" Yfactory Journals 1808"
[cover]


" A Journal of transactions at York Factory by Mr John McNab Chief
Commencing 29th Sept. 1807 & ending 1st Sept. 1808"

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Sept. 29 1807
" Tuesday Capt. Hanwell went on board and the Severn brig took in the Cargo for Severn. Wind Ely."

Sept. 30
" Wednesday Wind Still unfavorable for the Vefsels Sailing - the brig dropped down to the old Factory 5 men preparing for Gordon House. they are to place a cask of flour there for OH. bring down the Hinges Locks &c there to the head of Steel river where they are to build Store Houses to transact the businefs at the future, instead of Gordon House, and by this change avoid the difficulty and danger of getting large Craft up Hill River."

Oct. 1 1807
" Thursday Wind continues adverse to the Vefsels. the 5 men of yesterday went away - took the large boats up the bank and got the launch up and snug for winter. The long boat came from the Ship with a mifsing No. of Invoice. there is a few No. still wanting. the Boat returned instantly to the ship in 5 fm Hole."

Oct. 2
" Friday Snow at times early in the morning. Signs of a fair wind flattered us with hopes of the Ships Sailing - Soon after it came from the East and both Vefsels Continue at Anchor - got all the boats up the bank."

Oct. 3
" Saturday William Manson & 9 men preparing for the Wooding tent - Wind Still unfavorable for the Vefsels."

Oct. 4
" Sunday Wind SE a fine breese. the Ship and Brig got under way in the forenoon and soon disappeared in the offing - 2 Indians in a Canoe brought 3 fine Deer."

Oct. 5
" Monday The long boat came up with the buoys. Wm Manson & 8 men went to make their wooding tent - Hy Copeland in the Surgeons list. laid up the long boat for the winter - Ind. from the E & N brought Geese & Venison - on finally arranging the European Cargo N.454 is wanting - a great disappointment as it contained 56 lb of a favorite species of white beads."

Oct. 6
" Tuesday Took the boats mooring up and put all by for the winter. a few of the wooders came for their Remaining necefsaries for the winter - the E Indians went away - Hy Copeland dangerously ill."

Oct. 7
" Wednesday All the Indians went away - weather uncommonly fine - 8 Canoes of Indians came in for their winter debts. they brought a quantity of fine Venison and a Number of Deer Skins. Wooders went to their tent."

Oct. 8
" Thursday Several Indians took debt and traded Venison - Hy Copeland in great affliction."

Oct. 9
" Friday Two families of Indians went away. Hy Copeland in extreme distrefs."

Oct. 10
" Saturday All the Indians went away. Henry Copeland died this evening."

Oct. 11
" Sunday Several of the Ind. of Yesterday Came for forgotten necefsaries and instantly returned."

Oct. 12
" Monday Mefs Bunn & Calder preparing for their hunting tents - interred the remains of Hy Copeland."

Oct. 13
" Tuesday Mefs Bunn & Calder went to their hunting tents."

Oct. 14
" Wednesday Snow and Sleet. got all the Small boats and moorings up the bank - Mag. Rendall and two hunters went to their tent at Penny Cut away - Mr Garrock acting as School master."

Oct. 15
" Thursday the 6 men at home at their various duties."

Oct. 16
" Friday Two Indians came down the river for Med. to the oldest Indian belonging to York - They say he is very ill. sent them off instantly - his progeny are numerous and Consequential - he was a hunter at Severn when first founded by the late Mr Marten."

Oct. 17
" Saturday Wm Manson and 4 Wooders came home with Setting poles. Mr Calder accompanied for Med. to some of the wooders unwell. says there is poor signs of succefs at his hunting tent."

Oct. 18
" Sunday Mr Calder and Wooders went to their tents - Mr Bunn sent a fine Sample of Trout from his tent by Indians."

Oct. 19
" Monday Boat builder (one of our 6 at home) laid the Keel of a new boat - Cooper and Smith at their branches, the others Cooking attending the Cattle &c."

Oct. 20
" Tuesday Sharp weather - Ice in the river."

Oct. 21
" Wednesday Two men came from Magnus Rendals tent with 80 lb of fish."

Oct. 22
" Thursday One of the fishermen of yesterday returned to his tent, the other a boat builder, afsisting his Companion here."

Oct. 23
" Friday Mr Garrock Setting fox Guns traps &c."

Oct. 24 to Nov. 1 1807
" Saturday Much Snow fell last night. Unpromising signs of Partridges. as daily transactions are now of little variety shall particularise weekly occurrences only till a change of season - Some Ind. came in during the week with Deer Skins and dry venison - Weather fine as in July - this Day Performed divine Service."

Nov. 2 to 8
" During the week killed 14 Pigs near 700 lb of fine Pork - weather continues mild - a few Invalid Indians came for Oatmeal to their families - Rec'd a few Rab'ts from Snares about the factory - very few partridges to be seen - Divine Service this day."

Nov. 9 to Nov. 15
" The River Set fast the 10th - a Severe Gale with Snow and drift on the 12 & 13th - on Saturday two of the Wooders came home & this day after divine Service they returned to their tent."

Nov. 16 to Nov. 22
" Mr Bunn came home. says he has had a succefsful hunt of Martins & foxes and has given the wooders fresh food he returned to continue his hunt next Morning - killed near 400 lb of fine pork and a heifer weight 570 lb - two foxes from the Guns & traps. Will. Manson & 3 Wooders came home and this day after divine Service they returned to their tent."

Nov. 23 to Nov. 29
" Put a quanty of Meat and Geese in water to serve for the winter - the Hunters from Penny Cutaway and from the E'd came with a quantity of fish & Rabbits and Returned to their tents. 4 Wooders came home last night Mr Bunn also and after divine Service this day they all returned to their tents."

Nov. 30 to Dec. 6 1807
" The hunters from their several tents came home during the week with good succefs killed the remainder of the hogs (reserving two breeders) in all above 1200 lb of fine meat. partridges scarcer than I have seen at York - 3 Wooders came home yesterday and this day after divine Service they returned to their tent."

Dec. 7 to Dec. 13
" Mefs Calder and Bunn came and again returned to their tents, the former hitherto unsuccefsful, the latter continues more fortunate - some Invalid Indians came in during the week and returned with food to their families - the wooders came home till after the holidays and 2 hunters brought fish and rabbits from their tents and this day returned - Divine Service."

Dec. 14 to Dec. 20
" Mefs Bunn & Calder came home. the latter unsuccefsful. two hunters brought good supplies of fish & rabbits from their tents. Several foxes from the Guns & traps during the week - Two Ind. from the E'd brought a few Martins and returned with necefsaries to their families - Divine Service this day."

Dec. 21 to Dec. 27
" During the week two families of Indians came in with Succefsful hunts and partook of our Xmafs cheer - a few foxes from the Guns and traps during the week and all the Indians went away - partridges continue Scarce - People at times diverting themselves - this day Divine Service was performed."

Dec. 28 to Jan. 3 1808
" Sixteen men went to the woods to collect and haul firewood to the bank edge. Cut boards for factory use and for a Platform from outer gates to the launch. and 2 Hunters also went to the E ward during the week. the few at home Viz. 2 Coopers a Blacksmith, Cowkeeper & Cook at their various duties. Divine Service this day."

Jan. 4 to Jan. 10
" Two Indians from the N'd brought news of an old leading Indian among them being very ill and requesting Medicines for him. they brought a fresh beaver and a few furs and returned with their requests - weather remarkably mild and has been hitherto since winter commenced - two wooders & a hunter came home and after divine Service this day returned to their tents."

Jan. 11 to Jan. 17
" Several foxes from the Guns during the week and a few partridges netted among the Islands and during the Week Mr Thomas with 2 Indians arrived from Severn. he brought Letters from the S'ern Settlements giving the pleasing news of the Canadians relinquishing their stations there - 2 hunters, 1 Sawyer, and 3 Wooders came home partridges very scarce - after divine Service this day all returned to their tents."

Jan. 18 to Jan. 24
" Two Indians went to hunt Partridges acrofs the N River during the week - Several Invalids came for and returned with Oatmeal to their families. a fox at times from the Guns and the E Hunters brought 60 partridges. Three wooders came home & returned to their tents this day after divine Service - the N Ind. brought 100 partridges."

Jan. 25 to Jan. 31
" Mr Thomas & Companions returned to Severn with several Articles much needed there - Weather grows severe and partridges continue very scarce about the Factory. a few Rabbits daily got from Snares - Wooders and Hunters came home - 100 partridges & 3 foxes from the later - After divine Service this day they all went to their tents."

Feb. 1 to Feb. 7 1808
" This week 5 Indians came in from the S ward very hungry no deer to be found and of course this? have procured few furs. after Staying three nights the returned with a supply of food to follow out their Hunts. a fox from the Guns at times - 3 Wooders & 2 Hunters came home & went to their tents this day after divine Service."

Feb. 8 to Feb. 14
" Very Severe weather during the week - very few Partridges Only 30 procured by the Hunters. a Sawyer & 4 Wooders came home last night and this day after divine Service went to their tents."

Feb. 15 to Feb. 21
" The N Hunters more succefsful than last week they brought 120 partridges very satisfactory as fresh food begins to lefsen fast. without which from the Crew of Aged & Invalid the Scurvey may soon be dreaded though unknown at York these 3 Years past - Three Indians from the N brought 3 fresh Beaver and a few furrs. part of the Wooders Sawyers & Hunters came as usual on Saturday and went away this day after divine Service."

Feb. 22 to Feb. 28
" During the Week Several Indians came from the N brought a few furs and fresh Beaver. and the Partridge hunters continue more succefsful all the Indians went away and on Saturday the Sawyers came home having finished the businefs at the Woods and the Taylors came from the wooding tent to make Indian cloathes - 3 Wooders & 2 hunters returned to their tents this day after divine Service."

Feb. 29 to Mar. 6 1808
" Two Boatbuilders with 2 men went to make further preparations for erecting again the Beacon on the E Shore. the timber for that purpose was Cut and collected there 5 years ago - foxes from the Guns at times hunters continue succefsful in the partridge hunt - 3 Wooders came home as usual and returned to their tents after divine Service."

Mar. 7 to Mar. 13
" Two Indians brought a packet from Oxford House during the week. favorable news from Mr Sinclair. Mr Garrock who is attentive to the Guns & traps brings a fox at times and grous a good partridge hunter and continues a diligent School master (his old employ) 4 Wooders & a hunter came home - 100 Partridges - they returned to their tents this day after divine Service."

Mar. 14 to Mar. 20
" The 4 men came home from Beacon on E Shore after the attainable services being performed there - a European & Indian brought a Packet from Churchill all well there After 3 Nights rest they returned back with several necefsaries required there. Wm Manson & Men Returned from the woods they have completed the duty there - 3 men remain at the woods carrying on the platforms - 5 Indians from the S ward came in with very small hunts - still saying they have been in want of food - no deer - Divine Service this day - the OH Packeters went away."

Mar. 21 to Mar. 27
" Commenced the distillation of Spirits this week and the Boat builders began a Small Inland Batteau. preparations for Inland packages as flour bags &c also going on the Partridge hunters continue succefsful and now we are in no dread of wanting fresh food - Divine Service."

Mar. 28 to Apr. 3 1808
" The various employs of preceeding week going on with little necefsary varieties - Several Invalids came for food to their families and returned with supplies two Indians from the S ward came in requesting support to their relations on their way to the factory they say they have made a good fur hunt but finding no deer are in want they returned with a supply of food this day Divine Service was performed."

Apr. 4
" Monday As occurences grow more variable and businefs more diversified the particulars will be noticed daily - Tradesmen at their respective branches 4 Clearing drains 2 Attending the Still - Brewed Small beer."

Apr. 5
" Tuesday Rec'd a few Rabbits from Indians."

Apr. 6
" Wednesday Five Indians came from the N they brought few furs, they wish for a Goose tent at Sams Creek and offer their afsistance in hauling the necefsary matireals."

Apr. 7
" Thursday a few partridges from hunters about the factory."

Apr. 8
" Friday The N Indians took 4 empty Hogsheads for the Goose tent."

Apr. 9
" Saturday The E hunter brought home his hunting apparatus and 200 partridges & 2 foxes."

Apr. 10
" Sunday Divine Service."

Apr. 11
" Monday The men generally employed as on Monday last & week throughout."

Apr. 12
" Tuesday Three families of Indians came in from the S ward - they have been in want of food at times - bring good accounts of Beaver increasing in their hunting ground and have now brought a good Sample."

Apr. 13
" Wednesday Indians rejoicing themselves."

Apr. 14
" Thursday finished clearing drains - 2 men went to build a Chimney in the new house built at the head of Steel river."

Apr. 15
" Friday The last of the hunters brought tentings &c home - 200 partridges."

Apr. 16
" Saturday Sawyers came home they have made 160 feet of platform in length its breadth 10 feet the plank 3 Inches thick."

Apr. 17
" Easter Day Divine Service."

Apr. 18
" Monday Began to pack for Inland - The tradesmen at their various duties - tuo families of Indians came in and paid their debts."

Apr. 19
" Tuesday The Ind. from the N came for another conveyance of Cargo to the Goose tent."

Apr. 20
" Wednesday a European with 3 dogs accompanied the Ind. of yesterday with necefsaries for the Goose tent."

Apr. 21
" Thursday Weather Cold and Winter like."

Apr. 22
" Friday Jos. Hall Returned from Goose tent after Securing the articles sent there."

Apr. 23
" Saturday Men diverted themselves as usual on St Georges day."

Apr. 24
" Sunday Divine Service."

Apr. 25
" Monday All the Indians went to the Marsh for the Goose hunt - finished packing the Saskatshewan Invoice. Tradesmen at their various duties."

Apr. 26
" Tuesday Rec'd 50 partridges from Indians."

Apr. 27
" Wednesday Several Ind. came for Ammunition to the hunt - Sharp weather continues."

Apr. 28
" Thursday Warm Weather with a Sly Wind - an Indian brought the 1st Goose."

Apr. 29
" Friday Many Geese flying - rec'd 3 from Indians. much water in the river - thunder and heavy rain in the evening - finished the distillation."

Apr. 30
" Saturday Warm weather - few Geese flying. early in the Morng Don. Malcom 4 men & 4 Ind. took the Rem'g necefsaries to the Goose tent - water rises along Shore."

May 1 1808
" Sunday Divine Service in the Afternoon the men and Indians of yesterday came home. One of the Ind. narrouly escaped drouning in the N River - Donald Malcom stays in charge of the Goose tent - Rec'd 3 Geese from Indians."

May 2
" Monday Tradesmen at their various duties - Brewed beer - the Ice gave way above mile sand - much water along shore."

May 3
" Tuesday Water Rises along Shore - Cold weather few Geese Rec'd 8 from the Hunters."

May 4
" Wednesday Tuo Ind. came from the Goose tent for necefsaries required there, they brought 9 Geese - soon after a numerous gang of Indians came from the N ward, they have been lefs succefsful in martin hunting than last year but considerably more in killing Beaver. they have brought 800 MBeaver in good furs and some fresh Venison - On packing biscuit for Inland, find much is damaged and Reduced to dust being all in bags."

May 5
" Thursday This morng early 3 men went with the tuo Goose Hunters to afsist in Crofsing the Island, when the tuo Indians will return acrofs the River with all the Cargo the men returned in the Afternoon. Mefs Bunn & Garrick completing the Inland consignments."

May 6
" Friday Indians trading their remaing Articles preparing for going away to morrow."

May 7
" Saturday All the Indians went away. some to hunt deer, others at the Goose tent and Marsh."

May 8
" Sunday Divine Service."

May 9
" Monday Boat builder and one man at the Craft. Smith & mate at Iron work for the boats. Cooper & Carpenter at their employs the others at the Pitsaw, repairing platforms &c very few Geese flying."

May 10
" Tuesday A Small herd of deer crofsed above mile sand nune retix ponere cervis this we have done hitherto in vain."

May 11
" Wednesday Got 2 deer from the Hedge. Mr Sinclair with 2 Indians arrived from Oxford House, left their canoe 8 miles above where the Ice still stands, there they found the 2 men of the 14th Ult. and a boat, their Vehicle of Conveyance which they could not launch to a place of safety and are waiting for help - all well at OH."

May 12
" Thursday Three men went to afsist the men of yesterday."

May 13
" Friday The men sent as afsistants to those above Could not bring the boat. they secured her in a place of safety."

May 14
" Saturday The Ice pafsed quietly by the factory - all hands busy among the Craft and completing Inland packages."

May 15
" Sunday Ind. Came from the marsh few Geese flying."

May 16
" Monday All hands preparing for launching and mooring the boats - 30 Geese fm Ind."

May 17
" Tuesday Three families of Indians came from the N ward and paid their debts - others brought Geese & Venison - launched 3 boats and moored them in 10 Shilling Creek."

May 18
" Wednesday Agreed several Indians to go with the boats. blows a gale prevented us from launching the large and other boats. Carpenter finished weather boarding the flankers - a few Geese from the Hunters."

May 19
" Thursday Launched the Trial and a new boat named York - 10 Ind. agreed to afsist the expedition. towards noon a Gale sprung up from the E prevented loading the boats - Ice came in from Sea with the tide - Kept a watch on the boats during the night."

May 20
" Friday The Gale Continues and filled the river with Ice from sea - run the boats up into 10 Shillg Creek - Snow & Drift - freezes hard - 100 Geese from the Hunters."

May 21
" Saturday Severe weather continues. part of the men retur'd from 10 Shillg Creek say the boats are froze in there - others went in their stead to attend the Craft - this is a Singular & unexpected occurrence."

May 22
" Sunday Cold weather continues - Ice now forming in the river as in Nov."

May 23
" Monday In the eveng the men got the boats out of 10 Shillg Creek - 12 Canoes of Indians came in and in general paid their debts - 100 Geese fm the Hunters."

May 24
" Tuesday Weather grous milder, loaded the boats, and Anchored them 4 miles up the river - 50 Geese fm Hunters."

May 25
" Wednesday with the flood Mr Bunn, 18 Europeans and 11 Indians in the Trial & York boats set out for the head of Steel river."

May 26
" Thursday The Ind. of Monday preparing for going away to morrow - 100 Geese from the Hunters."

May 27
" Friday Nine Canoes of Indians went away."

May 28
" Saturday All the Indians went away. 120 Geese from the Hunters."

May 29
" Sunday Hunters came with Geese."

May 30
" Monday Ekamefs & Gang 6 Canoes came in, several could not pay their debts - 3 Ind. in a Canoe arrived from Succor Lake where Thomas McNab and party winter, say he had traded all his goods, and was bringing a good trade."

May 31
" Tuesday Frost and Snow - Hunters came from the marsh Saying the Geese are gone."

June 1 1808
" Wednesday much snow fell - freeses hard - a few Geese brought by the last of the hunters."

June 2
" Thursday In the evening Mr Cook arrived and at the same time Thomas McNab and men from their winter quarters with 17 bundles of furs - tuo Canoes of Indians came and nearly paid their debts and tell us of the death of a fine Indian by the accidental discharge of a Gun from the hands of his companion who was following him through thick woods on a hunting party - preparing to set out for Inland to morrow in company with Mr Sinclair."

" By Mr Cook"

June 3
" Friday In the Afternoon the Gov. accompanied by Mr Sinclair left the Factory and proceeded for Inland - Ind. from the E ward brought 90 Geese."

June 4
" Saturday All the Indians went away."

June 5
" Sunday Mr Tate and men arrived from his winter quarters with 14 bundles of furs."

June 6
" Monday Tuo Batteaus set out for Hill river 10 men & 4 Indians. the N Ind. came from Goose hunt."

June 7
" Tuesday The North river Indians went away. Mefs Tate & McNab packing and preparing for their Houses."

June 8
" Wednesday Wm Manson & 8 men set out to raft firewood."

June 9
" Thursday All the Indians went away - sent a Letter to the Chief - desired the party going to the E ward to examine the State of Ship river and send the report that (if businefs of a more urgent matter will admit) the timber may be got doun and beacon reared on the E Shore."

June 10
" Friday People preparing Inland packages for Merrys House & Succor Lake."

June 11
" Saturday Tuo Indians in a Canoe brought a fine trade."

June 12
" Sunday Indians drinking with their relations."

June 13
" Monday The wooders came home with boards &c - a Boat arrived from Hill river with 1 man & 4 Indians."

June 14
" Tuesday The men from Hill river brought the new platforms from Wooders tent."

June 15
" Wednesday Indians went away - others from the E ward came in hungry."

June 16
" Thursday Tuo Ind. brought a fresh deer - rec'd a few fish from the nets."

June 17
" Friday Tuo boats - 8 men & 2 Indians set out for Hill river - Manson & 10 men set out for the woods."

June 18
" Saturday Several Ind. came from the N river with deer skins."

June 19
" Sunday Indians went away."

June 20
" Monday Packed several casks & bundles of furs."

June 21
" Tuesday Rec'd a few fish from the nets at 10 Shillg Creek."

June 22
" Wednesday Began packing the NRiver Outfit."

June 23
" Thursday Indians came doun the river hungry Complain of great want."

June 24
" Friday Much Ice still in N river prevents sending for the Geese from Goose tent."

June 25
" Saturday Tuo boats brought 53 bundles of Furs from Hill river House - men came from the woods."

June 26
" Sunday Tuo Indians from CR brought news from thence - they are come to see their friends - wooders went to their tents."

June 27
" Monday Tuo boats returned to Hill river - Indians went away."

June 28
" Tuesday - Packing furs - tuo men from the NRiver came for food to their Companions from the N ern Settlements. Ice prevents their procedure round the point of marsh. Mr John McNab Jun. came acrofs the Island."

June. 29
" Wednesday - Tuo Canoes arrived from the NRiver Settlements - 26 Bundles of furs - in the evening Mefs Bird, Fidler, House, & Pruden arrived from Inland."

June 30
" Thursday Several Indians came in hungry."

July 1 1808
" Friday Packed several roles of Tobacco Brasile for Inland."

July 2
" Saturday The wooders brought several rafts of firewood home."

July 3
" Sunday Several hungry Indians came for Oatmeal."

July 4
" Monday Indians of yesterday went away - 7 men in a Boat went for the Geese at NR Goose tent."

July 5
" Tuesday Indians from the E ward came in with Venison."

July 6
" Wednesday The men brought home the Geese from the N ward."

July 7
" Thursday The Trial & a Canoe brought upwards of 200 bundles of furs from Hill river. Mr Swain came a pafsenger."

July 8
" Friday Indians from Ship river say the timber cannot be got doun to the Beacon."

July 9
" Saturday Packed several bundles of furs - fitted out Mr Swain for Severn."

July 10
" Sunday Indians going and coming for Oatmeal."

July 11
" Monday Mefs Bird Fidler and Houfe set out for Hill river on board the Trial her crew 12 men - sent the last of the Inland Cargo - a Batteau arrived with 35 bundles of furs."

July 12
" Tuesday Men carrying up wood, packing furs &c - the eveng I arrived found all well and every thing going regularly on and in a state of forwardnefs under Mr Cooks direction."

July 13
" Wednesday Mr Cook and men preparing for the N ward Settlements - Several Indians came for food. they are still in great want."

July 14
" Thursday blous a Gale Easterly heavy rain prevents the departure of Mr Cook & party they are employed in packing furs."

July 15
" Friday With the tide Mr Cook and men - 4 large & 1 Small Canoe - 16 men & 4 Ind. - set out for the N ern Settlements, they put up for the night below the old Battery."

July 16
" Saturday fine weather Mr Cook & Crew surrounded the point of marsh - Wooders came home."

July 17
" Sunday more hungry Indians came in. Wooders went to their tent."

July 18
" Monday Carpenter and Cooper at the new launch - the other invalid about factory duties - Indians went away."

July 19
" Tuesday People as Yesterday and brewing small beer. 6 Canoes of Ind. came in - no deer - part of these Indians mean to take debt and proceed Inland."

July 20
" Wednesday Several Indians took debt - others came in hungry."

July 21
" Thursday Several more families of Indians took debt for the winter - Carpenter & Cooper preparing the Beacons."

July 22
" Friday Early this morng Mr Bunn & 8 men in the Trial and one Batteau brought the remainder of the Inland trades near 200 bundles - Several Indians went away - late in the evening a Batteau 2 men & 3 Ind. arrived from Churchill with Articles much wanted here."

July 23
" Saturday Nine Canoes of Indians went away. wooders brought 12 Rafts of firewood."

July 24
" Sunday All the Indians went away. the CR men set out for that factory."

July 25
" Monday early this morning 8 men went with 2 Buoys and the Inner Beacon which they set & laid came up with the flood and returned with and set the outer Beacon. wooders brought home the last of the firewood."

July 26
" Tuesday Three men went to cut grafs on Hay Island. 8 men packing furs."

July 27
" Wednesday Rec'd a few young Geese from Indians 5 men at the Launch. several Indians came from the N ward."

July 28
" Thursday finished packing the furs; the Ind. went away."

July 29
" Friday Several Indians came to take debt - no deer to be found - brought home a Boat load of Grafs and spread it on the plantation - finished the Launch."

July 30
" Saturday 5 men preparing to set out for the E Beacon the others bringing Stones for the Ship and corking? Hay - Several Indians took debt for the winter - the Mowers came home - a few fish from the Nets."

July 31
" Sunday More Indians came in hungry - very warm weather."

Aug. 1 1808
" Monday Five men set out for the E Beacon - 3 Cutting grafs, the others brought home a Boat load of Grafs and spread it on the plantation. Mr Tate and 3 men arrived from Merrys House they brought 3 bundles of furs."

Aug. 2
" Tuesday Carpenter making boxes for packing Martins the others bringing Stones for the Ship - Marked the Homeward bound Cargo ready for Europe."

Aug. 3
" Wednesday Tuo at the Pitsaw, the others brought tuo Boat loads of Grafs spread it on the plantation and a Boat load of Stones - a few ducks from Indians."

Aug. 4
" Thursday Thomas McNab and 1 man in a Small Canoe arrived, he has succeeded in getting the Boat and Goods to his House, where he left a few furs he could not bring doun - people making hay and bringing Stones for the Ship - Several Indians came from the E ward and Mr Swains Companions from Severn - all well there - Rec'd Letters from the S ern Settlements."

Aug. 5
" Friday a Family of Indians took debt and went away - 6 came from the N ward in a small boat with 500 lb of Deers Horns."

Aug. 6
" Saturday All the Ind. went away - Tuo boat loads of Grafs brought home and spread on the plantation. in the eveng the men of Monday last returned from the Beacon - they have raised it 63 feet high which it is hoped with be satisfactory to your Nautical Servants."

Aug. 7
" Sunday Tuo hungry Indians came in a Canoe for Oatmeal and returned to their family with a Supply - our Stock grows very small."

Aug. 8
" Monday took the Trial up the bank and got the Longboat out of her winters birth - brought home a boat load of grafs and spread it on the plantation."

Aug. 9
" Tuesday Boatbuilder repaired the Longboat and fitted her out for sea - the others carrying firewood up the bank."

Aug. 10
" Wednesday People as Yesterday. Mr Isham and 3 men arrived from Oxford House. all the Inlanders are gone from thence - Rec'd a few young Geese from Indians - no deer."

Aug. 11
" Thursday An Indian came from the E ward with Geese - s few fish from the Nets in 10 Shillg Creek."

Aug. 12
" Friday Rec'd a few Geese from Indians."

Aug. 13
" Saturday The Severn Brig arrived in 5 fm Hole. Mefs Thomas & Taylor came on Shore."

Aug. 14
" Sunday Several Ind. came from the NRiver - no deer in that quarter - Capt. Taylor went on board the Brig."

Aug. 15
" Monday The Longboat landed the Severn trade - Ind. brought Deers Horns from the NRiver in a small boat."

Aug. 16
" Tuesday All hands Stacked the Hay and brewed Beer - got all the firewood up the bank - Ind. still Coming for food. last summer they said was the scarcest ever Known at york - what may they now say of this."

Aug. 17
" Wednesday Jos. Hall and 4 men laid the necefsary buoys for the Brig - 5 men went round the point of Marsh with a Batteau to be left at the new house built by Mr Cook last Summer, there to be exchanged for the Canoes he may bring down - 2 men setting nets for fish 5 cutting grafs and Raking it together."

Aug. 18
" Thursday The men return'd from NRiver, the others bringing Stones for the Ship, Grafs from Hay Island and surrounding the new boat house with Stockades. Mefs Fidler & Sinclair with 8 men in 4 Canoes arrived from Inland brought 3 bundles of furs."

Aug. 19
" Friday People bringing Grafs from the Mowers and Stones for the Ship."

Aug. 20
" Saturday Tuo boats Crews brought home the last of the Grafs - the fishermen brought a few fish from the Nets."

Aug. 21
" Sunday Early this morng the Ship was seen in the Offing a joyful sight - the Barge was instantly manned and sent for the packet which we rec'd before Noon."

Aug. 22
" Monday The Longboats came with Cargo - a few small birds from Indians - Capt. Turnor came on Shore."

Aug. 23
" Tuesday The Brig came to the launch with Cargo. Ind. brought a few Ducks & plover - Mr Fidler preparing for Churchill."

Aug. 24
" Wednesday The Brig dropped doun to the Ship Long Boats came with Cargo and again went doun to 5 fm Hole - discharged Ja. Gun - this man disobeyed Mr Bird and deserves punishment."

Aug. 25
" Thursday Brig and Long Boats came to the launch the latter return'd to 5 fm Hole a few fish from the nets."

Aug. 26
" Friday Mr Fidler One man and 4 Indians set out in a Batteau for CR Craft daily coming and returning from the Ship - Eddystone seen in the offing."

Aug. 27
" Saturday Brig and Boats came and were unloaded thick weather prevents the Eddystone from coming in - Mr Cook arrived."

Aug. 28
" Sunday The Eddystone arrived in 5 fm Hole - Ind. from the E ward brought a few small birds."

Aug. 29
" Monday Brig and Boats came with Cargo and 2 Canoes came with Venison from the NRiver - 3 Canoes 9 men came with furs from Mr Cooks departments."

Aug. 30
" Tuesday Three Canoes of Ind. came doun the River with a few summer furs - Ind. came with venison from the N ward - Brig brought the last of the Cargoe."

Aug. 31
" Wednesday Unloaded the Brig and John Simpson, John Stickler, James Yorstone, John Davy, James Cooper, Wm Hawkland & George Garson were discharged from your Honors Service."

Sept. 1 1808
" Thursday The Long Boat went doun with the last of the Homeward bound cargo and the Brig was loaded for Severn - all hands preparing for Inland with Mefs Cook Sinclair Tate & McNab and stowing by Cargo - as all is in readinefs for closing the Packet I conclude this Journal and am

Honorable Sirs
Your faithful Humble Servant
John McNab."

" Mr McNabs Inland Journal follows"

[a page or two later]

" Journal of Transactions from York Factory
To the New House at the Head of Steel river and during 5 Weeks stay there by
Mr John McNab."

---

June 3 1808
" Friday With the evening tide set out in Company with Mr Sinclair in a Small boat for the new House at the mouth of Hill river - Crew - 2 Europeans & 5 Indians; in the eveng put up before Rainbow Island - very Little water in the River."

June 4
" Saturday Set out early this morning and late in the evening encamped for the night at the middle Woods."

June 5
" Sunday Started at 4 this morning at 8 met Mr Tate 3 men and an Indian in 2 Canoes with his trade which is lefs than last year. in the evening pitched our tents for the night 5 miles up Steel river."

June 6
" Monday Set out very early and in the evening put up for the night 8 miles below the new House; water the lowest ever Known, many Shoals difficult to pafs in the river - which I fear will greatly retard the Summer businefs and hinder us from building the Beacon on the E Shore."

June 7
" Tuesday Arrived this morning at the head of Steel river - found Mr Bunn and 1 man had got the Cargo safe and securely stowed by in the new house, and daily expecting Canoes from Oxford House."

June 8
" Wednesday This morning Mr Sinclair with 2 Ind. in a Canoe set out for Oxford House. 1 man & an Indian went doun to the factory in my Boat. the other part of my Crew went to their families Inland. One man detained to clear the ground about the Houses - in the eveng 2 Ind. came in a Canoe loaded with fine furs on their way to the factory."

June 9
" Thursday This morng early the Indians of yesterday went with their trade to the factory."

June 11
" This afternoon Tuo Batteaus arrived from the factory with Inland Cargo - 6 men & 5 Indians."

June 12
" The men & Indians of yesterday went to the Factory."

[no entry]

June 22
" This morning 2 Batteaus 9 men and an Indian arrived from the factory with Inland Cargoe - no Canoes from above at this late period will protract the businefs greatly."

June 23
" Set the men of yesterday to strip the bark of Pine trees for Covering the Roof of the new houses to make them water tight - In the afternoon 4 Canoes arrived from OH with 53 bundles of furs, their whole trade considerably lefs than expected."

June 24
" Early this morning 9 men in 2 Batteaus set out for the factory with the trade of yesterday. the water in the river being so very shoal One man and an Indian is detained to afsist the Canoes Crews to the Rock - James Halcro one of the party says he has been 18 years going up and doun the river and never saw it so Shoal - he dreads the boats getting doun from above - he gives the melancholy information of tuo youths (John Norquey & Wm Morwick) having while on a hunting party gone too near open water in the Lake in Apr. last, and both falling in were drouned several hours before dread of such an event - both bodies were found and decently interred - this in our limited condition will be much felt in furthering businefs."

June 25
" This morning Mefs Bird, Fidler, House, & Pruden 3 Canoes 9 men arrived from Inland. Trades as good as last year - rain at times stopped the Canoes of the 23d - Mr Fidler tells me Mr Thomas Swain and 2 men are gone to explore the route from Lake Winnepeg to Severn; this is in consequence of my compliance with Mr Thomas request from Severn. he according with the wishes of Mr James Swain, sollicited that I might send his brother from York for aiding their Inland official exertions from Severn; - this request I ment'd to Mr Swain last June and left the results to his Choice - on preferring to be with his brother at Severn I told him then his wishes if pofsible should be complied with - Accordingly he is now on the Severn Establishment - in justice to him I add his conduct and actions at York are meritorious. Mr Fidler according to suggestions last Sept. performed a Journey from Swan River this spring to Brandon House on Afsinneboyne river ? Red River; thence in Summer through Lake Winnepeg. a Chart of which he proposes laying before your Honors; he says that during this excursion he fell in with a Number of Canadians between 20 & 30 under the denomination of free men; they had all served the NWC after leaving their service had gone doun to Canada and being free of their former Masters had agreed among themselves to return to the interior country to Hunt (chiefly Beaver) for themselves; they had pafsed last winter in the vicinity of a Mr Herney? from Albany and had intercourse with him; that now they were proceeding for the Athapuscow and they wished to trade the produce of their Hunts with the Chief at Churchill or his Inland officers by his prescriptions; the particulars of this I desired Mr Fidler to communicate to Mr Auld who if he thinks it worthy of notice will no doubt represent it to your Honors.

Mr Bird intimates that the Americans are perservering in their discoveries up the Mifsisouri, and of their forming a Chain of Settlements up that river; and inserts in his journal (now sent home by my desire) a duplicate of a declaration or Proclamation ifsued by an American Military officer and Commander resident on its banks; last year Mr Bird gave intimations of the inclinations of several of a secondary Order of Canadian freemen. these have disengaged themselves of the NWC service or have been discharged by them - are all indebted to their old Masters and have come under engagements to hunt for them only till the debts are paid but as they find this an Augean? task several are making proposals to us which I did not advise Mr Bird to discourage, the results by my desire he now mentions to your Honors. - Should any of these afsiduous and perservering hunters bring their aquirements to the factory; your Chief would be much at a lofs hou to act in this new case - that Bills on your Honors negotiable in Canada would be requisite for carrying on this traffick seems necefsary; though when the dispositions of the generality of them are considered, by letting them have the luxuries they wish for; and the necefsaries they want are on your regulated terms, it may be fairly expected that few Bills would be required. At all events this merits the full Consideration of your Chief and Officers, if not the Countenance of your Honors, and your particular directions on this businefs will be earnestly expected by your next packet.

I think Similar propositions have formerly been made in vain to your Honors, this prevented my intimation last year - now the businefs appears to me more consequential and important than heretofore - and I think it would be undutiful to defer laying it fully before your Honors."

June 27
" In the forenoon 6 Canoes arrived from OH - 18 men they brought 108 bundles of furs."

June 28
" At noon Mefs Bird Fidler House & Pruden went doun to the Factory in a large Canoe. Mr Bird meaning to send a Son to Europe wished to make some regulations for his equipments from his Chest at the Factory. Mefs Fidler & House accompanied as volunteers (no men to spare) Mr Pruden goes home."

June 29
" Early this morning 4 Canoes set out for OH the Shoalnefs of the river requires 4 men in each Canoe to go above, which lefsens the number of returning Canoes, thus instead of 13 which have come doun 10 only in future can be employed and these by an additional man."

June 30
" At noon 2 Batteaus arrived from the Factory a few of the Inland packages are still to come."

July 4 1808
" This eveng Mr Swain and 2 men arrived from Lake Winnepeg after waiting there several days in vain for a Pilot to conduct them to Severn. it is a pity he could not accomplish the intention mentioned the 25 Ult. - had he obtained a conductor, the road from Severn would have at once been explored and expeditions from thence regulated more satisfactory - Soon after 4 Canoes came from above with 64 Bundles of furs - put them on board the Trial."

July 5
" At 2 this morning 8 men in the Trial and 3 Ind. in a Canoe set out for the Factory 196 bundles of furs on board Mr Swain went a pafsenger he is to travel along Shore to Severn."

July 6
" Early this morning the 4 Canoes of the 4 Inst. set out with Inland Cargoes. in the afternoon 3 Canoes 12 men arrived from above with 51 bundles of furs."

July 7
" In the forenoon 4 Canoes 16 men came from above with 65 bundles of furs - an Hour after sent 1 Canoe - 5 men with 20 bundles of furs to the Factory."

July 8
" Early this morng 3 Canoes - 12 men - set out with Inland Cargoe."

July 9
" Heavy rain during the night at 7 AM 3 Canoes 12 men went off with Cargo for Inland. having now regulated the men and seen the businefs in a promising train for an effectual Completion I now propose setting off for the factory in a day or tuo as Mr Cook will be anxious to proceed for his departments."

July 11
" This morng in Company with 4 Indians - 2 Canoes - Set out for the factory. at the mouth of Steel river found a tent of Indians starving as last year - no deer - in the evening slept 6 miles below Steel river."

July 12
" Proceeded dounwards very early this morning saw several more hungry Indians to all of whom I gave a share of my little Stock. in the forenoon met Mefs Bird Fidler & House. Stopt an hour or tuo completing the regulation of Inland businefs with them and proceeded for the factory where in the eveng I found every thing going on well under Mr Cooks judicious management."



B.239/a/114

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