" A Journal of Transactions at York Factory commencing [blank]
and ending [blank]
by Mr John McNab"


Sept. 3 1803
" Saturday afine breeze Wly in the forenoon the Ship and Brigs sailed and soon got out to sea. Ind. came from the Nward with a Canoe load of Venison - plenty of fish daily from the Nets - in the eveng Mr Cook with 6 Europeans and 4 Ind. in 3 loaded Canoes set out for their winters Station."

Sept. 4
" Sunday Heavy Rain - Mr Cook got round the Point of marsh early this morng - bad weather prevents loading the other Canoes for their proceeding Inland - Indians from the Sward say Geese are growing plenty and wish to Hunt there."

Sept. 5
" Monday With the tide Mefs Sinclair, Tate, & Pruden set out for Inland with 17 men in 4 Canoes - In vain 4 men attempted to take up the Buoys in the long boat - most of the Invalids on the plantation went away."

Sept. 6
" Tuesday The 4 men yesterday succeeded in bringing home the Buoys - Could not effect Cutting down the Beacons as desired - men at Home Stacked the Hay and stowed by part of the Cargoe - A Number of Ind. came from the Sward among them Several of the Albany Indians who say they will winter here - 40 Geese and a Number of White Bear Skins from them - On opening the Shot marked B found it too small for Bristol shot - agreat difsapointment to the Indians."

Sept. 7
" Wednesday The Indians went away - 5 Canoes Came from the Nward with dry venison & deer skins - went down in the Barge with Mefs Sutherland and Calder and 4 men - Cut down the beacons - Stacked the last of the Hay - J Turner and Cooper with the afsistance of Indians took necefsaries for a Goose tent to the Sward."

Sept. 8
" Thursday Took up the launch and got most of the Boats up the bank - Stowed by the bales?"

Sept. 9
" Friday Got all the Cargo out of Launch House and Stowed all by - Ind. came with Venison and Deer skins - Mr Bunn with two Indians brought Letters from Albany"

Sept. 10
" Saturday People brewing and resetting the outer Stockades which are reclining in different directions - Ind. from the Nward brought deerskins and dry venison."

Sept. 11
" Sunday Several Ind. brought Venison and Deer Skins and went away."

Sept. 12
" Monday Tradesmen at their various branches the others at the Stockades and clearing drains - Several Indians took debt and went away - John Turners partner came from the Sward says no Geese are flying there."

Sept. 13
" Tuesday The last of the Ind. from the Nward took debt - Rainy weather prevents their going away, people as before and pumping the Cellars - One trying to Act as bricklayer and repairing the Cook Room Chimney."

Sept. 14
" Wednesday All the Indians went away rec'd afew Geese from the Sward - people at the Stockades and Sloping the bank which Moulders fast away - Mr Bunn Writing."

Sept. 15
" Thursday People as yesterday and Pumping the Cellars - Many Geese flying to the Sward."

Sept. 16
" Friday Blows aGale Nly Snow at times - people Completed the Stockades - Several Geese from Indians."

Sept. 17
" Saturday Gale continues all hands got the Long boat up the bank and small craft not now required."

Sept. 18
" Sunday Indians came with Geese."

Sept. 19
" Monday Mag. Randall and 5 Indian youths brought 500 Geese from the Eward."

Sept. 20
" Tuesday People Sloping the bank opposite to the Factory."

Sept. 21
" Wednesday Tradesmen afsisting the joiner in new roofing the front Shed."

Sept. 22
" Thursday Indians from the Sward brought afew Geese."

Sept. 23
" Friday Several Ind. took debt and went away. Small herds of deer Crofsed the River."

Sept. 24
" Saturday Most of the E Hunters came to the Factory with John Turner & man they brought 500 Geese."

Sept. 25
" Sunday Several Indians took debt and went away."

Sept. 26
" Monday Indians taking debt and receiving their hunting Payments - People Cutting a New path to the Old Factory."

Sept. 27
" Tuesday Paid all the Ind. for Hunting - Hawled the Seine - little Succefs."

Sept. 28
" Wednesday Most of the Ind. went away - people finished the Path."

Sept. 29
" Thursday Eleven men preparing for the Woods the others at various duties."

Sept. 30
" Friday 10 Geese from Indians in the Marsh - 11 men went to the Woods, Boat builder accompanied to bring a Keel for a New Inland boat - people at home pumping the Cellars."

Oct. 1 1803
" Saturday The Boatbuilders brought two trees for the intention mentioned yesterday."

Oct. 2
" Sunday Divine Service."

Oct. 3
" Monday Hawled the seine - little succefs."

Oct. 4
" Tuesday Three men making ready to Hunt at Pennycutaway - finished roofing the front shed. 40 Geese from Ind. - Three Ind from the Eward report the lofs of 3 of their Companions who have long been expected, they found the wreck of their Canoe along shore, and think they must have perished in attempting to reach the factory - one of them has left awife and 3 helplefs children."

Oct. 5
" Wednesday Three men set out to hunt at Pennycutaway - Indians went away."

Oct. 6
" Thursday Mr Bunn and one man went to hunt at Ten Shillg Creek - Hawled the Seine - little Succefs."

Oct. 7
" Friday boat builders finished the wooden Canoe 3 men preparing to Hunt at French Creek - An Indian brought 4 deer."

Oct. 8
" Saturday Three men went to Hunt at French Creek - 4 Ind. came from the Nward with Venison say they have left 10 Deer at the N River."

Oct. 9
" Sunday Sent aMan with the Ind. of yesterday to secure the Venison on Stages till it can be hawled home - Mr Sutherland & 4 men took 7 days fresh meat to the Wooders."

Oct. 10
" Monday The 4 men at home making aSafe? for preserving Meat."

Oct. 11
" Tuesday The man from the N River returned - Says the Venison is secured - that his Companions killed 4 more and their Carcases are Secured with the others."

Oct. 12
" Wednesday Boat builders cutting a Keel for the new Boat."

Oct. 13
" Thursday Two Ind. came down the river with a Canoe load of Venison."

Oct. 14
" Friday Several Deer seen crofsing the river Indians brought the Carcases of Seven."

Oct. 15
" Saturday Five wooders came home in the Boat to make bread - An Indian brought Venison from the Nward."

Oct. 16
" Sunday Sent by the Wooders two weeks fresh Venison for themselves & Companions."

Oct. 17 to 23
" During the Week the Boat builders at a new Inland Boat, the largest ever built at York - the Joiner making a porch to the Chiefs apartments - the only labourer here attending the Cattle and Hogs and Cutting wood - during the week Mr Sutherland and Self got several Rabbits from our snares and from the Hunting tents Fish and Rabbits have been Received - Divine Service this day."

Oct. 24 to 30
" On Monday went with Mr Sutherland to the Wooders tent - finding they had got aSeasons wood gathered I ordered 5 of them home to dig a Slope in the bank for launching and hauling up the boats, the fine weather has enabled them to forward the design. Considerable quantities of fish from the tents and Some Venison from Ind. during the week and the men at the Factory employed as before - this Day Divine Service was performed."

Oct. 31 to Nov. 6 1803
" The uncommon fine weather during the week has enabled us to complete the Glacis - rec'd fish and Partridges from the Hunters - and the Boat builders have forwarded the preparations for their Boat - yesterday and to day Very Cold - the river set fast this eveng - Divine Service this day."

Nov. 7 to 13
" The five wooders went to their companions at the woods on Tuesday - Got the Venison home from the N River - 700 lbs - and put several casks of Salt meat in water to freshen for winter use - and this day divine Service was performed."

Nov. 14 to 20
" The joiner went with the wooders to select timber for boards and collect in heaps till we can cut it - The Boat builders erected a Steam Kiln which facilitates their operations - several Ind. came for food during the week saying the Deer are all gone and they say Martins are more plenty than last year - the Joiner & 3 Wooders Came home and the Hunters brought fish & Partridges - 19 Martins from Mr Bunn - this day by the Hunters return Mr Calder went with John Turners Companions 30 Miles to examine his leg which he Cut dangerously afew days ago."

Nov. 21 to 27
" Freshned several more Casks of meat for winter use - and the joiner and wooders finished the Collect'n of Timber - Mr Calder says John Turners leg is doing well but it will be some time before he can Venture to travel home - The hunters brought fish and partridges and we have been succefsful with Hooks in the River - Indians, Hunters and wooders went away to day."

Nov. 28 to Dec. 4 1803
" The three tradesmen at home at their Various employs during the week - the Hunters succefs lefs than former reports - Ind. came for food - and 3 Wooders Came last night to make bread - This day Divine Service - the Wooders went to their tent."

Dec. 5 to 11
" Mr Bunn and companions came home - Game of all kinds failed brought 3 Martins and the Hunters from Penny cutaway also came home. John Turner accompanied them - Indians came for food & Returned to their families and 3 wooders came home - This day Divine Service and the wooders returned to their tent."

Dec. 12 to 18
" During the week several Ind. came in and has done much better than last year - a party from a Gang Inland say they left their Companions doing well and brought part of their debts and returned with necefsaries to them."

Dec. 19 to 25
" During the week the men cut wood Preparatory to the Holidays - Several Indians came and brought good samples of Martins - This day performed Divine Service."

Dec. 26 to Jan. 1 1804
" Most of the Indians of last week went away and several others came in with succefsful hunts - the men amused themselves at foot ball during the week and made preparations for next weeks duty - Divine Service this day."

Jan. 2 to 8
" Four men went to the E hunting Grounds, and 15 to the Woods, of these 4 to Cut boards. Several Ind. came with good Hunts and some fine Venison and Yesterday 3 Wooders and Sawyers came to make bread. this day they went to their tents and several Ind. went away"

Jan. 9 to 15
" During the week several families of Indians came for food and went away - and Mr Bunn, J. McNab, Donald Sutherland & 3 Indians went to the N river to Hunt Partridges - Three of the wooders and one of the Sawyers came home and the E Hunters brought partridges - This day Wooders and Hunters returned to their tents and some Indians came in."

Jan. 6 to 22
" Foxes from Mr Sutherlands and Stewards Guns and traps at times - Two Indians came from their families Inland for necefsaries, say they are doing better than last year - Mr Bunn and three of his companions brought partridges and brought by an E hunter - three Wooders and a Sawyer came home, and this day Mr Bunn and Hunters, Wooders, & Indians went away."

Jan. 23 to 29
" Indians came for support to their families during the week, and a few foxes got from the Guns. only one man at the Factory to attend the Cattle and Cut wood - Mr Bunn and 3 of this companions brought 300 partridges and left 120 at their tent. the E Hunters brought 80 partridges - and 3 Wooders and a Sawyer came home - this day they and the Hunters returned to their tents - Mr Bunn stays preparatory to his going with a packet to Churchill."

Jan. 30 to Feb. 5 1804
" During the Week three Indians brought a Packet from Severn - and several invalids were supplied with food for their familes - The E hunters sent 90 Partridges and a Sawyer and 3 Wooders came home - this day they returned to their tents and Several Ind. went away."

Feb. 6 to 12
" Mr Bunn and two Indians set out for Churchill and J McNab and an Indian youth came from the Nor'd with 150 Partridges and Returned to their Tent - Three wooders and aSawyer came home - and Returned to their Tents."

Feb. 13 to 19
" One of the Severn packeters returned with Letters. The E Hunters sent 90 partridges - An Indian came down the River and nearly paid his debt - J McNab and a Youth came from their tent with 100 Partridges and returned - Three of the Sawyers came home for factory duties - four wooders accompanied them - and this day after divine service the latter returned to their tent."

Feb. 20 to 26
" The Boatbuilders at the new boat - Several Ind. Came for food during the week and went away and a fox at times from the Guns and traps - four of the wooders came home and this day returned to their tent - a family of Indians also went away."

Feb. 27 to Mar. 4 1804
" The Nward Hunters brought 240 partridges during the week - several Indians came for food and returned to their tents - Three of the wooders came to the Factory and after divine service this day they returned to their tents."

Mar. 5 to 11
" On the 8th Two men arrived with Letters from Oxford House - prospects there not good - 230 partridges rec'd from the Nward tent - a family of Indians from the Eward paid part of their debts and had a supply of food - this day 4 wooders went to their tent after Divine Service."

Mar. 12 to 18
" Seven men went to afsist the wooders home with the large Sled - Yesterday they brought tentings &c home the businefs for the Season being completed there - Indians came for food and returned to their tents - this day performed Divine Service."

Mar. 19 to 25
" During the week Mr Bunn and Companions returned from Churchill, and the Oxford packeters returned thence - one of them falling sick, returned to the factory and was exchanged - only 10 Partridges from the Hunters, who brought their tentings &c home - Divine Service performed this day."

Mar. 26 to Apr. 1 1804
" Tradesmen at their various employs during the week and the labourers Cleared the Snow off the Sheds yard and Platforms - Indians from the Nward brought Some fine Venison and dry Beaver - Divine Service."

Apr. 2 to 8
" Two men with the afsistance of dogs took necefsaries for a Goose tent at the 14s - Labour'rs clearing willows &c encroaching on the plantation - the others employed as last week - Divine Service this day."

Apr. 9 to 15
" Several Indians came in during the week and nearly paid their debts - Packed the Inland Flour Oatmeal &c and Ground the Grots into meal - Tradesmen at their Several employs."

Apr. 16 to 22
" A Number of Ind. came in to Hunt Geese they in general paid their debts several have been succefsful in their martin hunts - Some of the East. Hunters went away - 100 partridges from Indians - Tradesmen as last week - the others repairing the Deer Hedges."

Apr. 23 to 29
" Packed the Inland consignments and attended the Distillation - during the week laid new Platforms and making Sails Painting Coverings &c for Inland Services - Donald Sutherland went to serve Ammunition at the East. tent and all the Indians except afew Invalid old women went away - Divine Service this day."

Apr. 30 to May 6 1804
" Indians have brought near 100 Geese & 150 partridges in the week - Since Aug. the men have had one or more fresh provisions weekly - no signs of Scurvy - Finished the new Boat and Repaired others and Cut a new path way to the site of the Old factory - this day the Ice broke up and Raises in heaps as far as we can see above mile sand - Divine Services."

May 7 to 13
" Geese coming in daily from the Indians. the Tradesmen at their duties and the others bringing Geese from Indians, Clearing Roots off the plantation - River still fast opposite to the Factory - Divine Service this day."

May 14 to 20
" The river opened quietly, Several Boats launched and timber and boards Rafted home - and several deer Caught in the Hedges - Very few Geese flying and the Hunters doing little - Divine Service."

May 21 to 27
" Launched the new Boat - burthen above 12 Tuns - named her the Trial - in her and a Small Boat manned with 18 Europeans & 10 Indians put most of the Inland Consignments - and they set off for the Rock. Mr Bunn Accompanying to transact the businefs there. Several Deer from the Hedges - want of men prevents attending the Snares - John Turner & John Inkster rather than go with the Boats Chuse to leave the Service and go with Indians - as I cannot indulge them more than any other man in so important apart of their duty their Choice is necefsarily granted - J Turners contract is expired Inkster has two years unexpired. I have told him without effect the penalty he is liable to pay."

May 28 to June 3 1804
" Several families of Indians came down the river in Canoes and in general paid their debts - the Invalids left at the Factory in the Garden at times and attending the Cattle."

June 4 to 10
" a Considerable quantity of Green Venison brought by Indians - Mr Tate & 4 men in 2 Canoes brought most of his Trade from Merrys House and the men arrived from the Rock after landing the Boats Cargoes safe there - Oxford House trade lefs than last year. Mr McNab set out for the Rock in one of Mr Tates Canoes with his 4 men - and most of the Indians went to hunt deer up the river - Mr Sutherland in charge of the Factory."

June 11 to 17
" a Boat sent to the Rock with the Remaing Articles of Inland Consignments, and the Geese brought home from the E tent - 7 men went up the River to raft firewood the others carrying on the new Glacis or Slip begun? last fall - Several Deer from the Hedge."

June 18 to 24
" Several Indians came with Venison, the Boat returned from the Rock with 57 bundles of furs. Mr Howse came in her to the factory for private necefsaries and Returned to the Rock in a Small Boat Conveying additional requests for Inland - Ind. Came from the Eward with afew Deer Skins."

June 25 to July 1 1804
" Mr Tate and party set out with a supply for Merry House, the men at the Factory Rafting wood, pumping the Cellars, Carrying on the slip &c - Indians came acrofs the River and paid part of their debts in Deer Skins."

July 2 to 8
" Received several Canoe loads of dry venison. Mr McNab arrived, Indians of last week returned from a Crofs the river, they belong to Albany and say some of them are going to Severn direct - from the Conversation at Oxford House with the Inland Gentlemen who say their Canadian neighbours are in sanguine hopes of Capt. Richards or a Vefsel pertaining to their Comp'y landing a Cargo at York this Season - I have Varied? the Beaver Brigs Signal which they promise to expidite to that place. As businefs now increases in importance and variety it may perhaps be more satisfactory to your Honors to have the changes remarked daily till the Season of uniformity again approaches."

July 9
" Monday Mr Cooks men preparing for their Journey - several Indians took debt for the winter."

July 10
" Tuesday Seven men went to afsist the wooders. Mr Cooks men Repairing their Canoes and waiting for favorable weather to get round the point of marsh - John Corrigal? 3d, by ill behaviour to Mr Cook during the winter threatening to strike him refusing to obey his orders and now again from a general refusal of his Companions to take him in their Canoes (saying he will not work as another man) we find necefsary to make an example of by inflicting a fine as directed by your Honors, and we think it just to say Three pounds is the least he ought to be mulcted of."

July 11
" Wednesday blows a Gale Nly heavy rain Tradesmen packing in the fur Shed - afew fish from 10 Shg Creek."

July 12
" Thursday Several Indians came down the river with Deer Skins and Venison. Mr Cooks men got all ready for Starting to morrow - a young woman died."

July 13
" Friday Early this morng the N River men set out in 4 large Canoes and aSmall one loaded with goods for the Settlements there. Mr Cook follows in a few days. two Indians brought a Packet from Churchill."

July 14
" Saturday The Churchill Indians went away and 15 Canoes of Indians after taking debts set out for their wintering grounds - the Wooders brought 7 Rafts of Wood in the eveng."

July 15
" Sunday The wooders returned to their tent and Indians who came down the river traded some dry meat."

July 16
" Monday Men at home Caulking and repairing the long boat finishing the new Slip and packing fur - Several Canoes of Indians came down the river with Deer Skins & dry venison."

July 17
" Tuesday Twelve Canoes of Indians came down the river with deerskins and Venison, and 8 Canoes crews? went to the N ward - Mr Sutherland & 4 men laid two buoys."

July 18
" Wednesday Indians of yesterday trading and drinking. Opened the Saskatshewan trades"

July 19
" Thursday Many Indians took debt for the Winter. people putting up the launch and packing furs blows a strong Gale Nerly."

July 20
" Friday Continual rain blows a Gale Nerly - Brewing beer and packing furs."

July 21
" Saturday the wooders brought home 7 Rafts of firewood."

July 22
" Sunday Several Indians took debt - Mr Cook and Companions set out for Inland."

July 23
" Monday Twelve Canoes of Indians went to their wintering grounds, people Carrying wood up the bank Cutting grafs & packing furs."

July 24
" Tuesday Tuo Canoes of Indians went away set tuo Nets at 10 Shg Creek all hands carrying firewood up the bank."

July 25
" Wednesday All the Indians went away afew Invalids excepted - in the eveng tuo families in 3 Canoes came down the river with a few summer furs and dried meat. Mr Sutherland and 5 men set 5 fm Hole Beacon 7 men went to raft firewood and 5 went to the mowers for grafs - afew fish from the Nets."

July 26
" Thursday Tradesmen at the launch the men brought a Boat load of grafs all hands carried it up on the plantation - set a net at the point of marsh."

July 27
" Friday Haymakers returned for more grafs the others completed the launch."

July 28
" Saturday Haymakers brought home aboat load of grafs and spread it on the plantation - Cooked the Hay form'y [formerly] brought home - Indians of the 25th went away."

July 29
" Sunday Hay makers went to their tent - Indian youths brought a few small birds from the marsh."

July 30
" Monday People at home making Hay and packing furs."

July 31
" Tuesday stacked the Hay the mowers came home with a boat load of grafs all that is required."

Aug. 1 1804
" Wednesday Tuo Canoes of Indians came from the N ward with 800 lbs of fresh Venison a seasonable supply - people making hay - John Goudie and an Ind. went with a packet to Churchill."

Aug. 2
" Thursday Indians of yesterday went away the wooders brought the last of the firewood and afsisted the others in making Hay packing furs &c."

Aug. 3
" Friday All hands carrying firewood up the bank pumping the Cellars &c."

Aug. 4
" Saturday People employed as yesterday."

Aug. 5
" Sunday In the Afternoon a Vefsel was seen in the offing at 6 pm saw the signal displayed of your Honors Ship."

Aug. 6
" Monday At 11 last night Mr Sutherland and 8 men set out for the ship in the Barge and with this forenoons flood they all got safe into 5 fm Hole - soon after Mr Sutherland and crew returned and delivered your Honors packet. finished the Hay."

Aug. 7
" Tuesday People packing furs and carrying firewood up the bank - Capt. Turner came on shore - Long Boats brought Cargo from the Ship."

Aug. 8
" Wednesday All hands carrying firewood up the bank packing furs, bringing Stones for the Ship and Unloading the Long Boats."

Aug. 9
" Thursday Several Indians came with Ducks and Small birds - people as yesterday."

Aug. 10
" Friday All the Indians went away - Brewed beer and attending the duties of yesterday."

Aug. 11
" Saturday All hands carrying firewood up the bank Unloading the Boats &c."

Aug. 12
" Sunday Indians brought afew ducks & Small birds."

Aug. 13
" Monday People bringing stones for the Ship Carrying firewood up the bank and making an outer Beacon which Capt. Turner requests to be set - A Vefsel appeared in the offing which we think is the Beaver Brig."

Aug. 14
" Tuesday The men employed as yesterday and trying in vain to set the outer beacon - the Brig reached 5 fm Hole - Long boats came with Cargoe."

Aug. 15
" Wednesday All hands carrying firewood up the bank and collecting bricks at the old factory for repairing the ovens &c - Ind. brought afew ducks."

Aug. 16
" Thursday People as yesterday - the Beaver Brig nearly reached the launch in the eveng - Rec'd Letters from Severn - no news from the Bay which we were anxious for."

Aug. 17
" Friday The Brig came to the launch, was unloaded and took most of the homeward bound Cargo on board. Mr Tate arrived from Merrys House."

Aug. 18
" Saturday The Brig sailed for the ship - several Indians brought ducks and venison. Mr Sinclair arrived from Oxford House - the men carrying firewood up the bank - the Brig came up with the evengs tide."

Aug. 19
" Sunday Three Canoes came from the Nward loaded with fresh Venison - in the eveng Mr Cook arrived from the NRiver brought afew summer furs."

Aug. 20
" Monday Got all the Severn Cargo on board the Brig and all the firewood up the bank - Two Canoes arrived from Cumberland and Oxford Houses with afew Bundles of furs."

Aug. 21
" Tuesday People getting bricks from the old factory and pulling down the Chiefs oven."

Aug. 22
" Wednesday People bringing sand for mortar, Completing the Wood Piles, Rebuilding the oven, attending fishing nets &c - the Packeters arrived from Churchill with the pleasant news of Capt. Ramsays arrival there."

Aug. 23
" Thursday Ten men preparing for Cumberland House the others making a Path to the old Factory, and as before the Severn Brig dropped down to the Ship - Capt. Turner went on board."

Aug. 24
" Friday People pumping the Cellars bringing sand for Bricklayer and as before. Capt. Turner Came in the eveng - Ind. brought 10 fresh deer - closed the Duplicate packet."

Aug. 25
" Saturday Two Canoes set out with goods and dispatches for Cumberland House and the interior country. People bringing Stones for securing the Bank and preparing for Inland - Closed your Honors packet - Capt. Turner went on board.
I conclude with every fervent wish for prosperity to your Honors Service and am
Honorable Sirs
Your faithfull Humble Servt.
John McNab"



" Mr McNabs Inland Journal"

June 8 1804
" Friday At 8 this morng left the Factory under the Charge of Mr James Sutherland 1st and proceeded to the Rock in alarge birch Rhind Canoe brought by Mr Tate, my Crew are his 4 men Viz. Jn Dearn?, Jn Ballenden 3d, Adam Kirknefs and Thomas Budge. pafsed some Indians during the day and slept at Pennycutaway."

June 9
" Saturday Rose early and made Sail with afine breeze - Snow and Sleet - Saw many deer during the day went after a Small herd and Killed a young Buck which the men brought to the Canoes - Again hoisted sail and in the eveng put up half way in Steel River."

June 10
" Sunday Started at 5 this morng and in the eveng pitched tents at Mr Colens lopt tree in Hill River. Saw many Deer with their fawns Crofsing steel river - a Doe and young fawn came along side the Canoe sailing up Hill river."

June 11
" Monday Set out early and in the eveng arrived at the Rock found Mr Bunn and man well - None of the Inlanders arrived."

June 12
" Tuesday This day I meant proceeding for OH but my conductors are Strangers to the way and hesitate to proceed."

June 13
" Wednesday Sent my Companions down to meet the Boat Coming from the factory and afsist her Crew in bringing her here."

[no entry]

June 15
" Friday early this morng Jas. Halcro with 15 men in 5 Canoes arrived from Oxford House - Small trade from the interior Settlements."

June 16
" Saturday At 5 AM set out for OH in one of the Canoes of yesterday. my Crew is James Halcro, Jn? Rofs, Magnus Birston and Will. Harper. in the eveng stopt for the night at the Rocky? carrying place below the Mofsy one in Hill River."

June 17
" Sunday At 4 this morning got under way and in the eveng reached the mofsy Carrying place in Jack River where we found Mefs Bird and Howse with 10 men in 3 Canoes put up for the night - Mr Birds remarks during the eveng were - that he had lost many Skins from the superiority to the Canadians Tobacco which is incomparably better than ours - that the winter was uncommonly mild - little snow fell - and animals scarce and Indians Starving, these Causes he says Continues the lefsened returns from the Saskatshewan - that the new NWC had one of their Houses there burnt to the ground every article consumed among the rest 36 bundles of furs and that his own House narrowly escaped the Conflagration - that one of his men died at Cumberland House on his way down."

June 18
" Monday Set out at 5 this morng after regulating the businefs to be transacted below, which Mr Bird is to point out to Mr Bunn and return afterwards in his Canoe. Mr Howse requests to go to the factory for some of his private property there - in the morng put up near the Knee in Knee Lake."

June 19
" Tuesday Set out early and in the Afternoon Reached Oxford House. Mefs Sinclair, Hallet, Isham & Whitford well - the latter Gentleman has been very unsuccefsful during winter."

June 20
" Wednesday Mr Isham repairing the Canoe I came up in - no signs of Mr Fidler."

June 22
" Friday James Halcro and my other Companions returned in the repaired Canoe for Cargo from the Rock - they took 8 bundles of furs."

June 26
" Tuesday Early this morng Mr Bird and 18 men arrived in two Boats with Cargo from below."

June 27
" Wednesday early this morng Mefs Fidler & Swain with 8 men in two Canoes arrived from the Athapuscau - only 10 Small bundles of furs."

June 29
" Friday On making arrangement for the return to Athapuscau only one man of these from thence will consent to go back - Mr Fidler says without 4 or 5 Canoes no hopes can be entertained for doing any good there, as he has left 7 men a return must be made if with two Canoes only, which method we must adopt as your Honors Regulations respecting servants wages must be observed, it is a painful consideration that the Returns therefrom excite so small temptations to vary from them, the reasons are obvious, what can be expected from a seeming? carelefsnefs in us from Carrying on the businefs. the first year 5 Canoes went, this last only 3, the Consequence was the Canadians told the Indians that we meant to leave off, threatening those who visited our Houses with being Severely dealt with and afterwards, laughing at and making mockery of Mr Fidler and his small number of men Asking if that was all the great Hudsons Bay Company could do - the necefsary result is I have desired Mr Fidler to return now to the Athapuscau with such a supply as he can get conveyed and be guided by such directions next Summer as he may receive from your Chief. a plan is laid for forwarding these to him next winter by the Sasketshewan to the Isle a la Crofse - it now therefore depends on the directions and aid your Chief may receive from Europe this Autumn whether Mr Fidler brings all the men and goods out with him and desist from future proceedings there or leave the Goods and afew men to take care of them with a Certainty of Countenance and aid from your Honors for prosecuting the businefs with vigor and effect - the NWC this year double the quantity of furs from that quarter they had last - and the new Co. (as they are called) have this year tripled their last years Returns."

June 30
" Saturday After Regulating the interior departments left Oxford House in a Canoe. my crew is 4 of the Athapuscau men (who will not agree to return there) with a fine breeze we reached Mr Sutherlands lopt tree in Knee Lake where James Halcro and a Canoes Crew were put up for the night - as I mean him to go to the Post Mr. Whitford occupied last winter stopt for the night and settled that businefs - Mr. Whitford goes to the Saskatshewan."

July 1 1804
" Sunday Set out early and soon came to 3 Canoes crews proceeding for OH with Cargoes. James Gaddy one of the men on being told your Honors terms is for home at Ship time and says if he had not been Inland last year and in hopes of his request being granted that then he would have returned in the Ship - I understand from Mr Bird that he is afine hunter more valueable than 3 of the generality of men Inland, and at times saves the expence of employing a Hunter - these may be reasons for the ineqularity concerning the requests of this Servant as mentioned in your Honors last General Letter - Stopt for the night at the next Carrying place to the Rock."

July 2
" Monday Reached the Rock before 6 this morning - found Mefs Howse and Bunn well - businefs nearly Completed. after breakfast and dispatching a Boat and 4 Canoes with 113 bundles of furs to the large Boat at the head of Steel river I proceeded down to the factory - Mr Howse goes Inland by the 4 returning Canoes and Mr Bunn will come to the factory with the large and Small boat - Mr Isham is my companion and canoe Steerer down."

July 3
" Tuesday Drove down the river all last night and this evening reached the factory the 4th day from Oxford House - I found Mefs Sutherland and Calder well - Trade from the N River lefs than last year."



1M162 B.239/a/109

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