Answer in quite so civil Terms, as I had a right to expect. his Answer was "He may do as he likes only let me have some one to light my fire and bring me Beer." His Servant is accordingly appointed to go with the Boats, and John Mowatt attends in his Stead on Mr McKay - being unfit to take a Journey of such Length as to Gordon House. Late in the evening two of the Boats set off."

June 14 Friday
" Part clear part cloudy wind variable in SE Quarter. At half past 5 AM Mr Ballanden set off for Gordon House with two small Boats loaded with Goods. At parting saluted him with three Cheers and five Guns.
Employment of Men as follows. Two cleaning the fur Shed, Launch House, and another WareHouse &c. Joiner weather boarding the Gateway. One digging a part of the Difstillery Garden. One Man as usual attending on Mr McKay and family. Mr Tate giving Debts to a few of the Indians which intends going away.'

June 15 Saturday
" Clear pleasant weather wind SW a fresh breeze. Blacksmith making iron work for Indians. Others employed about necefsary Jobs. At 6 AM four Canoes of Homeguard Indians arrived with a sufficient Quantity of Furs to pay their Debts which is the first time that any of them has been able to do it this Season. Received the Carcafses of two small Deer from Natives."

June 16 Sunday
" Dark cloudy weather with Rain all day. Wind variable in the NE Quarter."

June 17 Monday
" Cloudy weather with Rain at times - Wind NW - Employment of Men. Joiner weather boarding about the Gateway, Blacksmith repairing Guns for Natives, One Man at work in the Gardens. One attending on Mr McKay and Family and one in the Surgeons List. Coopers repairing small Rundlets.
In the evening received a small Beaver from Indians."

June 18 Tuesday
" Hazy weather with thin driving fogg. Wind variable from North to East - Blacksmith and one Man making Iron work for Factory use. Others employed as yesterday. At 3 PM a Bungee Man and Family arrived who ----- has paid a Debt of twenty Beaver credited here last Summer, and is all he has - The reason he gives of his not bringing more furs is that he has paid another debt of forty Beaver to Mr David Saunders in the Spring. But there is great reason to suppose he has been trading at some of the Canadian Settlements.
In the evening set a fishing Net at Sloops Creek."

June 19 Wednesday
" Fine clear weather wind SW a strong Gale. Employment of Men. Two Brewing small Beer. Blacksmith as yesterday. Joiner cleaning and painting the Chiefs Room. One wheeling mould into the Yard, and one very ill with Rheumatic complaints. Blowing too hard to day for the Natives to leave the Factory. In the evening trusted the Bungee Man that came yesterday a small Debt and fitted him out to go away.
Caught one fish in our Nets."
[In the margin "Received four fine fish from Mr McKay"]

June 20 Thursday
" a Brisk Gale NW with frequent showers of Rain. Early in the morning the Bungee Indian Man and Family left the Factory, likewise four Canoes of Homeguards. Sent two Englishmen and six Ind. Boys to collect Limestone along shore. towards evening they brought a Boat Load. Men immediately carried it up the Bank and Pumped the Cellars.
One man continues very ill"

June 21 Friday
" Clear weather with a Brisk Gale at NW. Fitted out one Canoe of Homeguard Indians with necefsaries for their Winters hunt and sent them up the River."

June 22 Saturday
" Clear weather wind variable in the NE Quarter. Men pumped the Cellars and did many necefsary Jobs.
At noon two Boats arrived from Gordon House. afterwards busily employed carrying Cargo to the Launch House, serving the Men Provisions out in readinefs to make another trip on Monday if weather will permit. In the evening the remainder of our Homeguards returned, not being able to provide for themselves and Families, as the Deer has not made their appearance near the Sea Coast as yet."

June 23 Sunday
" Clear weather wind NW. Employed in the trading Room giving Debt to some of the Indians that came yesterday. Two of the Men that arrived in the Boats very ill."

June 24 Monday
" Clear pleasant weather wind SW a gentle breeze. In the morning loaded two Boats with various kinds of Goods, and at noon sent them off to Gordon House with full Cargoes. - Two Canoes of Bungee Indians arrived. employed trading with them, and giving some more of the Homeguard Ind. Debt. and at 3 PM eight Canoes of them left the Factory, being fitted out with every thing necefsary for the ensuing year.
Three Men in the Surgeons List."
[In the margin "Reced four fish from Mr McKay"]

June 25 Tuesday
" Part clear part cloudy with a fresh breeze at NE? Trusted the Bungees of yesterday Debt, fitted them out and sent them early in the morning. afterwards employed giving Debt to some more of the Home Indians, which intends leaving the Factory tomorrow if weather permits. - Two Men so far recovered as to be out of the Surgeons List."

June 26 Wednesday
" Thick weather with heavy Rain AM. In the Afternoon clear, wind variable in the NE Quarter. The badnefs of the weather has prevented the Homeguards from going away. At 2 PM a Large Canoe with four Englishmen Loaded with 14 Bundles of furs arrived being despatched from Gordon House for Articles wanted for the upper Settlements.
Two Men set fishing Nets at the Point of Marsh, the others employed variously.
One Man in the sick List."

June 27 Thursday
" Clear pleasant weather wind variable in the NW Quarter. - Busily employed the Major part of this day giving Debt to some more of the Indians and fitting them out with necefsaries for their Winters hunt. At 3 PM sixteen Canoes of them left the Factory apparently well satisfied. - Afterwards collecting and Packing several things for Inland in readinefs for dispatching the Canoe off that arrived yesterday from Gordon House. The few Tradesmen and Invalids that remains here employed variously. - Got a few fish from our Nets set yesterday."

June 28 Friday
" Hazy weather wind NE a strong Gale. Employed preparing Iron work and other necefsaries for Inland. Pumping the Cellars, looking at the fishing Nets, carrying Trading Goods &c to the Launch House in readinefs to dispatch the Canoe that arrived on the 26th and doing several triffling Jobs about the Factory. Got several fine fish from the Nets."

June 29 Saturday
" Part clear part cloudy wind NE a gentle breeze.
At 4 PM the Canoe that arrived on the 26th left the Factory loaded with Trading Goods, Stores &c for Inland. - Men employed variously. Got a few fish from our Nets."

June 30 Sunday
" Pleasant agreeable weather. At 8 AM Mr Ballanden arrived from Gordon House in the Jupiter Boat, Loaded with Inland furs and at Noon Mr Cook accompanied by Mr Tho. Colen and sixteen Men in four Large Canoes likewise came Loaded - fifteen Indians in eight small Canoes soon made their appearance afterwards belonging to Mr Cook loaded with furs. - These Indians are to afsist him back with Goods."

July 1 Monday 1799
" Yesterday I arrived from Gordon House leaving Mr Tomison, Mr Longmoor and Mr Bird to see the Canoes Loaded, and set off for the upper Settlements. Mr Tomison arrived at the Rock House 24th Ult. accompanied by Mr Oman and Bird in fourteen Large Canoes loaded with furs. - Am sorry to inform Your Honours that Mr Tomison has had the misfortune to be stabbed in the thigh by an Indian. He at present walks Lame and am afraid will all the days of his Life. otherwise he appears hearty and chearful as ever. - His Canoes were manned with fifty six Men. - The Day after their arrival had them all called and took their Determinations as most of their times is expiring this or next year Mr Colen having for many years back made a practice of engaging the Men only for one year. now their times being expired all at once a combination was agreed amongst them not to return Inland if they did not get extraordinary wages above what your Honours has proposed to them. - Finding me Determinate not to agree to their wishes towards evening several came and entered into Contract at what was offered them before and refused. and others gave in their resolves to stay longer if their wishes was granted.
To settle terms with the Men is a most Difsagreeable task, particularly as it is not in a Masters power to change them, when they become Difsatisfied, and very often obliged to comply with their wishes against his inclination, or relinquish an undertaking that might have been of serious consequence to the Honourable Company.
The few Men that remains at the Factory at present employed at various necefsary Jobs.
Caught a few fish in our Nets."

July 2 Tuesday
" A Gentle breeze Southerly clear fine weather.
Sent three Canoes of Mr Cooks Indians away with Goods for his Settlement. Afterwards laid out Cargoes for the Englishmens. Much grumbling amongst the Men both for Sugar and Biscuits. Articles out of my power to serve them with.
Three men in the Surgeons List with different complaints. - Three fish from our Nets."

July 3 Wednesday
" Light breezes variable all the morning. The latter part of the Day heavy rain Thunder and Lightening. Late last night six Canoes of our Homeguard Indians arrived loaded with Venison the greatest part of it not eatable - The warmnefs of the weather and the great distance they have brought it, so occasioned it to smell much. - However encouragement must be given upon all occasions for Provisions when it is to be got nigh the Factory. Paid them for it in full.
Men at the Factory employed repairing the Platforms, repairing and painting the Boats, Tayloring and doing various Jobs.
Three Men in the Surgeons List.
No fish to be caught in our Nets, they are Dayly attended and cleaned at tide time."

July 4 Thursday
" A stong Gale WNW raining very much all day. - Two Large Canoes of Mr Cooks went away loaded with Trading Goods, Provisions and Stores for the Settlement up Nelson River. - Men emp'd at necefsary Jobs. - No Luck from our Nets. Too bad weather for Indians to go away."

July 5 Friday
" A Brisk Gale NW clear. - About noon the Mercury and Charlotte Boats arrived from Gordon House brought 132 Bundles of Furs. Received Letter from Mr Tomison requesting the Boats to be sent up again with such Articles as can be conveniently spared. Am sorry to Inform Your Honours that the Warehouses at York are now emptied of almost every useful Article, both of Provisions, Trading Goods and Stores - However shall collect every thing pofsible in my power that is wanted in readinefs for the Boats setting off on Monday morning. Four men very ill. Weather too bad for Indians to go away.
Launched the Longboat in the River and moored her therein."

July 6 Saturday
" Fine clear pleasant weather, wind East a gentle breeze. Men employed carrying Trading Goods, Stores and Provisions to the Launch House in readinefs for loading the Boats Monday morn'g in order for their going up to Gordon House accord'g to Mr Tomison's request. At the same time will be sent sufficient Provisions for Mr Whitford and four Men for the Winter at that Settlement.
Eight Canoes of Indians went away from the Factory."

July 7 Sunday
" Light Breezes variable from North to South. Most of the Indians that accompanied Mr Cook went away. - They have in charge sundry Packages for his Settlement. - Homeguard Indians that is at present on the Plantation brought in the Carcafses of two Deer killed in sight of the Factory."

July 8 Monday
" AM Calm and pleasant. PM Variable breezes . At noon Loaded the Mercury and Charlotte Boats with Trading Goods, Provisions and Stores. At 8 PM twenty Men set off in them for Gordon House. - Mr Cook and all his party to embark tomorrow morning if weather permits. - Two Indians came from the Eastward brought a few Deer skins and some Dried tongues. Set two Nets for fish along shore."

July 9 Tuesday
" Light airs of wind variable all round the Compafs. At 9 AM Mr Cook with two Large Canoes and two small ones, set off loaded with Trad'g Goods, Provisions and Stores for his Settlement up Nelson River. Saluted him with five Guns at parting being a very deserving Officer.
Received 13 Deer from Indians. they having brought it along way it is not eatable. By ? many Deer are crofsing up the River about 50 Miles distant, and they Judge several Canoes will be here tomorrow Loaded. By the Warmnefs of the weather and the great distance off they have to bring it, am fearful it will be in no better condition. Engaged two (Indians) Boys to attend our fishing Nets. five fine Trout from them.
A Bull Calf died, having by some means hurt itself a few days since."

July 10 Wednesday
" Very warm hot sultry weather all day attended at times with very severe Thunder and Lightening. In the morning nine Canoes arrived Loaded with Venison, the Chief part of it, we was obliged to thro' into the River, it being entirely past making use off, even by Hogs or Dogs. - The Indians that brought it, says the Venison was only killed two nights since. Men employed salting what was preserved of it."

July 11 Thursday
" A Continuance of very hot weather. Men Emp'd as follows. The Shipwright repairing and paint'g the Boats. - Joiner making Window sashes. - Coopers repairing small Rundlets. One man attends on Mr McKay and Family as usual & one Sick - Being the Compliment of working hands now remaining at the Place. - the rest are with the Boats to Gordon House and gone Inland. - No Luck from our Nets."

July 12 Friday
" A fresh Breeze Easterly with thick foggy weather. Men employed as yesterday.
Sixteen Canoes of Indians went away, and one arrived Loaded with Venison pretty good, after paying for it, went away.
Three fish from our Nets."

July 13 Saturday
" Wind and weather much the same as yesterday - Men Pumped the Cellars and cleaned their Cabbins. - No fish from our Nets."

July 14 Sunday
" Calm hot sultry weather.
Received some fish and Venison from Indians."

July 15 Monday
" Weather as yesterday. Employment as follows. - Shipwright [James Sinclair] repairing and painting the Boats. - Joiner [Sam'l Adamson] doing some necefsary Jobs in the Warehouse. - Coopers making Rundlets for Inland Services. Armourer repairing trade Guns & One Man attends on Mr McKay and Family as usual. Being the whole of the working hands now remaining at the Factory, the rest being with the Boats up at Gordon House and gone Inland. Four fish from our nets.
Late this Evening my Servant handed me the following Note, directed to him, and which I presume to insert a Coppy off for your Honours perusal.

"James Dibble
Since the seventh of June, when a quart of Strong Beer was sent to me, since the ninth of February last. What has been sent was grounds or the Sediments of the Casks. the Bearers can testify it, is this the leading wish of the Chief Director at York to make me comfortable and happy. this Gratification and Indulgence will bear in part testimony of a friendly treatment since my residence in the Old Lumber House near York Factory. If any impartial Man and Gentlemen in particular will take a retrospect of what happened in the year or Winter before last, they will clearly observe a concatenation of unremitted attempts carried on by the same set of Men driving me out of my Station and Appointments (but they may be yet Difsapointed) and combining every pofsible topic of censure their ingenuity could devise. These last two years in particular.
I demand my bare Allowance Rum and Wine as no reason is afsigned in writing why it should ? for I shall not take such poisonous compound. this ought to be directed to your present Master but he has refused to receive any Demands, reply or request in writing his reason is obscure but time will discover and unfold it.
Syned
Donald McKay
York Factory
Old House 15th July 1799"

I will only make this reply to the above, that Mr McKay has never wanted a part of such as I had at my own Table, if he choose to take it, and I presume in Justice to myself and Mefsmates he could not expect any other. - But his unhappy temper must make him grumble about something or other. Every person around me is sensible of the unremitted attention I have always paid to him since the Ships departure last year. until that time I had never seen him, and I now wish sincerely I had never. - Pray God send Your Honours Ship soon, that either him or me may accompany her to England. - To Winter with him another year nothing could induce me excepting it was to live miserable."

July 16 Tuesday
" Variable breezes with very warm weather
Men Employed pickling Venison, repairing and painting the Boats &c. Two Canoes arrived with some Deer skins and Dried meat. Your Honours will please to observe that Mr McKay on the 2nd June last, sent a Verbal Mefsage by my Servant not to send him no more Wine or Rum until Shiptime. If I did he Mr McKay would send it back. I must confefs I was pleased when that mefsage was delivered to me which I truely observed until this day - when I gave orders to the Steward to serve him out as usual. - He accordingly had two Gallons of Rum sent him, to serve I hope until the Ship makes her appearance. Porter such as myself and Mefsmates drinks at Table, half a Gallon a day - that is a quart for Dinner and another for supper, which is double the Quantity that any of the Gentlemen drinks with me. - He is a poor unhappy man and he strives all in his power to make every person around him so."

July 17 Wednesday
" Very warm hot sultry weather. Employed making Beacon Steps? - repairing Boats - making Rundlets for Inland. Doing triffling Jobs in the Blacksmiths way for Indians. also Brewed small Beer. - A Canoe arrived with some Deer skins, after trading them went away in Company with those that came last evening.
I am much grieved to inform Your Honours that Mr McKay's conduct at present is unbearable. This evening he has shewn every Symptom of Insanity. - The few Men that remains now at the Factory after retiring from their Duty at the ringing of the Bell at six o'Clock, went and amused themselves in their own Guard Room. - About nine oClock they were surprised by Mr McKays coming to one of the Windows where they were sitting innocently Diverting themselves and running his naked Sword thro' the Window breaking and hacking it at the same time accompanying it with horrid swearing for them why they were sitting up, and making such a noise, every now and then presenting a Pistol to them. They made him no other reply than by saying they were doing no harm. - Mr Thomas Colen having occasion to go into the Mens House for some small Beer, the men informed him what had lately happened. - He accordingly looked at the Window and was very much surprised to see the Glafs and part of the framing Demolished. as he was viewing it Mr McKay presented a Pistol to him out of the Window in the House where he lives without his ever speaking for what reason he did it. I have with the Gentlemen at my Table consulted what is most prudent to be done with him to guard against his doing mischief to any Person as he has often threatened, and your Honours humble Servant not ommitted. - Every person advises me to Disarm him by taking his Guns, Swords Pistols &c from him. - But as Mr Tomison and several Gentlemen are expected dayly from Inland. I could wish they should see a Specimen of his behaviour before anything was done and to have their approbation likewise - From his line of conduct now and ever since I have seen him, am affraid I shall be under the necefsity to put him under confinement."

July 18 Thursday
" Wind South a gentle breeze with very hot sultry weather. - Men employed at necefsary Jobs. About Noon a Large Canoe arrived from Gordon House with 12 Bundles of Furs conducted by three Englishmen whose times are expired this year. They brought Letters from Mr Tomison and the Gentlemen at Gordon House."
[In the margin " ? , Hugh Leask, Geo. Stanger. Mr Ward also arrived."]

July 19 Friday
" A Smart Breeze North and NE alternately clear and cloudy. Mercury and Charlotte Boats also the Tily? do. arrived from Gordon House with 144 Bundles of Furs. Mr Longmoor and Mr James Sutherland Accomptant from Inland accompanied them. Likewise a Son of Mr George Sutherland intending to go to England.
Received some fine fish from Indian Lads."

July 20 Saturday
" Most part of this day thick foggy weather.
Men that came down with the Boats yesterday cleaned their Cabbins &c. The others making Beacon Steps, Rundlets for Inland, repairing some of the Windows and Weeding the Gardens.
Some fish from our Nets."

July 21 Sunday
" Wind and Weather as yesterday
A Canoe arrived with some Deer skins and Dried Meat. - Caught several fine fish in our Nets"

July 22 Monday
" Light airs of wind variable - Men employed packing furs - making Beacon steps - repairing trading guns - making Rundlets for Inland use. Jobbing in the Blacksmith way. - Weeding the Gardens and Wheeling in mould from the Bank to fill up vacant places about the Platforms.
Ten fish from our Nets."
[In the margin "34 Bundles packed of Wolves"]

July 23 Tuesday
" Pleasant clear weather - Light Breezes W and SW - Mr James Sutherland and Twelve Men set five fathom hole Beacon and all the Buoys usually put down against the arrival of the Ship. - The others packing as yesterday. Received 11 fine fish and some small Birds from Indian Lads."
[In the margin "29 Bundles of Wolves packed"]

July 24 Wednesday
" Gentle Breezes Southerly. Mr James Sutherland and 10 Men set the outer Beacon - reports that the Channel of the River is much altered, there being many Shoals and Sands where Deep Water was before. This is occasioned by the Deluge in the Spring at the breaking up of the Ice. The rest of Men as before packing furs. Four Canoes arrived from Gordon House with 55 Bundles of Inland furs."

July 25 Thursday
" Gentle breezes W and SE clear and fine - In the evening Warm showers of Rain attended with thunder. Men packing furs and doing various necefsary Jobs.
About noon several young Women who had been in the habbits of bathing in the River, two of whom unfortunately Drowned in sight of their Parents and Relations about 100 yards distant above the Factory. Every exertion was made by our People to save them but arrived too late to afford them any afsistance. However one was picked up from the Bottom about an hour afterwards and every means was used as prescribed by the Human Society for returning to Life but without the least signs. - One of the above unfortunate young Women is a Daughter of Mr Geo. Sutherland and the other is a Daughter of an Indian much respected by every European that is acquainted with him."

July 26 Friday
" Very Hoy sultry weather. - wind South.
Men employed packing furs and draging for the poor Girl that was Drowned yesterday. In the evening buried the remains of her that was found."

July 27 Saturday
" Variable Breezes - clear fine weather. Last night heavy Rain, thunder and Lightening. - Early this morn'g Despatched 13 Men to the Woods to raft firewood. and in the evening at tide time three Large Canoes and 12 Men set off for Gordon House Loaded with Provisions and necefsaries. - No Trading Goods remains now at the Factory that is wanted Inland at present. What few men remains at Home? ? packed furs and clean'd the yard &c.
Caught several fine Jack fish in our Nets. Opened a Chest of 3 1/2 foot Guns intending to send them Inland. find them entirely Damaged by rust and is supposed to have been done in the Ship. they came from England last year."

July 28 Sunday
" Calm clear hot Sultry weather
Three Canoes arrived with a few Deer skins. brought intelligence that the poor Girl that was Drowned a few days since was laying at High water mark about two miles distant below the Old Factory. Sent immediately a party of Men to bury her. Heavy Rain last night and this morning.
Received some Ducks and small Birds from Indian Lads."

July 29 Monday
" A small Breeze SSE clear and fine weather. Men employed Brewing Small Beer and Packing furs. In the Afternoon Mr Tomison arrived in Company with seven Canoes. three of whom are those who went away on Saturday. He met them about forty miles up the River, and thinking there was no occasion for their going up to Gordon House ordered them down. - The furs from Inland are all brought down excepting nine Bundles which will come by the first Large Canoes that arrives.
Mr Tomison thinking Jack River House where Mr Isham Commanded being of very little Service Has ordered Mr Oman with two Canoes up to that Settlement to carry all the Goods away remaining and convey them to Trout River. Mr Isham and the Men that were with him whose times are not expired are gone up the SaskasChewan River with Mr James Bird. - Mr Oman it is Judged will be here about the 10th next Month. - Your Honours Trade at Swan River and Jack River this year is very little comparing it with former years.
Two Indians arrived from Severn brought Letters from thence all well. - Sent 13 Men to the Woods to Raft firewood and timber early this morning."
[In the margin "Men 35 from Inland including Mr Tomison Mr Longmoor & Mr Jas Sutherland?"]

July 30 Tuesday
" A fine Breeze E and NE with a thick fogg most part of the day. Employed packing furs - repairing the Boats. - making Rundlets for Inland service and cleaning trading Guns. Several of the Men that came from Inland are very ailing mostly with severe Strains and Bruises.
A few fish and Small birds from Indians."

July 31 Wednesday
" Cold foggy weather - wind Northerly. fresh Breezes. Men as yesterday
Several of your honours Servants that came from Inland very ill.
The Indians that came here on the 28th went away as did them that came from Severn 29th.
Got some fish from our Nets."

Aug. 1 1799 Thursday
" Fine clear weather wind variable. Ice in sight. Men employed as before.
Got several fish from our Nets."

Aug. 2 Friday
" Pleasant weather wind Southerly. Men emp'd packing furs, and doing various triffling Jobs. In the evening Wooders came down with 14 Rafts of firewood. - Sent the Charlotte Boat and five Men up the River to Collect crooked Timbers for building Boats with.
Some fish and Small Birds from Indians."

Aug. 3 Saturday
" Gentle Breezes Variable. Men finished packing the furs from Inland and carried firewood up the Bank.
A few fish and Small Birds to day."

Aug. 4 Sunday
" The first part of this day fine weather - The middle and Latter parts cold and foggy - Early this morning two Canoes arrived with a few Beaver skins, traded them immediately and they went away. - It is with great reluctance I mention to your Honours the Behaviour of Mr McKay this afternoon - He appeared to every person around him to be much deranged in mind, by his often calling out to them to take warning that he would set fire to the House this night. as likewise his Parading before his Door with his Broad Sword threatening to run the first person thro' the Body that came to him. What a situation am I in with this Man. he dayly gives room for me to say something about him but I am heartily tired of mentioning him to your Honours and would willingly pafs over the time him and me will be together as quietly as pofsible. Mr Tomison has equally the same wish."

Aug. 5 Monday
" Close foggy weather wind Easterly - blowing fresh.
Men employed carrying up firewood on the Bank and setting it in a Pile."

Aug. 6 Tuesday
" Wind weather and Employment the same as yesterday. also Brewed Small Beer.
Received some fish and Small Birds from Indians.
Mr McKay seems very much troubled in mind. He threatens to be the Death of some one or other at this Settlement. he says he does not care whom. - yea? even should he hang in Chains for it afterwards. There has been a great deal of trouble with Mr McKay this Year and I much fear will ? more. - Your Honours humble Servant has suffered much anxiety in mind how to set? with him."

Aug. 7 Wednesday
" Part clear part cloudy - Variable Breezes
Men carried firewood up the Bank and prepared for going a Rafting more.
The Men I sent up the River to collect crooked timbers for Boats, arrived with a sufficient quantity for building two. Several of the Men that came from Inland in the Surgeons List with various complaints."

Aug. 8 Thursday
" Fine weather variable breezes. In the forenoon sent sixteen Men to the Woods to Raft firewood, the others collected the Logs on the Plantation and carried them to a proper place, also did several necefsary Jobs.
Received a number of young Geese, Ducks and Small Birds from Indians."

Aug. 9 Friday
" Fine weather Gentle breezes East and NE
Men employed setting up the Stockheads?, repairing the Boats, Platforms, Trading Guns, making iron work for the Launch and doing various triffling Jobs.
A fine quantity of fish from our Nets."

Aug. 10 Saturday
" Pleasant weather. Men employed as yesterday. About noon dispatched two Large Canoes with various Articles for Gordon and Oxford House. They are on their arrival at the first House to compleatly load the Canoes with the Goods that are laying there, and carry them to Oxford House to be in readinefs against next Season for the upper Settlements. Mr Longmoor with a party of Men will set off for Swan River in a few days."

Aug. 11 Sunday
" Variable Breezes East and SE
Mr Robt. Longmoor on his arrival at the Factory was appointed an appartment to live in near to Mr McKay's. this morning he was obliged to remove from it on account of Mr McKays threatening to shoot him, afsigning no reason. At 5 AM Mr McKay sent Donald Sutherland with his writing Desk sealed to be delivered to Mr Tomison and to be responsible for the Contents until it was sent to England. The People residing in the house where Mr McKay is are dayly making complaints of his threatening behaviour."

Aug. 12 Monday
" Thick foggy weather - wind East a moderate breeze
Men employed putting up the Launch. Tayloring for trade, making hinges for Inland service? - Coopering &c. Yesterday at Noon Mr McKay walked out with his Gun towards the Marsh. Evening came on without his return - A Strict Watch was kept for his arrival to let him in within the Gates but did not make his appearance last night. His not coming back has made every person very uneasy, particularly as he shew'd some Symptoms of being much troubled in mind. Early this morning sent Indians towards the Marsh to look for him but returned without seeing any thing of him. - again sent four English but they returned likewise without being able to give the least tidings of him. Fired several Guns in hopes if he was nigh hand and had lofsed himself it might direct him to the Factory.
At 4 PM sent five Men to the Wooders tent with bread and other necefsaries. they are to remain there and afsist them until Saturday when they are to bring down Rafts.
Got some fish from our Nets."

Aug. 13 Tuesday
" A fine Breeze Easterly thick fogg in the morning towards evening clear. Men putting up the Launch and doing various Jobs. At 4 AM Mr Longmoor with nine Men in three Large Canoes set off for Swan River. A little before which Mr McKay made his appearance within the Factory having been out two nights and nearly two Days. from what I can learn he had been after Deer and had nearly led him up as far as Flambrough House - He seemed very much fatigued on his entering the Factory."

Aug. 14 Wednesday
" The first part of this Day Heavy Rain. Wind East. The latter part clear weather - but blowing strong at NE - At 1/2 past 8 oClock AM the Beaver Brig was seen and at ten she came to an Anchor in five fathom Hole. The tide of Ebb then being strong against her. At noon Mr Oman with two Large Canoes and seven Men arrived having brought the Remains of Trading Goods and Stores from Jack River to Oxford House by Mr Tomisons order - they likewise brought to the Factory what Bundles of Furs remain'd at Gordon House.
Men at the Factory variously employed."

Aug. 15 Thursday
" Gentle Breezes variable. At 10 AM The Beaver Brig anchored abreast the Factory when Capt. Taylor and Mr Thomas came on shore, as did Jacob Spence and John Morrwick pafsengers - entered them on duty. Men at the Factory Brewed small Beer & finished putting up the Launch.
Received some Venison and fish from Indians."

Aug. 16 Friday
" The first part of this Day - Pleasant calm weather, the latter part blowing stiff at NE - Got the Beaver Brig to the Launch and Landed her Cargo.
Wooders came home with 22 Rafts of firewood. Received some fine Plover - Ducks and fish from Ind."

Aug. 17 Saturday
" Fresh Breezes Easterly alternately clear and cloudy. Men employed variously
Two Canoes of Distant Indians arrived brought a few Summer Beaver having traded their Winter hunt part with your Honours Servants at Trout River and part with the Canadians. They promise to visit me next Summer."

Aug. 18 Sunday
" Clear pleasant weather all Day. Indians that came yesterday went away. - Mr McKays behaviour this evening shew'd evident Symptoms of an unsettled mind parading in the Yard with his Sword and Pistols challenging the whole Factory to fight him."

Aug. 19 Monday
" Clear hot sultry weather all day. Men employed carrying firewood up the Bank - Two Canoes arrived from North River brought some Green Venison and a note from Mr Cook advising me that he will be at the Factory in a few days."

Aug. 20 Tuesday
" Pleasant agreeable weather. Men employed as yesterday. - Late last night Mr Cook arrived, and this evening four Large Canoes belonging to him. They brought the remainder of what furs did not come from his Settlemnt last time he was here. Several Canoes of North River Indians arrived likewise brought a few Deer skins.
Some fish and Small Birds from Indian Boys whom I have employed to attend the fishing Nets & hunt in the Marsh."

Aug. 21 Wednesday
" A Gentle Breeze Easterly. Hazy weather
Men employed as before and cutting Hay. Mr Sinclair and an Indian Lad arrived from Oxford House."

Aug. 22 Thursday
" Wind South clear fine weather
Men finished carrying up the firewood, also Packed what furs remained in the Warehouse.
A few Birds from Indians."

Aug. 23 Friday
" A Greeable pleasant weather wind NE
Men employed cutting Grafs - repairing the Platforms - Do. Canoes - cleaning the Plantation, cutting wood for the Ship and doing various Jobs. Received some Small Birds from Indian Boys."

Aug. 24 Saturday
" Calm pleasant weather. - Men employed variously - Mr Tomison intending to return Inland, waits now only for a happy sight of your Honours Ship to receive some necefsaries which he cannot conveniently proceed Inland without. Mr James Tate being appointed by the Council to make a Settlement up this River in opposition to the Canadians who cut off a great part of the Trade that was usual to come to this place annually, cannot go likewise for want of Trading Goods until the Ship arrives. The latenefs of the Ships arriving this two years past creates a great consumption in Provisions and many things also which would not if she arrived early by so many Men from Inland being obliged to wait her.
Mefs Thomas and Fielding went down to the Marsh for a Day or two according to their request.
Captain Taylor came up from the Brig for some necefsaries.
Two Canoes arrived from Oxford House. They were dispatched the 10th Instant for that Settlement with Trading Goods."

Aug. 25 Sunday
" Gentle Breezes variable - Captain Taylor returned on board the Brig with what necefsaries he wanted. Received the Carcafs of a small Deer from Indians. About noon Mr Oman with three Men went up the River in a Large Canoe to try to get some Venison As Deer is said to be crofsing a little above Pennycutaway."

Aug. 26 Monday
" Fine clear weather wind WSW
Men employed collecting Stones for the Ship, Cutting wood for Do. Cutting Grafs for the Cattle, repairing Trading Guns, making hinges for Inland and doing many little Jobs. Received 10 Deer from Indians. No Indians at present on the Plantation but all Women and Orphan Children."

Aug. 27 Tuesday
" A fresh Breeze WSW clear fine weather
Men employed bringing Home Hay from the Flats and spreading it on the Plantation to dry. - Collecting stones for the Ship, and packing necefsary Articles for sending Inland. Several Indians came from acrofs the river to attend the fall hunt of Geese but am sorry to relate, we cannot employ them, not a pound of Shot being in the Factory. This Article is what detains Mr Tomison and many of Your Honour's Servants from proceeding Inland.
Received six Deer from Indians - paid for them and dispatched every able Indian off the Plantation to provide for themselves."

Aug. 28 Wednesday
" Wind North and NE blowing stiff all Day.
Men employed digging Roots from off the Plantation, repairing a Bridge at Sloops Creek and doing Various necefsary Jobs."

Aug. 29 Thursday
" A Gentle Breeze WNW clear fine weather. Men employed in making Hay and Brewing Small Beer. At 6 AM saw a Vefsel in the Offing and at 8 Do. she came to an Anchor without the outer Beacon."

Aug. 30 Friday
" Fresh breezes variable at 7 AM Observed the Ship underway and near 8 Do. she made the proper Signal - when about half an hour afterwards she came to an anchor in five fathom hole. at 6 PM Capt. Richards came on shore with your Honour's Packet. The Long Boat went down in the Morning and returned with some Articles much wanted."

Aug. 31 Saturday
" Pleasant fine weather, in the morning unloaded the Long Boat and returned her to the Ship - Brig came up likewise and unloaded. engaged Men for Inland."

Sept. 1 1799 Sunday
" Wind and Weather variable. Long Boat came up and unloaded. The Brig went down to the Ship. sent Two Indians with a Packet to Churchill."

Sept. 2 Monday
" A Continuance of fine Weather. The Ship and Factory Long Boats came up from the Ship and unloaded. afterwards returned. Preparing to send Canoes Inland up North River and SascaChewan, Mr Tomison intended to accompany the latter but finding he cannot get Men sufficient with him as he could wish, is pofsitively for England - Mr Tate appointed to make a Settlement in the Bungee Country is Obliged to drop the undertaking for want of Men to go with him."

Sept. 3 Tuesday
" Light Breezes variable. Brig came up from the Ship and unloaded. The long Boat & ? droped down to take in Cargo. Several Indians came in with a few Deer Skins, got paid for them and went away."

Sept. 4 Wednesday
" Light airs of wind in the Eastern and Southern Quarters.
Men employed discharging the Ship's Cargo. entered on your Honors Books Geo Loutit Mason, Mag. Loutit Taylor & John Slater Mason. Received 10 Deer from Indians - much of it pafsed eating - having kept it a longtime. Mr Sinclair with three men set off in a Large Canoe for his settlement loaded with Cargo. as did two Canoes for Cumberland House loaded with the same."

Sept. 5 Thursday
" Wind Northerly a fresh breeze with rain. Brig came up from the Ship and unloaded a part of her Cargo. - four Canoes arrived with some Deerskins and a few Beaver."

Sept. 6 Friday
" Gentle Breezes variable - Busy unloading the Ships Cargo - and sent on board a part of the Homeward bound do. - Two Large Canoes set off to proceed up North River to Mr Cooks Settlement loaded with Goods."

Sept. 7 Saturday
" A fresh Breeze Southerly. - Men employed unloading the Ship and getting her Homeward bound Cargo on board. Received some Geese from Indians."

Sept. 8 Sunday
" Fine weather - Men employed as yesterday. Several Canoes of Indians went away to provide for themselves during the Winter."

Sept. 9 Monday
" Pleasant weather with variable Breezes all round the Compafs - The outward bound Cargo all on shore and the Homeward bound Do. on board. Received a few Geese from Indians. - Two Large Canoes belonging to North River set off loaded for Mr Cooks Settlement."

Sept. 10 Tuesday
" Light breezes SW NE & Northerly. Men that intends returning to England preparing to go on Board. the others filling water for the Ship. The remainder of the Pafsengers came on shore as follows. John Irving Boat Builder, Magnus Randal Cooper, Hugh Leask Taylor & Magnus Linay Slooper."

Sept. 11 Wednesday
" Thick Foggy weather the most part of this Day. Men employed in stowing away the Cargo. also put on Board the Beaver Brig for Severn her Cargo. Received Letters from Churchill.
Some Ducks and Geese from Indians."

Sept. 12 Thursday
" A fresh Breeze Northerly most part of the Day. Busy employed in getting every thing in readinefs for the Ships sailing. Several of the Pafsengers went on board Ship with their Chests and Bedding. In the evening received Letters from Inland which will be sent Home in your Honors Packet having no time to take Copies of them."

Sept. 13 Friday
" Wind Light and South? a gentle Breeze. Early in the morning observed the Queen Charlotte in the Offing and at nine AM she came to an anchor in five fathom hole near the King George - Sent the remainder of the Pafsengers on board Ship with their Chest and bedding."

Sept. 14 Saturday
" Wind SW a fresh Breeze with Rain. In the morning Captain Turner came on shore - Rec'd by him from Churchill several Articles of Trad'g Goods much wanted here. At nine oClock AM the Beaver Brig sailed from the Launch for her Voyage to Severn - At 11? Do. she came to an anchor in five fathom hole. prepared every thing for sealing up the Packet this evening which will be delivered to Captain John Richards.
Errors Excepted
John Ballenden"



This has been a combination of B.239/a/101 and B.239/a/102 and B.239/a/103 from Reel 1M161

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