This is a virtually complete transcription of the York Factory Journal from 1804-05 by Alex Nicol


" A Journal of Transactions at York Factory by John McNab Commencing the 26th Aug. 1804 and ending the [blank] of 1805"


Aug. 26. 1804
" Sunday Several Indians took debt and went away.two Canoes brought Venison from the Nward, Calms & contrary winds prevents the Ship from sailing."

Aug. 27
" Monday The Inlanders preparing for their departures the others finishing the path to the Old Factory."

Aug. 28
" Tuesday Mefs Sinclair, Tate, and Isham with 16 men in 3 Canoes and several Indians set out for their several residences - Mr Cook and party making ready for starting to morrow. two men fishing at the point of Marsh the others at the slop way and getting the large Boat up the Bank."

Aug. 29
" Wednesday All hands bringing stones and placing them at the face of the bank for its security - much rain fell."

Aug. 30
" Thursday House Carpenter and an afsistant building a Boat and Canoe House 70 feet by 18 the others as yesterday - blows fresh - Mr Cook and 4 Indians in a Canoe set out for his winters Residence."

Aug. 31
" Friday Nine men in tuo large Canoes loaded with Goods and provisions set out for Mr Cooks department - People as yesterday - a Buck deer from Indians - great succefs from the net at Point of Marsh."

Sept. 1 1804
" Saturday People as Yesterday - a few Ducks and Small birds from Indians."

Sept. 2
" Sunday Tuo families of Indians preparing to set out for the winter."

Sept. 3
" Monday Four men took up the Buoys as we now give over hopes of seeing the Ceres, the others bringing stones for the bank and sinking a post for hauling the Craft up the Slip - building the Boat house &c - Indians went away."

Sept. 4
" Tuesday Observed a Vefsel in the Offing in the forenoon and Mr Sutherland and 6 men in the Barge set out instantly (supposing it to be the Ceres) in the Afternoon they got on board with afew lines to Capt. Ramsay - they returned in the evening with a note from him saying he meant proceeding to sea immediately - tuo CR Indians came in the barge and several articles of trading goods from that place - no list of the quantity or quality."

Sept. 5
" Wednesday No sight of the Ceres early this morng. people as yesterday and Unrigging the Long Boat - tuo deer and a few birds from Indians."

Sept. 6
" Thursday Took the Long boat up the Bank - Got the Launch up and tuo boat load of Stones for the beach Several Deer fm Ind. only tuo or three Invalids left on the plantation - the tuo CR Ind. went with requests from Churchill."

Sept. 7
" Friday Got the last of the large boats up the bank and Stones for the beach."

Sept. 8
" Saturday Went in the Barge with Mr Sutherland and 6 men Cut down the beacons - took the Barge up the bank."

Sept. 9
" Sunday Indians came from the Nward with Geese."

Sept. 10
" Monday 13 men went up the River for Timber, the tradesmen at the new Boathouse - building a Batteau - and other duties, the others clearing drains &c afew fish daily from the Nets."

Sept. 11
" Tuesday Brewed beer - 6 men wheeling mould into the Cellar in mens house, which hitherto has been a Reservoir - 10 deer from Indians."

Sept. 12
" Wednesday Ind. of yesterday went to hunt Geese."

Sept. 13
" Thursday The Wooders came home with 60 pieces of timber afew Geese from Indians."

Sept. 14
" Friday all hands got the timber to the Sawpit, and all the boats up the bank snug for winter."

Sept. 15
" Saturday People clearing and digging drains."

Sept. 16
" Sunday a Very heavy Gale of wind last night blew part of the outer stockades down, a boat from her moorings and several oars and poles lost - frost and Snow."

Sept. 17
" Monday early this morning 15 men went to collect and fall firewood for next year - these at home resetting Stockades, building the Boat house and at the new Batteau."

Sept. 18
" Tuesday Three Indians came down the River with the carcafses of 12 deer in a small wooden Canoe - Steward and others hunting in the Marsh with good Succefs."

Sept. 19
" Wednesday Indians of yesterday went away - afew Geese and small birds from the Marsh."

Sept. 20
" Thursday Tuo Indians came from the Nward with Venison - left their Canoe at the N River, tuo men Cutting quartering for the building the others as before."

Sept. 21
" Friday Several Geese and Plover from the Marsh - Boat builder sick."

Sept. 22
" Saturday Six Indians came from the Nward with Venison & Deer skins."

Sept. 23
" Sunday The Indians of yesterday took debt and all went away."

Sept. 24
" Monday One boat building (his companion still sick) Cooper at Rundlets - Smith as Armourer - the others at the new house - One deer from the Hedge."

Sept. 25
" Tuesday Tuo Indians came from the Nward with Venison & Deer Skins."

Sept. 26
" Wednesday House Carpenter and tuo men preparing to go to the Rock in order to repair the House there which is much decayed."

Sept. 27
" Thursday Indians of Tuesday took debt and went away. Three came with Venison and left 4 deer at the N River - the men are petitioning for Salt meat saying they are tired of fresh."

Sept. 28
" Friday Geo. Graham tuo men and tuo Indians set out for the Rock to repair the House & hunt there till Christmafs. 4 men brought Venison from the Nward."

Sept. 29
" Saturday Wm Manson and 4 wooders came home for necefsaries - Ind. of Thursday went away."

Sept. 30
" Wm Manson and men returned to their tent. Mr Calder accompanied to be landed at his hunting tent. tuo Indians came down the River with a Canoe load of Venison."

Oct. 1 1804
" Monday Tuo boat building three preparing to hunt at Penny cutaway the others sloping the bank and pumping the Cellars."

Oct. 2
" Tuesday The Indians of Sunday went away."

Oct. 3
" Wednesday Three men set out for Penny Cutaway to Hunt there afew small birds from Hunters in the Marsh."

Oct. 4
" Thursday Mr Bunn and one man set out for Ten Shilling Creek to Hunt there."

Oct. 5
" Friday All hands hauled the Seine - little succefs."

Oct. 6
" Saturday Three hunters set out for their tent at French creek."

Oct. 7 to 13
" Sunday A daily samenefs for months to come may now be expected shall therefore particularize the occurrences weekly till change of season admits of greater variety - during the week a considerable quantity of Venison has been brought - John McNab & Jos. Cook went to their hunting tent - there is now tuo boat builders, 3 labour's, Steward, Cook, and Chiefs Servant at the Factory."

Oct. 14 to 21
" During the week part of the Wooders came and again returned to their tent - say they have nearly collected a winters firewood - On the 16th a Very heavy Gale of wind blew down part of the Stockades and Indians from the Eward tell us the Ships Beacon which has stood 40 years is also blown down - some deer killed near the Factory - Jos. Cook brought 13 Partridges from his tent - this day Divine Service was performed."

Oct. 22 to 28
" A few Rabbits from the Snares about the Factory - The Boat builders going on with a new Batteau - much Ice in the River - Divine Service this day."

Oct. 29 to Nov. 4 1804
" Weather remarkably mild during the week, afew Rabbits and Partridges got daily - This day 5 men in a Boat set out with fresh food to the wooders they reached Mr Calders tent - left the Articles there and Mr Bunn from his tent came home with them."

Nov. 5 to 11
" Weather Continues mild Ducks &c flying about daily. the Boat builders finished the Batteau and began to aSmall boat for factory use - Mr Bunn Regulating Accts. and the Steward at his tent in the mean time - a considerable quany of Green Venison will be tainted and injured by the warm weather - Divine Service this day."

Nov. 12 to 18
" During the week the weather cold and severe - the river set fast the 13th - Mr Bunn went to his tent and the Steward came home - One of the E hunters came home. Partridges more plenty than last year - Fourteen of the Wooders came home. Mr Calder accompanied them from his tent - Performed divine service this day."

Nov. 19 to 25
" The preceeding Continued cold - Partridges daily from Mr Sutherland, Steward, &c about the Factory - Mr Bunn, tuo of the E Hunters, & J McNab came from their tents succefsful in Partridge hunting and tuo Wooders came home to make bread - Divine Service."

Nov. 26 to Dec. 2 1804
" Several hunters came with good partridge hunts, and 4 of the wooders came home. On the 27 I went to see their operations found the work in forwardnefs - the Tenters from Pennycutaway have had succefsful fishing - tuo Indians came from the Eward for necefsaries and returned with them - Divine Service this day."

Dec. 3 to 9
" Set tuo partridge nets on Hay Island with succefs and we are daily getting Rabbits and partridges about the Factory and afox at times from Mr Sutherland's & the Stewards Guns & traps - Mr Bunn and Companion brought all home from Ten Shilling Creek - succefs there lefs than last year - Several of the Wooders and Hunters came good succefs from the latter - they returned to their tents this day after divine Service."

Dec. 10 to 16
" Several Ind. came in since Sunday last, and J McNab from his tent went to afsist the E hunters - Ind. paid part of their debts and this day went away as did the wooders to their tent who came yesterday to bake bread."

Dec. 17 to 23
" The men of the 28th Sept. last returned from the Rock after repairing the House there - Thirteen of the Wooders came home during the holidays tuo stays to take care of the tent - the Hunters came home - good succefs and several Ind. came with good martin Hunts - Divine Service this day."

Dec. 24 to 30
" Several families of Ind. came in during the week with good Martin hunts - People amusing themselves as usual - Self & Mr Bunn set out on a journey to Severn with 3 Ind. and 3 dogs for hauling necefsaries. my motives for this journey is to hear from the Bay previous to the opening of the rivers - whether any European Vefsel has arrived for the Canadians and how they are going on, and if no intelligence of this is come to Severn to advise Mr Thomas to send a packet expeditiously for that intent; if a Vefsel is come to them and they are going on well we must endeavour to notice it in a manner most suitable to your Honors Service, if the contrary is the case, aKnowledge thereof will act individually not only among your servants but among the Indians towards the benefit of your concerns throughout your Northern Settlements. Mr Sutherlands remarks are copied from the 29th Inst. he is left in charge of the Factory."

Dec. 31 to Jan. 6 1805
" On Thursday 27 men left the Factory 16 of whom to haul the winters firewood to the Rafting places 7 to Cut weather boarding & 4 to hunt at E tents - most of the Indians went away."

Jan. 7 to 13
" J McNab Jun., Jos. Cook & George Graham went to hunt at the Nern tent - a few partridges daily got by our oun endeavours about the Factory - and the E Hunters brought 120 afew of the wooders and Sawyers came home and this day they all returned to their tents."

Jan. 14 to 20
" Received 200 partridges during the week from Indians and tuo of the Nern Hunters brought 100; Several Ind. came for Oatmeal and part of the wooders came home and this day returned to their tents and the N Hunters also."

Jan. 21 to 27
" The Indians of last week went away. the hunters and Ind. from the Eward during this week brought 400 partridges - the Wooders and 2 men from 6 Sawyers came also and this day Returned to their tents."

Jan. 28 to Feb. 3 1805
" On the 1st Inst. I Arrived from Severn with Mr Bunn and Companions the journey was pleasent - 200 partridges during the week by Europeans only Wooders & Sawyers came home & after divine Service this day returned to their tents."

Feb. 4 to 10
" Received 320 Partridges from the hunters Several Ind. Came for Oatmeal and brought afew furs, Sawyers and Wooders Came to make bread and after Divine Service this day they went to their tents."

Feb. 11 to 17
" Uncommonly fine weather during the week - from Ind. and our oun men 650 partridges have been received - afew Ind. have Come for Oatmeal and Returned therewith to their families. Two Wooders and aSawyer came home and after divine Service this day they returned."

Feb. 18 to 24
" a Family of Indians Came from the Nward and paid their debts - 100 partridges from Hunters - Tuo Wooders and a Sawyer came and Returned to their tent after Divine Service."

Feb. 25 to Mar. 3 1805
" Tuo families came with good martin hunts - 120 partridges from the Hunters - afew Rabb. weekly and afox at times from Mr Sutherlands and Stewards Guns and Snares - all the Indians went away - and the wooders & Sawyers came and Returned as usual after divine Service - Tuo men brought Letters from OH."

Mar. 4 to 10
" Hunters and Sawyers brought tentings &c home - Several Ind. came during the week and Returned to their families. 140 partridges - Wooders came and after Divine Service went to their tent."

Mar. 11 to 17
" On the 12th the tuo youths of the 3d Inst. returned with Letters for OH - Boat builders began building a Wooden Canoe. 350 Partridges from Ind. and E Hunters - the Wooders Came home and Returned."

Mar. 18 to 24
" during the week with the afsistance of dogs hauled Casks, Salt, Ammunition, &c for a Goose Tent at the N River. 120 Partridges from Indians & E Hunters - the Wooders Came & After divine Service went to their tents."

Mar. 25 to 31
" The E Hunters brought their necefsaries home - only 80 Partridges - Several Ind. Came for food and went away and the wooders Came to bake their bread and Returned to their tents after divine Service."

Apr. 1 to 7 1805
" Several families of Indians came during the week with good Martin hunts - got the Necefsaries for the N Goose tent Secured there - the wooders finished their duty at the woods and came home - now the occurrences vary daily, shall particularize the transactions as they occur."

Apr. 8
" Monday Eight men clearing drains. Tradesmen at their various duties, tuo at bags for Inland packages the others domestically employed - tuo Indians brought a Packet from Severn containg Letters from the Bay, a satisfactory event the more so as no Vefsel has Arrived as expected by the Canadians, this will act powerfully in the consideration of every individual in your Honors service here and tend to lefsen consequential ideas particularly among your lower Servants. agreed Indians to carry this news to Churchill."

Apr. 9
" Tuesday Four families of Ind. came in and paid their debts."

Apr. 10
" Monday Tuo Indians set out with a packet for Churchill."

Apr. 11
" Thursday Several families of Indians came from the Nward and paid their debts."

Apr. 12
" Friday The Severn Indians returned thence with a Packet. 6 families went to the Eward preparatory to the Goose Hunt there - the Sawyers and men Came home from the woods having finished the businefs there."

Apr. 13
" Saturday All the Nward Indians went away several of whom are to Hunt Geese."

Apr. 14
" Easter Day - Divine Service - a Duck seen at the Launch House."

Apr. 15
" Monday Tradesmen at their various employs - Brewed Beer."

Apr. 16
" Tuesday In the morng early Tuo men and six dogs set with necefsaries for the E Goose tent."

Apr. 17
" Wednesday J. McNab and tuo men went to stay at the Nward Goose tent and serve Ammunition to the Hunters there."

Apr. 18
" Thursday Six families of Indians came from the Nward with very fine Hunts."

Apr. 19
" Friday The men returned from the Nward Goose tent - J McNab and a cooper attends the Goose Hunt there. tuo men attending the Still - Several Ind. came for Oatmeal."

Apr. 20
" Saturday Completed the distillation. a family of Indians came down the river for Oatmeal."

Apr. 21
" Sunday All the Indians went away cold weather, in the eveng 5 families of Indians came from the Nward with good hunts."

Apr. 22
" Monday Twelve men rooting out willows &c encroaching on the plantation - Tradesmen at their Various duties."

Apr. 23
" Tuesday All hands amusing themselves - firing at the Target."

Apr. 24
" Wednesday All the Indians went away cold weather prevents hopes of Geese - the Packeters Returned from Churchill - all well there."

Apr. 25
" Thursday Cold weather Goose hunters coming daily for Oatmeal."

Apr. 26
" Friday Packeters and all the Indians went away only afew Invalids and old women on the Plantation."

Apr. 27
" Saturday Weather still cold - Indians coming daily for food."

Apr. 28
" Sunday Three Indians brought a Buck Deer and went away immediately - Divine Service."

Apr. 29
" Monday Brewed Beer - Tradesmen at their various duties - the others picking Oakum - tuo Indians from the Nward brought the 1st Goose. Mag. Randall and 3 E Hunters came for food and Returned therewith."

Apr. 30
" Tuesday Snow and Drift - Indians from all quarters coming for food."

May 1 1805
" Wednesday Snow and Drift as in Dec. - Packing Inland flour, Oatmeal, &c."

May 2
" Thursday Weather as Yesterday - Hungry Indians coming in."

May 3
" Friday Indians from the Nward brought 60 Partridges - finished the Inland packages of flour Oatmeal &c."

May 4
" Saturday Snow and Drift."

May 5
" Sunday Four of the E Hunters brought part of 3 deer - they say they are very numerous within afew miles of the hunting tent - afew necefsaries wanted at the tent were Sent by them - Divine Service. Sent intelligence to the Indians at the back of the Island of Deer being plenty to the Eward."

May 6
" Monday The Indians went to the Eward to Hunt deer - Tradesmen at their various employs. 6 men digging an Ice Cellar near the Saw house. the others grubbing willows - Snow and drift."

May 7
" Tuesday Tuo Geese from Hunters - 4 of the Nern hunters came for food - Cold Snowy weather."

May 8
" Wednesday The Nern Hunters went away - 60 partridges from the back of the Island - frost & Snow."

May 9
" Thursday a very fine day Wind Sly many Geese flew - 8 killed by Europeans at 10 Shg Creek."

May 10
" Friday Three Geese from Europeans & 20 from Ind."

May 11
" Saturday 50 Geese from Indians."

May 12
" Sunday Divine Service - 30 Geese from Ind."

May 13
" Monday Tradesmen at their various occupations. Labour's at the Ice House - 40 Geese."

May 14
" Tuesday Brewed beer and as yesterday - 20 Geese."

May 15
" Wednesday 50 Geese, people clearing the plantation drains, &c"

May 16
" Thursday a Deer & 60 Geese from Ind. went to the Goose Hunters tent - retur'd in the eveng."

May 17
" Friday The Ice gave way opposite to the factory and went quietly to Sea - water not higher than in common Spring tides - 40 Geese from Indians."

May 18
" Saturday Five men in the new Small Boat went to examine the State of the River - they say it is clear of Ice above - launched a new Batteau - tuo Deer from the Hedge."

May 19
" Sunday Indians brought 50 Geese from the back of the Island - Several deer Crofsed the River - One killed by the men."

May 20
" Monday launched the large Inland Boat and put her to her moorings - 25 men preparing for atrip to the Rock - One of the E Hunters came Saying they had filled all the Casks with Geese - he Returned to his family."

May 21
" Tuesday Three Indian leaders with 17 Canoes came down the River with good Cargoes - loaded the Trial and Batteau for the Rock House. Ind. of yesterday paid their Debts."

May 22
" Wednesday All the Goose Hunters came to the Factory. 25 men set out for the Rock House in the Trial and new Batteau loaded with Goods &c for Inland - Tuo Canoes came down the River loaded with Venison - Mr Bunn accompanied the Boats to transmit businefs at the Rock."

May 23
" Thursday The Indians of Tuesday brought near 1000 B. prime furs."

May 24
" Friday Tuo Canoes of Indians went to hunt Deer."

May 25
" Saturday The E Goose hunters went away."

May 26
" Sunday Seven Canoes of Indians went away. 4 Deer from Indians."

May 27
" Monday All the Indians went away except afew Invalids - Tuo men at the new Launch House the others variously employed in the Gardens &c."

May 28
" Tuesday Mr Tate and 4 men in alarge Canoe arrived from Merrys House with 15 bundles of furs - J. McNab, Don'd Malcom and 4 Ind. came from the Nward Goose tent - they have Salted 8 Hogsheads of Geese."

May 29
" Wednesday Part of Mr Tates furs packed after opening all the bundles."

May 30
" Thursday a few Trout from Ten Shillg Creek - four Indians came down the river begging Oatmeal no Deer to be found above."

May 31
" Friday Packed the Merrys House trade and Regulated Mr Tates department for the ensuing winter."

June 1 1805
" Saturday Indians brought a Canoe load of deer."

June 2
" Sunday Self and 4 men preparing for Inland to morrow."

June 3
" Monday At noon with 4 men in a New Canoe I set out for Inland leaving Mr Sutherland in charge of the Factory who Continues this Journal - In the eveng an Indian arrived with agood winters Hunt."

June 4
" Tuesday The few men at the Factory variously employed."

June 5
" Wednesday Four Indians came down the river for asupply of Oatmeal - they retur'd in the eveng. Several fish from a Net in Ten Shillg Creek."

June 6
" Thursday a Canoe of Ind. went away."

June 7
" Friday Three Canoes of Ind. went away."

June 8
" Saturday An Indian Chief (Ekamefs) arrived with 5 Canoes with good trades - Mr Cook and tuo Indian youths in a Small Canoe arrived from Nelson River - Trade there considerably better than last year - Twenty men arrived from the Rock or Gordon House in tuo Small boats."

June 9
" Sunday Seven men arrived in the Chiefs wooden Canoe from Gordon House."

June 10
" Monday The Patroon and 15 men went up the river to Raft firewood, and 6 men set out for Gordon House in the Jupiter loaded with Inland Cargoe."

June 11
" Tuesday Four men in the wooden Canoe set off for Gordon House - Several Indians went away - four Indians from above brought 11 Deer."

June 12
" Wednesday J. McNab and One man went to the Wooders tent with 4 days allowance of fresh Venison - all the Indians went away except afew Invalids - 7 Deer brought by Indians."

June 13
" Thursday The Blacksmith making Iron work for Mefs Cook and Tate - Boatbuilders Repairing the Long Boat the others at the new Launch House."

June 14
" Friday Mr Bird and 4 men arrived from Inland in a large Canoe."

June 15
" Saturday The Patroon and wooders came home with a Raft of Plank, weather boarding &c."

June 16
" Sunday Tuo Indians brought some Venison."

June 17
" Monday People piling plank, weather boarding &c. Wooders went to their tent - 4 men arrived in the Jupiter with 24 Bundles of furs from Inland."

June 18
" Tuesday Tradesmen at their employs the others pumping the Cellars."

June 19
" Wednesday Men employed as Yesterday - five Deer from Indians - Brewed small Beer."

June 20
" Thursday Four Indians came down the river with Venison."

June 21
" Friday The Indians of yesterday went away. Wm Manson and wooders brought 10 Rafts of firewood."

June 22
" Saturday Twelve men preparing for Inland - tuo Canoes came with venison."

June 23
" Sunday Patroon and 7 men Returned to their tent."

June 24
" Monday Mefs Bird & Calder with 12 men set off for the Rock House in tuo Small Boats loaded with Inland Cargoe."

June 25
" Tuesday Mr Cook packing Goods for his department. Six men brought a Boat load of Plank &c."

June 26
" Wednesday Launched the Long Boat and Barge and put them to their Moorings."

June 27
" Thursday Seventeen Englishmen and 3 Indian Youths arrived from the NR Settlements in 3 large and 3 small Canoes with 61 Bundles of furs."

June 28
" Friday Four men set off for the Rock in a Small Boat with Inland Cargoe."

June 29
" Saturday Patroon and party arrived with firewood and 2 Ind. brought Deer skins &c."

June 30
" Sunday Patroon and men Returned to their Rafting tent - Tuo Canoes of Ind. came with Deerskins &c."

July 1 1805
" Monday Three men went to the point of marsh with a Raft of Timber in order to erect a new Beacon on the Point of Marsh - Mr Cook and men preparing for their journey."

July 2
" Tuesday The tuo men that remains at the factory pumping the Cellars &c - tuo Indians took winter debt and went away."

July 3
" Wednesday Mr Cook accompanied by three Indians set out for his department - 14 Canoes of Indians arrived with Deer skins dry venison &c."

July 4
" Thursday Seventeen Europeans and 2 Ind. in four large and 2 small Canoes set out for the NRiver Settlements - Several Indians went away."

July 5
" Friday afew Indian youths Collected and brought home aBoat load of lime Stones."

July 6
" Saturday Wooders brought 9 Rafts of firewood and the three men from point of marsh Came for Provis'"

July 7
" Sunday Wooders returned to their tent, and tuo Carpenters to the Beacon at point of Marsh."

July 8
" Monday Smith at Iron work for the Natives the other tuo men Variously employed - three Canoes of Indians left the factory."

July 9
" Tuesday Pumped the Cellars - Tuo Canoes arrived with Deer Skins &c."

July 10
" Wednesday Several Indians came from the Eward with Deer Skins &c - Mr Snoulton and 5 men in a small Boat arrived from the Rock with 40 bundles of furs."

July 11
" Thursday Men variously employed."

July 12
" Friday Wooders came home with 7 Rafts of firewood."

July 13
" Saturday This day on my Arrival found every thing going regularly on under the direction of Mr Sutherland. many Indians at the Factory waiting for winters debt."

July 14
" Sunday a Number of Indians got debt for the winter in the eveng 3 Canoes came with Venison Deerskins &c all the Inland furs safe landed - the wooders returned to their tent."

July 15
" Monday Four men (who accompanied me down in 2 Canoes) preparing packages for Inland. Tobacco is particularly required there the quality of ours being much inferior to the Canadians, causes not only agreat consumpt of that Article but agreat lofs to the trade as Indians for prime furs Rejected it in any quantity which caused the lofs of a Number of fine Bears & Beaver in the Saskatshewan department - set the inner Beacon."

July 16
" Tuesday Ten Canoes of Indians went away for the winter - 8 men preparing for Inland - Opened the Inland furs."

July 17
" Wednesday Eight men in tuo large Canoes set out with Tob. &c for Inland - 8 Canoes of Ind. came with Deerskins and dry venison - People packing furs and putting up the Launch."

July 18
" Thursday In the morng early Mr Sutherland and 7 men went to Sea - set the outer beacon and laid 2 buoys, Tuo Indians set out with a Packet for Churchill."

July 19
" Friday Eight men went in alarge Boat for Grafs - 6 Canoes of Indians went away - the wooders brought 7 Rafts of firewood."

July 20
" Saturday the men Returned with aboat load of Grafs & carried it on the plantation - pumped the Cellars and opened the Cumberland House furs - Ind. taking debt."

July 21
" Sunday Twenty Canoes of Indians went away. Haymakers returned to their Tent."

July 22
" Monday Completed the Launch - got the large Boat up the Bank - began a new wood pile - Opened part of the Saskatshewan trade - 4 families of Indians brought afew Geese and ducks from the Eward."

July 23
" Tuesday Eight men and an Indian went for the Geese at the NRiver - Opened the Sask. furs - tuo Ind. from the Nward brought Dry Venison."

July 24
" Wednesday The Indians of Yesterday went away - packed the Sask. Trade."

July 25
" Thursday The men Returned with the Geese from NRiver Goose Tent in good order - Indians of Monday went away."

July 26
" Friday finished the Launch - took aboat load of Grafs up the bank - 7 men went to the Mowers for tuo Boat loads more - Packed the Sask. Beaver."

July 27
" Saturday The men brought tuo boat loads of Grafs home and carried it on the Plantation."

July 28
" Sunday afew Ducks and small birds from Indians."

July 29
" Monday The Severn Brig appeared in the Offing and with the tide came to the Factory - Mefs Thomas & Swain came on Shore with Mr Taylor - people Collecting Stones for the Ship, making Hay and packing furs."

July 30
" Tuesday All hands carrying firewood up the bank - Brig came to the Launch - Several Ind. from the Eward brought afew Ducks."

July 31
" Wednesday Rec'd the Severn Homeward bound Cargo on Shore, and the Brig dropp'd down to her Road Stead at Point of Marsh - Packed the Sask. Trade."

Aug. 1 1805
" Thursday Blows a Gale with heavy rain all last night and this day. All hands carrying firewood up the bank and rafting timber for a Beacon. tuo Canoes of Ind. came to take debt. Six men went down to build a Beacon."

Aug. 2
" Friday Several deer seen in the plains behind the Factory - Steward killed tuo fine Bucks."

Aug. 3
" Saturday Six deer killed by Europeans and Ind. and 4 Canoe Cargoes of Venison Rec'd from NRiver Ind. Tuo Ind. in a Canoe came down the River with dry Venison - Stacked the Hay - Mr Sutherland went to fix on a spot (in concert with Mr Taylor) for erecting the Beacon on - all the Ind. went away."

Aug. 4
" Sunday Three men went down to point of marsh with Articles for the Beacon."

Aug. 5
" Monday All hands carrying firewood up the bank - tuo Canoes arrived from OH - all the Inlanders gone from thence - 2 Deer from the Hedge."

Aug. 6
" Tuesday Mr Tate and 4 men in alarge Canoe arrived from Merrys House - brought 5 bundles of furs the remainder of his trade."

Aug. 7
" Wednesday All hands carrying firewood up the bank - 12 deer Killed by Europeans."

Aug. 8
" Thursday Went down in Company with Mr Thomas to see the Beacon - Mr Taylor and mate conducts the building which goes on well - all hands at home Carrying firewood up the bank."

Aug. 9
" Friday heavy Rain prevents out door duty."

Aug. 10
" Saturday Rainy weather still continues - on opening a Parcel of Buttons pr Invoice of 1802 said to contain "48 Gr. Officers" the contents are 20 Gr. Large and 10 Gr. Small Pewter Buttons - Indians brought Venison and deers tongues from the Nward - men came from the Beacon and Mr Taylor came to the Factory."

Aug. 11
" Sunday Mr Taylor went on board his Vefsel and the men went down to the Beacon."

Aug. 12
" Monday All hands carrying firewood up the bank breaking Limestones and at the Beacon - which we perceive is near completed - Indians went away."

Aug. 13
" Tuesday At Noon perceived a small flag flying on flag staff of Beacon the signal of its completion - only 4 Small fish from 3 Nets at point of Marsh - hauled the Seine - no succefs - in the eveng Mr Sinclair with tuo Indians arrived in a small Canoe from Oxford House."

Aug. 14
" Wednesday Brewed beer. men Returned from Beacon with Surplufs materials - we now wish to see the Ship - Height of Beacon from base to truck of flag staff 83 feet."

Aug. 15
" Thursday All hands carrying firewood up the bank no fish to be got at Point of Marsh."

Aug. 16
" Friday Rec'd afew Ducks and small birds from Indians - Set the Lime Kiln."

Aug. 17
" Saturday Indians from the Eward came with Ducks and Geese and returned to their families 5 men in a large Canoe set out with Cargo for OH."

Aug. 18
" Sunday Three Canoes of Indians came with Deer Skins &c from the Nward - no Deer to be seen."

Aug. 19
" Monday Mr Cook with a European and 3 Indians arrived in a Canoe from Split Lake - tuo Canoes with the Remainder of his trade are following - 8 Canoes of Ind. came from the Nward with Deer Skins."

Aug. 20
" Tuesday Seven men in 2 Canoes arrived from the NRiver Settlements with the remainder of Mr Cooks trade."

Aug. 21
" Wednesday Packed the remainder of the Inland trade Several Indians went away."

Aug. 22
" Thursday Completed packing the Homeward bound Cargo and marked all ready for Europe - The Ind. of the 18th Ult. arrived from Churchill without a Letter to tell us of the Ships Arrival. of course the Europ'n Packet still remains on board the Ship - a Studied neglect - no lefs unbecoming than disgraceful to the Service."

Aug. 23
" Friday Blows a Gale Nly. People collecting stones for the Ship and gathering bricks &c from ruins of Old factory."

Aug. 24
" Saturday Boisterous weather continues Brewd Beer, pumped the Cellars &c Three large Canoes arrived from Inland with 3 bundles of Furs."

Aug. 25
" Sunday Sent tuo Indians exprefs with a Packet to CR, they returned from Point of Marsh saying they saw aSmoke a crofs the NRiver, sent them instantly back to bring the earliest intelligence."

Aug. 26
" Monday This evening tuo CR Indians arrived with our European Packet."

Aug. 27
" Tuesday People bringing Stones for the Ship Cutting wood &c."

Aug. 28
" Wednesday The CR Indians returned thence ? Indians brought a Buck deer and a number of Small birds - the Ship got into 5 fm Hole in the evening."

Aug. 29
" Thursday The ships long boat came with cargo, and the Capt. came on shore, a single labourer our sole resource, another is mentioned in Mr Geddes's List who we learn was persuaded by promises from Mr Auld to go to Churchill - this was done after they left Stromnefs and unknown to Capt. Turner."

Aug. 30
" Friday The Brig and Boats came with Cargo. a Canoe came from the Nward loaded with Venison."

Aug. 31
" Saturday Several Indians took debt and went away. most of our Cargo landed."

Sept. 1 1805
" Sunday Three Canoes of Ind. took debt and went away - the Canoe and Crew of the 17th Ult. returned from Oxford House."

Sept. 2
" Monday Ind. from the Eward brought 120 Geese. Craft coming and going to the Ship - Tuo Canoes set out with a Packet and necefsaries for Cumberland House."

Sept. 3
" Tuesday Several Indians went away people Stowing by Cargo and unloading the long boats."

Sept. 4
" Wednesday Several Indians took debt and went away - Craft going and Coming from the Ship the Brig returned from the Ship."

Sept. 5
" Thursday Blows a Gale Ely heavy rain all day. tuo Canoes of Indians came down the river with Venison."

Sept. 6
" Friday The longboats went to the Ship with the Water Casks &c. Brig Came to the launch with the last of the Cargo - the Indians of the 5th went away - I conclude this journal with every fervent wish for prosperity to your Honors affairs being
Honorable Sirs
Your faithful Humble Servant
John McNab."




"Mr McNabs Inland Journal"

June 3 1805
" Monday At noon left the Factory in charge of Mr James Sutherland, and proceeded for the Rock or Gordon House in a new wooden Canoe, my Crew - Jn. Dearon, Adam Kirknefs, Tho. Budge, and Arch. Louttit - Slept near Rainbow Island - pafsed several Indians all hungry - Our Canoe sails well."

June 4
" Tuesday Set out early with afine breeze and at 5 pm reached Steel River, where we put up for the night, pafsed Several Indians all hungry which lefsens our Stock."

June 5
" Wednesday Departed at 5 this morng and in the eveng slept near the head of Steel River."

June 6
" Thursday Cold weather with rain. set out before 6 AM and in the eveng pitched tents near Still water in Hill River which is Shoal."

June 7
" Friday Cold wet weather set out before 6 this Morng - At 10 met Wm Manson and men Returning to the Factory having landed their Cargoes safe at Gordon House where I arrived at 4 pm and found Mr Bunn and all there well - None of the Inlanders arrived."

June 11
" This day Mefs Bird and Sinclair with 4 men in alight Canoe arrived from Inland - trades better than last year but much lefsened from? expectation by by bad tobacco. Mr Birds health being much impaired makes him doubtfull of Returning Inland, and wishes to go to the Factory for Medical Aid which if not effectual he requests areturn to Europe in the Ship - Inland news are that Buonaparte was hung - Mr McTavish died last year, and that the tuo companys our opponents had joined Stocks - a Letter from Mr Fidler says the Indians have deserted that Lake occasioned by their having plundered a Canadian House and murdering Several of their men during the course of last Summer."

June 13
" Thursday Mr Bird and 4 men went down in a Canoe to the factory - Mr Calder is to accompany him Inland if he judges it necefsary - Mr Isham and 9 men in 3 Canoes arrived from Above - trade from Island Lake much better than last year, and have hopes of further increase."

June 14
" Friday On Regulating the Island Lake department was sorry to find a general complaint among the men who wintered with Mr Isham that his behaviour was irregular and inconsiderate to such adegree as endangered his own life and theirs - that his immoderate use of Spiritous Liquors (from which he could not refrain) was the Cause, this may be credited by the great expenditure of that article by him Compared with the quan'y used by Halcro who lived in aseparate House at a distance and procured more furs - this necefsitates me to appoint Halcro to that Station, who is a steady sober man worthy of Confidence - Mr Isham desiring to go to the Saskatshewan Rather than home to Europe. I complied with his Request, as last year Mr Bird mentioned his being useful there, and being an Old Servant and friendlefs I presume your Honors will not discountenance this Concefsion - tuo Boats arrived with Cargoes from the Factory."

June 15
" Saturday Early Mefs Sinclair and Isham with 11 men in 3 Canoes set out with Cargoes for Inland. Several bundles of OH Furs having got wet were opened, dried, and Repacked ready for Conveyance down to morrow."

June 16
" In the morng the tuo boats crews of Friday after leaving 3 men proceeded for the Factory with 40 Bundles of furs the OH and Island Lake trades."

June 17
" In the eveng Mefs Bird and Calder arrived in the Jupiter from the Factory - Mr Bird Solliciting Mr Calders attendance Rather than go to Europe. I have complied with his Request."

June 29
" This morng Mr Pruden in a Canoe arrived from OH. his motive for Coming down he says is "Because your Honors have not countenanced his Requests" I advised him to have patience and Consider the great decline of the Saskatshewan trade, and that his going home might injure himself - he attended to this and requested me to inform Your Honors that he trusted you would consider his deserts - Mr Bird says he is steady, attentive and Careful, and is constantly in charge of a Station - the News since Mr Birds departure from Inland he tells us are "that Mr Houses neighbours (Canadians) on coming down the South Branch from their winters Residence were attacked by atribe of Indians 5 of their men killed on the spot, plundered, and Several Bundles of furs lost in the panic - most fortunately Mr House and men had pafsed the same Spot afew days before or they might have Shared the same fate - Mr House has done well there and deserves every Consideration."

June 30
" After waiting till noon for the Canoes from above I set out with 3 men in a Canoe for OH to Regulate businefs there - an hour after met 7 Canoes loaded with 112 bundles of furs - Mr Snoulton accompanying them. put up for the night at the head of Still water."

July 1 1805
" Monday Set out early and in the eveng put up on an Island alittle below Sandy Bay."

July 2
" Tuesday Before 4 this morng got under way and in the afternoon a Gale of wind stopt us for the night opposite to the Narrows in Knee Lake."

July 3
" Wednesday Set out before 5 this morng and in the eveng reached Oxford House - Mefs Sinclair and Fidler and Gent. from Above all well - Trade from Athapusca lefs than last year - Mr Fidler says the Canadians now the Companies are United threaten Severly to oppose us there - this is particularised? in aduplicate Letter (from him to the Proprietors at the Grand Portage) now to be transmitted to your Honors - And that last summer 5 of their men were Killed and one of their Houses plundered by the Indians - in consequence most of the Indians had deserted the Lake and he thinks the Trade at Churchill will be benefited thereby."

July 6
" Saturday This day Mr Bird arrived his health better and Mr Calder accompanies him Inland."

July 7
" Sunday Having Regulated the intended departments Inland for the ensuing winter at Noon Set out for the Factory - my Crew 6 men in 2 Canoes with the Remainder of the Inland furs - Slept at the 1st Carrying place - Trout fall."

July 10
" Monday Set out early this morng and Slept in the first carrying place Jack River - 20 Bundles of furs in the tuo Canoes."

July 11
" Tuesday At tuo AM got under way and in the eveng reached the Rock Carrying place in Hill River."

July 12
" Wednesday Set out as early as we could proceed and at noon reached the Rock or Gordon House - Mr Bunn and all well and businefs going on ?larly and judiciously - every thing ready for Canoes proceeding above - After laying out Cargoes for 6 find there is one Cargoe more than they can carry which was immediately secured."

July 13
" Thursday At Noon after securing the Articles to be left here - set out for the Factory - Tuo Canoes & 2 Boats 12 men - all the Remaining Inland furs on board 108? bundles. River very Shoal - Slept at the head of Steel River for the night."

July 14
" Friday Set out early and slept in the eveng near Poplar Fall got some Venison and Tongues from Indians."

July 15
" Saturday Set out in time to reach the Factory with the falling tide - at 10 arrived found Mr Sutherland and all well - Many Indians waiting to take debt."



1M162 B.239/a/111

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