" YF Journal
1809/1810"


" York Factory Journal
by Will'm Hemmings Cook"

---

Sept. 16 1809
" Saturday Received the Charge of the Factory from Mr John McNab who accompanied by his son Mr Tho. McNab embarked in the Factory Yawl to the Ship, to take their pafsage to England - The Longboat came from the Ship & returned with 1 Cask of Pork and 1 of Beef requested by Capt. Turner - received 1 Cask of Powder by the same conveyance.
In the evening 2 Homeguards Natives arrived from the North'd took debt and returned to their families - Sent Jos. Cook & 5 Men to the Crofsing places in NRiver to salt & dry Venison."

Sept. 17
" Sunday The wind not admitting of the Ships departure. Capt. Turner came on shore to solicit a further supply of provisions 4 Casks of Geese & some dried Venison were therefore delivered to the Captain who returned to the Ship with the evening Tide.
2 Homeguards came acrofs the Island with a few Beaver & Deer Skins."

Sept. 18
" Monday Sent the Pateroon & 2 men to burn the branches of some firewood felled last Winter. Carpenters & others employed building a small house for the accomodation of the YF Children. Sent 4 Indians to the Islands above the Factory to kill Geese for the relief of the Gent. on board the ship - Pateroon returned."

Sept. 19
" Tuesday Indians of yesterday left the Factory - Sent a boat to the Ship with a small supply of Provisions which returned in the Evening. Cooper making Ind. Kegs. the rest as before."

Sept. 20
" Wednesday Donald Malcom the Cooper & Several Indians returned from Eastern Goose Tent. rec'd 5 Hhds of salted Geese & 150 fresh ones. the Ship rec'g supplies from this quarter has lefsened our portion materially."

Sept. 21
" Thursday Received the flesh of a Buck Deer from Indians up the River - Sent 2 Ind. lads with it to the Ship by return of whom we received Wm Johnston from CR afflicted with the Scurvy & to such an inveterate degree as to be unable to take his pafsage to England by the Ship - Men employed nearly as before."

Sept. 22
" Friday The Ship & Severn Brig made for sea with the morning Tide & God send them safe to their destined ports."

Sept. 23
" Saturday Despatched 4 Men in Longboat to take up the Ships buoys & Beacons. Indians came in from North'd with Geese & Venison - Men employed nearly as before. Boat returned from North River with a considerable quantity of dried meat Green Venison Tongues &c - Jos. Cook and Charls Hay left at the Crofsing place to collect an additional quantity of these indispensable Requisites."

Sept. 24
" Sunday Several Indians came to take winter Debt - brought a few Deer Skins - Gave others the customary Credits Who left the Factory in the Evening."

Sept. 25
" Monday The men in Longboat brought up the buoys & Slung? Stones from the Channel & 5 fathom hole Sands - The other Men employed as on Saturday - A Herd of Deer crofsed abreast the Factory - 2 Killed by natives on the plantation."

Sept. 26
" Tuesday Several Natives arrived to take their winter Debts finished those of the 24th & give the others the customary Treat of Brandy &c - Received a few Deer Skins."

Sept. 27
" Wednesday Finished taking up the Launch & giving Indians Debts - all the Indians left the Factory."

Sept. 28
" Thursday Carpenters Coopers & Sawyers planing Boards - the rest variously employed."

Sept. 29
" Friday Mens employ as before - A few Deer were twice seen near the Factory. Sent the Steward to examine Appearances about the Deer Hedge. States that the Deer have not taken that Route."

Sept. 30
" Saturday Mens employed exactly as before. More Deer seen near the Factory."

Oct. 1 1809
" Sunday 2 Indians from East'd brought 25 Geese and Returned immediately."

Oct. 2
" Monday Several Indians from the North'd came in with some Geese & dried Venison - Among these were some Churchill Homeguards gave them small Debts & conjured them to return to their proper Settlement & wrote Mr Topping on the Occasion (vide correspondence Book 1st page.)"

Oct. 3
" Tuesday Bricklayers erecting a Chimney in the Beer Shed for the purpose of converting this place into a Winter School Room - Entered Sam'l Cook on School List."

Oct. 4
" Wednesday Men as before - Ind. left the Factory."

Oct. 5
" Thursday Men Variously employed."

Oct. 6
" Friday Sent 3 Men & one Indian to fetch home Jos. Cook & Charles Hay from the upper Deer Crofsing place in NRiver - Rest of the Men as before."

Oct. 7
" Saturday Work going on as yesterday."

Oct. 8
" Sunday Divine Service."

Oct. 9
" Monday Men following their usual employment."

Oct. 10
" Tuesday Received the flesh of a Buck Deer & 2 Geese from Indians in the Marsh."

Oct. 11
" Wednesday Men Variously employed."

Oct. 12
" Thursday The Same."

Oct. 13
" Friday Sent Pateroon & 3 Men in a Boat to 8 mile Island with part of the necefsary supply of provisions for the Wooders who are to tent there."

Oct. 14
" Saturday Jos. Cook & Men returned from NR having collected a quantity of dried provisions for the Supply of the School & other Necefsities of the Factory. The Icy state of the River prevented them bringing the Boat farther than Flambro House therefore the meat remains to be fetched from there the first opportunity - Much Ice drifting down with the Tide - Entered Ja. Sutherland in the School Register."

Oct. 15
" Sunday Much Snow fell in the night. the driving Ice considerably increased."

Oct. 16
" Monday Sent all hands to fetch the Meat from Flambro House."

Oct. 17
" Tuesday Men Returned with part of the meat above mentioned."

Oct. 18
" Wednesday Sent men for remains of the meat & to put the Boat in a place of security - In the Evening men Returned with nearly the whole of the Meat - Weather mild."

Oct. 19
" Thursday 8 Men set off to wooding Tent - Carpenters began the Ground work of a new Cook Room &c - Weather Remarkably mild & River clear of Ice - Sent 4 Indian Invalids for remains of the Meat who returned in the Evening with the Whole."

Oct. 20
" Friday Men employed as yesterday - Jos. Cook went to the Eastward on a Hunting expedition."

Oct. 21
" Saturday Rainy bad weather Men employed in Sundry indoor Jobs."

Oct. 22
" Sunday The usual observances of the Day."

Oct. 23
" Monday Carpenters building New Cook Room Coopers making Sleds - others brewing &c. Invalid Indians removed from the Factory to a convenient Situation in the woods."

Oct. 24
" Tuesday Weather intensely cold - Men as before."

Oct. 25
" Wednesday An Ind. from the invalid Tent came to the Factory for a supply of a Gun having been encountered by a White Bear Whose ferocity was such as to oblige him to part with this useful appendage - Gave him a hunting gun for temporary use & sent him to his Tent."

Oct. 26
" Thursday Killed the Old Bull - excellent meat tho' Rather poor & Tough." [it was great but not very good]

Oct. 27
" Friday Bad Weather - Men employed sawing plank & other indoor Jobs"

Oct. 28
" Saturday Weather worse than yesterday - Men as before."

Oct. 29
" Sunday Received 14 Rabbits from invalid Tent."

Oct. 30
" Monday Carpenters at Cook Room. Blacksmith making Hatchets - Coopers Sleds - Sawyers, Taylors &c at their respective Callings."

Oct. 31
" Tuesday Men as yesterday."

Nov. 1 1809
" Wednesday Men as before - Two partridges Killed by Mr Bunn. the first this season."

Nov. 2
" Thursday Men as before."

Nov. 3
" Friday Received a few Rabbits from Ind. at 20 Mile Creek - Gave them in return a supply of Oatmeal &c. - for the want of which they made grievous complaints."

Nov. 4
" Saturday Men as before - 20 Rabbits from Indians near the Factory - Supplyed them as usual with flour &c."

Nov. 5
" Sunday Divine Service."

Nov. 6
" Monday Jos. Cook came from his Tent at the East'd. no partridges & but few Rabbits on the ground."

Nov. 7
" Tuesday Jos. Cook Returned - men as before. Blacksmith making Steels - Invalid Ind. came from Ten Shilling Creek gave account of no partridges in that part."

Nov. 8
" Wednesday Natives of yesterday supplied & sent back to their Tents - Men as before."

Nov. 9
" Thursday Men employed building &c as before."

Nov. 10
" Friday Men as yesterday."

Nov. 11
" Saturday Coopers Brewing, Rest as before."

Nov. 12
" Sunday An Ind. Woman from Jos. Cooks Tent brought 2 Sleds of Rabbits & Trout & a few Partridges."

Nov. 13
" Monday Coopers & Carpenters employed at the new Building."

Nov. 14
" Tuesday Cooper - Blacksmith & J Sinclair preparing for penny Cutway Tent."

Nov. 15
" Wednesday Cooper &c set off to Fish & snare Rabbits at Penny Cutway."

Nov. 16
" Thursday Weather too bad for outdoor work. Sawing & planing Boards constitute the Occupations of the Day."

Nov. 17
" Friday Weather & Mens employ as yesterday."

Nov. 18
" Saturday Weather more Violent than yesterday - Ind. from back of the Island brought 20 Rabb."

Nov. 19
" Sunday Divine Service - Women from 10 Shillg Creek brought 40 Rabbits & returned to their Tent."

Nov. 20
" Monday Carpenters & Cooper building - 2 men Sawing & rest variously employed - J Isbester in Sick list."

Nov. 21
" Tuesday Received a white fox from Mr Calders Traps - & 2 Coloured ones from the Stewards Guns."

Nov. 22
" Wednesday Mens employ as before."

Nov. 23
" Thursday Received a White fox from Stewards Traps."

Nov. 24
" Friday 2 Natives from Eastward brought 2 White Bear Skins 5 Deers Rumps & some Feathers complain much of the scarcity of Partridges & Rabbits - late in the evening a Woman from an Invalid Tent up the River brought a few Rabbit Skins, represents her family to be greatly distrefsed for provisions."

Nov. 25
" Saturday The Ind. of yesterday returned to their Tents - 1 man from Wooders & 1 from Penny Cutway hunters Who are at 8 Mile Island - and also Jos. Cook from Eastward came to the Factory. Received from the latter 3 Foxes 90 Rabbits 40 Partridges & some Trout. 8 from the former - 23 Rabbits only."

Nov. 26
" Sunday Wooder & hunters returned to their Tents."

Nov. 27
" Monday Mens employ as before with no other Occurrence."

Nov. 28
" Tuesday The Same."

Nov. 29
" Wednesday The Same."

Nov. 30
" Thursday Do."

Dec. 1 1809
" Friday A Crofs Fox from Stewards Guns and a White one from Mr Bunn's."

Dec. 2
" Saturday Wooders & hunters from 8 Mile Island came to the Factory - Invalids from Back the Island & Tent Shillg Creek; Supplied the Whole as usual."

Dec. 3
" Sunday Wooders Retuurned."

Dec. 4
" Monday Men employed building Sawing &c."

Dec. 5
" Tuesday Ind. from Penny Cutway Brought a few Rabbit Skins - dire complaints of Starvation."

Dec. 6
" Wednesday Jos. Cook from East'd brought 200 Rabbits and returned."

Dec. 7
" Thursday Mens employ as usual."

Dec. 8
" Friday The same as yesterday."

Dec. 9
" Saturday 40 Rabbits from Back of the Island & 20 from 8 Mile Island Tent - 10 Shillg Creek Invalids came for their accustomary Supply."

Dec. 10
" Sunday Divine Service; Wooders Returned."

Dec. 11
" Monday 2 Ind. from Eastward brought 20 Rabbits & Some Rabbit Skins."

Dec. 12
" Tuesday Ind. of Yesterday left the Factory."

Dec. 13
" Wednesday 5 Ind. from the Northw'd came in with a few White & Coloured Fox Skins & a little Deers Meat."

Dec. 14
" Thursday Ind. of yesterday traded & returned to their friends."

Dec. 15
" Friday Men employed in building & other duties as before."

Dec. 16
" Saturday Wooders & hunters returned to the Factory preparatory to the Christmas Vacation."

Dec. 17
" Sunday Divine Service."

Dec. 18
" Monday Men cutting Wood & clearing Snow from within the Stockades."

Dec. 19
" Tuesday Mens employ as yesterday."

Dec. 20
" Wednesday 2 Ind. from the Northward brought a few Foxes & Rabbits Skins."

Dec. 21
" Thursday Ind. of yesterday Traded & went away and in the Evening arrived 3 others with Furs & a little provision."

Dec. 22
" Friday Mens employ as usual."

Dec. 23
" Saturday No Work this Day a customary observance."

Dec. 24
" Sunday Divine Service."

Dec. 25
" Monday Peace & Harmony throughout the Factory & all moderately enjoying the Accustomed Rites of this happy Day."

Dec. 26
" Tuesday Ind. from Eastward brought a few Fox Skins & some Rabbits Gave them their usual Christmas Treat."

Dec. 27
" Wednesday Ind. from Northward brought some Fox Skins & one family from up the River came in with a few furs & the flesh of a Beaver."

Dec. 28
" Thursday Ind. of yesterday Traded & begged the indulgence of a further participation of the Holliday Fare."

Dec. 29
" Friday Ind. left the Factory Well Satisfied and promising great exertions in their future Hunts."

Dec. 30
" Saturday No occurrence Worthy Notice."

Dec. 31
" Sunday Divine Service."

Jan. 1 1810
" Monday An Indian Arrived from the Northward complaining of a prevailing Scarcity of Furs & provisions in that quarter."

Jan. 2
" Tuesday 3 Ind. from the Northern part brought a few furs & coroborated the testimony of the Natives of yesterday We lose no opportunity of imprefsing on the minds of the Natives the necefsity of industry & rigid? perseverance & we are flattered with perpetual fair and Soothing promises but unpropitious Seasons baffle the efforts of Industry and too often Render perseverance Nugatory and Vain."

Jan. 3
" Wednesday Wm Manson & 8 Men returned to Wooding Tent. Jos. Cook & party repaired to Eastern Hunting Tent and in consequence of the scarcity of fresh provision Mr Geddes the School Master by his own desire accompanied them.
The Carpenters, Taylor & others employed as before Christmas, & Ja. Dibble officiating in the School."

Jan. 4
" Thursday Mens employ as before."

Jan. 5
" Friday The Same."

Jan. 6
" Saturday Two Men from Wooders Tent came for their usual Weekly Supply - Invalids received their customary Allowance."

Jan. 7
" Sunday Divine Service Wooders returned."

Jan. 8
" Monday Sent 3 Men & 1 Ind. to hunt Partridges acrofs NRiver."

Jan. 9
" Tuesday 3 Ind. from acrofs the North River brought a few furs consisting of Beaver, Foxes & Martins - They Speak of Martins as being abundant but not being instructed to look after these Furs - brought but a poor quantity of them and scarce any of the other Kind. Which are Remarkable Scarce in their Country - Received 3 Deers Rumps & the Flesh of one Beaver."

Jan. 10
" Wednesday Ind. of yesterday Trading & preparing to set off Tomorrow."

Jan. 11
" Thursday Ind. left the Factory perfectly well satisfied and promising their utmost endeavours to procure such articles as are objects of consideration and Request."

Jan. 12
" Friday Mr Geddes came from East'd States that the scarcity of Rabbits & Partridges is so great as not to afford a Sufficiency for their own Support - Indeed this is the general complaint & I believe the scarcity is without a parallel."

Jan. 13
" Saturday Mr Geddes returned with instructions to move farther to the Eastward & not to despair till every Haunt has been thoroughly explored. Wooders & Invalids came from their Respective Tents."

Jan. 14
" Sunday Wooders & Invalids returned to their Tents."

Jan. 15
" Monday 3 Natives from a party of homeguards Tenting in Foxes Lake brought 50 Beaver in Rabbits & Beaver Skins - Very little exertion appears to have gone forwards in this Family owing to the Death of their Leader who departed in the early part of the Winter."

Jan. 16
" Tuesday Ind. of yesterday left the Factory & in the afternoon 2 Youths from the East'd brog't a small supply of Venison - This supply came most Seasonably as never was the want of fresh Provision more severely felt than at the present time."

Jan. 17
" Wednesday The Lads of yesterday returned intimating their intention to come with a Second supply but I begged them to desist as it might interfere with their Hunting Exploits & prevent their paying their Debts in the Spring."

Jan. 18
" Thursday John Turner & Another Indian came from acrofs the N River the former brought 40 MB in good furs & exprefses an ardent wish to by engaged in the Service - have therefore taken him on Trial & sent him to the Eastern Tent to hunt partridges & Foxes on the Shore."

Jan. 19
" Friday Jos. Cook & party came from the Eastw'd finding it uselefs to remain any longer in that quarter 120 Partridges being the Miserable produce of 16 Days hunt."

Jan. 20
" Saturday 2 Men arrived from the Woods - & Invalids for a supply of Food."

Jan. 21
" Sunday Two Ind. came from the Eastward with a tolerable hunt of Foxes & Rabbits - One of these Ind. had been in the habits of Spending a uselefs life on the plantation for many years past but this year has from necefsity exerted himself & become a useful menber of this Establishment."

Jan. 22
" Monday Ind. returned to the Eastward. Jos. Cook & John Turner preparing for North'd hunting Tent."

Jan. 23
" Tuesday Jos. Cook & Jn Turner set off to the Northward."

Jan. 24
" Wednesday Carpenters employed planeing Boards & making doors for the new house - Sawyers making Laths &c the rest at sundry Jobs."

Jan. 25
" Thursday Mens employ as before 3 White Foxes from Mr Bunn."

Jan. 26
" Friday 2 Women from the Invalid Tent at poplar Fall came in for a Supply of Oatmeal - Mens employ as before - 3 White Foxes from Mr Bunn."

Jan. 27
" Saturday Two Men came from the Wooders Tent."

Jan. 28
" Sunday Divine Service Wooders returned."

Jan. 29
" Monday 2 of Northern hunters brought 140 Partridges & 2 White Foxes."

Jan. 30
" Tuesday Hunters returned."

Jan. 31
" Wednesday Carpenters planeing boards for lining the New house & making doors for the same. Taylor & others as before."

Feb. 1 1810
" Thursday Men as before."

Feb. 2
" Friday Men as before."

Feb. 3
" Saturday Wooders and Invalids came as usual for a Weekly supply and hunters from the Northw'd with Partridges."

Feb. 4
" Sunday Wooders & Invalids returned to their Tents."

Feb. 5
" Monday Jos. Cook & John Turner accompanied by Mr Geddes went acrofs the North River in pursuit of Partridges &c."

Feb. 6
" Tuesday Two Indians arrived from acrofs NR with a few Fox & Rabbit Skins."

Feb. 7
" Wednesday Ind. of yesterday left the Factory."

Feb. 8
" Thursday Supplied one of the Invalid Indians with Oatmeal &c and Sent him to set Fox Traps about Flambro House & its vicinity."

Feb. 9
" Friday Mens employ as before."

Feb. 10
" Saturday Hunters from the Northward brought 200 Partridges & a few Rabbits."

Feb. 11
" Sunday Divine Service Wooders & Ind. returned."

Feb. 12
" Monday Hunters returned to their Tents."

Feb. 13
" Tuesday Businefs at the Factory as before."

Feb. 14
" Wednesday The Same."

Feb. 15
" Thursday Received 30 Partridges from Invalid Tent."

Feb. 16
" Friday An Indian from the Other side of Nelson River brought in the Skins of 4 White Foxes."

Feb. 17
" Saturday Hunters from Nelson River brot 200 Partridges & 10 Rabbits - Two Men came from Woods."

Feb. 18
" Sunday Divine Service Wooders returned."

Feb. 19
" Monday Hunters returned - Men as before. Taylor making Indian Cloathing."

Feb. 20
" Tuesday Businefs at the Factory as usual. 2 white Foxes from Mr Bunn's Traps."

Feb. 21
" Wednesday Men as before."

Feb. 22
" Thursday Men as before."

Feb. 23
" Friday Two Ind. from the Eastward brought 100 Partridges."

Feb. 24
" Saturday Received from the Nelson River Hunters 108 Partridges - 100 of which were killed by Mefs Geddes, Cook & Turner - The Factory would be much Distrefsed but for the timely exertions of these young Men."

Feb. 25
" Sunday Wooder & Hunters returned to their Tents."

Feb. 26
" Monday Carpenters & Sawyers preparing boards &c for new building. Taylor at Ind. Cloathing Rest Variously employed."

Feb. 27
" Tuesday Ind. from Eastward brought a few Part."

Feb. 28
" Wednesday An Indian from the Invalid Tent brought a few Rabbits."

Mar. 1 1810
" Thursday Women from 20 Mile Creek came down for a Supply of Oatmeal."

Mar. 2
" Friday Men as before."

Mar. 3
" Saturday Wooders & hunters came to the Factory - The latter returned for good, finding it uselefs to remain any longer to the Northward. brought only 18 Partridges & 10 Rabbits."

Mar. 4
" Sunday Divine Service."

Mar. 5
" Monday Hunters of yesterday Moved acrofs to the Eastern Shore."

Mar. 6
" Tuesday Mefs Geddes & Cook came home to acquaint us that no Partridges were to be seen to the Northward."

Mar. 7
" Wednesday Mefs Geddes & Cook returned with instructions to quit their present Station & prepare for the Eastward."

Mar. 8
" Thursday Mefs Geddes & Cook & Turner came home brought 80 Partridges & a few Foxes."

Mar. 9
" Friday A few Part's caught about the Factory by Mr Geddes & John Turner."

Mar. 10
" Saturday Wooders & Hunters from East'd. Rec'd 70 Part's."

Mar. 11
" Sunday Divine Service."

Mar. 12
" Monday Mefs Geddes Cook & Turner set off to tent on the Eastern Shore & 2 Sawyers repaired to 8 Mile Island to cut Wood for Pack'g? Boxes."

Mar. 13
" Tuesday Mr Geddes came to the Factory for a Supply of Hatchets Reports Partridges to be very Scarce."

Mar. 14
" Wednesday Received 40 Rabbits from Invalids Tent."

Mar. 15
" Thursday Received a few Rabbits & a few Skins from Invalids - J Cook came from Eastward."

Mar. 16
" Friday Sent off the Invalids of yesterday with liberal Supplies & enjoined them to exert themselves in trapping Foxes."

Mar. 17
" Saturday Men from Woods & Hunting Tent came to the Factory - Received but very few Partridges."

Mar. 18
" Sunday Divine Service."

Mar. 19
" Monday Mr Bunn & Jos. Cook went into the Marsh to set Traps & Snares for a number of white Foxes that Resort about the Beacon."

Mar. 20
" Tuesday Mefs Bunn & Cook brought from their Traps - 6 White Foxes."

Mar. 21
" Wednesday Received from the above 2 Wht. Foxes Several eaten."

Mar. 22
" Thursday Sent 2 old Women & Jos. Cook this evening to watch the Beacon Traps - in order to prevent a recurrence of yesterdays mishap."

Mar. 23
" Friday Jos. Cook came from the Marsh with 12 Foxes the plan of yesterday answering so well that only 3 were eaten in the course of the night - In the evening returned with 2 Men to afsist in pitching a Small Tent there."

Mar. 24
" Saturday Received by Men of yesterday 13 Foxes from Jos. Cooks traps none eaten 1 Fox from Mr Bunn 1 from G Harvy & 2 from Eastern Hunters Who complain sadly of the bad quality of the Steel Traps from which foxes disengage themselves with the greatest ease. Mr Geddes also brought 80 Partridges from his Tent on the Eastern Shore - Sent D Malcom & James Slater to Trap Foxes on the Eastern Shore."

Mar. 25
" Sunday 12 Foxes from Jos. Cook - Wooders returned."

Mar. 26
" Monday 7 Foxes from Jos. Cook Eastern Hunters Pitched up the River in Search of Partridges & Rabbits little or nothing to be found to the East ward - Mr Geddes & John Turner still remain at the eastward."

Mar. 27
" Tuesday Two Indians came from a Short Distance up North River with 40 White Foxes."

Mar. 28
" Wednesday Sent away the Ind. of yesterday giving them every encouragement to follow up the hunt with Vigour."

Mar. 29
" Thursday Men brewing part of the Day and the remainder employed as usual."

Mar. 30
" Friday 3 Natives from the other side of Nelson River came to inform us of their having caught above 100 White Foxes & begging a supply of provisions there being no partridges and the Foxes alone being Very indifferent fare."

Mar. 31
" Saturday Sent the Ind. of Yesterday away with the supply requested strongly enjoining them to pursue the hunt with all pofsible industry."

Apr. 1 1810
" Sunday Three Ind. from the Eastward came in with the agreeable of news of 200 White Foxes being at their Tents - Treated them with a particular degree of regard."

Apr. 2
" Monday Put off the Ind. early in the Morning intreated them to persevere in collecting these valuable Furs."

Apr. 3
" Tuesday Donald Malcom & Ja.Slater returned from their Trapping Expedition unsuccefsful having only caught 3 Foxes."

Apr. 4
" Wednesday Several Ind. came in from the Northward received 130 White Foxes & a few coloured ones with other Furs."

Apr. 5
" Thursday Being a bad Day indulged the Ind. of Yesterday with a Days rest at the Factory."

Apr. 6
" Friday Weather too violent for Ind. to depart Men employed about the new building - Taylor as before."

Apr. 7
" Saturday Wm Manson & party came from the Woods accompanied by sawyers from Eight Mile Island - Hunters from Eastward & from up the Factory River brought jointly 60 partridges Ind. set off to hunt Foxes at back of the Island. Ja. Flett unable from illnefs to perform any Kind of Duty."

Apr. 8
" Sunday Divine Service Hunters returned to their Tents."

Apr. 9
" Monday a youth from the Ind. of 27 Ult. brought 14 White Foxes - sent him back immediately with suitable encouragement & advice. Coopers began Inland rund'ts."

Apr. 10
" Tuesday Ind. from the Back of the Island sent in a few White Fox Skins. gave them a supply of Dried Meat for baits &c."

Apr. 11
" Wednesday Invalids from 20 Mile Creek came to the Factory."

Apr. 12
" Thursday John Turner & an Ind. Lad brought from the Eastward 18 foxes."

Apr. 13
" Friday Mr Geddes went into the Marsh to set Guns & Traps."

Apr. 14
" Saturday Ind. from Back of the Island brot 9 White Fox skins - Received from hunters up the River 50 Partridges & 4 White Fox skins & 80 Rabbits from Invalid Women."

Apr. 15
" Sunday Hunters returned to their Tent."

Apr. 16
" Monday 2 Ind. from the Northward brot in a good Hunt of White Foxes."

Apr. 17
" Tuesday Ind. of yesterday Trading & regaling themselves on the Plantation."

Apr. 18
" Wednesday a Party from the Eastward arrived indifferently provided with furs having spent their winter at a distance from the Shore."

Apr. 19
" Thursday Wilks and party came in with their Hunts consisting chiefly of White Foxes received from them nearly 200."

Apr. 20
" Friday No duty performed as usual."

Apr. 21
" Saturday Hunters from up the river came home no Partridges or game of any kind to be found in that quarter."

Apr. 22
" Sunday Indians preparing to depart & some leaving the Factory."

Apr. 23
" Monday Weather too bad for Indians to leave the Factory."

Apr. 24
" Tuesday Began packing Inland Trading Goods."

Apr. 25
" Wednesday Several Ind. left the Factory began preparations for distillery."

Apr. 26
" Thursday Began the 1st Distillation - Indians left the Factory preparatory to the Goose Season."

Apr. 27
" Friday In packing the Irish Roll Tobacco We discover an amazing deficiency in the Weight as charged Pr Invoice - The deficit will be noted in Account book."

Apr. 28
" Saturday Invalids as usual paid their visits for Oatmeal &c. received from them 4 Wht' Foxes."

Apr. 29
" Sunday Divine Service."

Apr. 30
" Monday Indians from North River brought a few Foxes. Jos. Cook John Turner & Wm Johnson went acrofs to the Eastern Goose Tent."

May 1 1810
" Tuesday Some of the Men Packing Inland bundles - others cleaning drains & Tradesmen at respective employs."

May 2
" Wednesday Indians from Eastward brought 10 White Foxes."

May 3
" Thursday Men as before - Blacksmith cleaning & repairing Guns for Inland Trade."

May 4
" Friday A few homeguards arrived with their Winter Debts - Complain of the scarcity of Beaver."

May 5
" Saturday Men employed nearly as before."

May 6
" Sunday Indians from North River brought a few Foxes."

May 7
" Monday Carpenters making Inland boxes - rest as before."

May 8
" Tuesday Three Indians from the Eastward brought 10 White & 2 Red Foxes."

May 9
" Wednesday Received the first Goose - also 7 Deer & 18 Foxes - One Indian from the North River brot his Winter Debt - Very few Beaver Skins - indeed these Animals nearly extirpated in the low country."

May 10
" Thursday Indians from Nelson River brot 15 Wt. foxes. Engaged a steady Indian to superintend the Goose Tent not having Men to spare as usual for that purpose."

May 11
" Friday Men employed variously."

May 12
" Saturday Received 2 White Foxes from Eastward."

May 13
" Sunday Rec'd 3 Geese & 2 White Foxes from Indians."

May 14
" Monday Rec'd 10 Deer & 8 Foxes from NR Ind. Began filling Flour & Oatmeal bags for Inland."

May 15
" Tuesday Sent 2 Ind. Women to collect a Number of setting Poles - Depositing Ice in Ice cellar. Tradesmen at respective callings."

May 16
" Wednesday Packed several bundles of Rabbit Skins & finished the Inland Packages."

May 17
" Thursday Mens employ as before."

May 18
" Friday An Indian from the Eastward brought 8 Geese. John Turner came from his Tent for a supply of provisions & returned immediately."

May 19
" Saturday About 12 AM The river Ice got underway but making a sudden stop abreast the Factory drove large bodies of Ice upon the bank destroyed the crab & outer appendages of the Launch - A constant watch during the Night - Employed all hands in moving Inland Goods from Launch house & making every preparation for the event."

May 20
" Sunday About 4 AM the Ice altered its position a little but still preserved an alarming & Menacing appearance at 2 PM it was again in Motion and the water rose so high as to float our Craft to the outer Gates - at 8 the water Subsided and all was peaceable & quiet. - We have only to regret the lofs of the LongBoat which tho' laying in her accustomed birth & in expected safety was totally destroyed - she was an old Boat & almost unfit for service."

May 21
" Monday All hands putting the Boats in their former stations - drying cordage & other articles Wet by the deluge - Immense quantity of Ice left on the Islands & Banks of the River."

May 22
" Tuesday Two Ind. Women brought in 8 Geese & the rump of a Deer. several of these Animals seen about the Factory. sent a party of Invalid Women to repair the Deer Hedge one of whom shot 2 Deer."

May 23
" Wednesday Received a Deer from the Hedge. Cooper brewing."

May 24
" Thursday Ind. from the back of the Island brought in 60 Geese and the flesh of a Deer."

May 25
" Friday Carpenters at the New Building - Bricklayer making a Chimney to the same - rest variously employed."

May 26
" Saturday Collecting Wood &c drifted from the Plantation on sunday last - Received 3 Deer from Ind."

May 27
" Sunday Received 3 Deer from the Hedge."

May 28
" Monday Packed a few bundles of Furs. exam'd a few of last Years packages find them rather mouldy but not in a serious state decay."

May 29
" Tuesday Some Ind. came from the Marsh brot a few Geese - Nothing worth mentioning to be found in the Marshes."

May 30
" Wednesday Sent 4 Men in a Small Boat to examine the state of the firewood for the ensuing Winter. In the afternoon the Men returned & Report favourably."

May 31
" Thursday A party of Homeguards arrived brought their Winter hunts & were tolarably provided."

June 1 1810
" Friday An Indian and his family arrived not badly provided with Furs - Sent 4 Men to afsist down? with a raft of Deer killed by the above & left about 20 Miles from the Factory - In the afternon Jos. Cook John Turner & the Eastern Goose hunters came home the Geese having all deserted that part. 7 Hhds of salt Geese procured."

June 2
" Saturday All hands employed clearing Ice from the Bank to form a pafsage for the Boats destined to Hill River House."

June 3
" Sunday Ind. preparing to leave the Factory."

June 4
" Monday Employed all hands as on Saturday & completed a temporary slip for Launching Inland Boats."

June 5
" Tuesday Four Canoes of Homeguards arrived and paid their Winter Debts."

June 6
" Wednesday Ind. preparing to start tomorrow Mr Bunn with 16 Englishmen & 7 Indians set off in two Boats to Hill River."

June 7
" Thursday Several Ind. left the Factory & in the Evening Mr Sinclair arrived."

June 8
" Friday In the Afternoon 5 Canoes of Homeguards arrived Paid their Winter Debts in Rabbits, Cats & Martins & a few Beaver Skins - great complaints of the scarcity of the latter article."

June 9
" Saturday The men at the Factory 3 in number employed about the new Building."

June 10
" Sunday 4 Canoes of Homeguards arrived could not pay the whole of their Debts."

June 11
" Monday Sent off the Indians of yesterday who promise to make up the deficiency of their Debts in Summer Furs. Mr Thomison with 5 Men also arrived from Succor Lake with Furs to the amount of 301 MBeaver 141 of which were traded in the Summer previous to his arrival."

June 12
" Tuesday Another party of Homeguards came in paid their Debts and had something over."

June 13
" Wednesday Packing Furs - Indians preparing to leave the Factory."

June 14
" Thursday Packing Furs - Four of Mr Tates men arrived with 14 bundles of Furs."

June 15
" Friday Boats arrived from Hill River & 2 Ind. from the Split Lake NR they inform us of indifferent Succefs in that quarter & of the Death of Jn Harper."

June 16
" Saturday Sent Jos. Cook & 4 hands for the Easters Geese - Men employed Variously."

June 17
" Sunday Received the Geese from Eastward 8 Casks & sent off the North River Ind."

June 18
" Monday Mr Thomison & John Harriet with 6 Indians left the Factory in a Batteaux loaded with Goods for Hill River - Mr Thomison by his own desire proceeds to Cumberland House & is to return in Summer prior to the arrival of the Ship."

June 19
" Tuesday Men Variously employed about the Factory repairing Platform & fitting up accommodations for drying Furs &c."

June 20
" Wednesday 2 Ind. of the Homeguard tribe arrived with their Winter Debts."

June 21
" Thursday Received the flesh of a young Deer from 2 Ind. lads belonging to Mr Sinclair."

June 22
" Friday Men preparing to set off tomorrow in a boat for Hill River - rest as before."

June 23
" Saturday 16 Men in the Trial for Hill River departed with the Morning Tide - Jos. Cook took his pafsage in the Boat & is bound for Oxford House under the Direction of Mr Sinclair."

June 24
" Sunday Mr Isham arrived in company with the Ind. who conducted the Batteaux to Hill River on Monday last."

June 25
" Monday Mr Sinclair with 2 Ind. in a small Canoe set off this morning for Oxford House.

June 26
" Tuesday Sent a party of Ind. with John Turner to fetch the Geese from Northern Tent."

June 27
" Wednesday Mr Bird arrived from Hill River House tolarable accounts from Saskatchewan quarter."

June 28
" Thursday Packing Goods for Mr Bird Drying Furs &c. Blacksmith Mending Traps for Saskatchewan."

June 29
" Friday Finished Mr Birds requests Carpenter repairing his Boat."

June 30
" Saturday Boat arrived from Hill River with 193 Bundles of Furs - also 2 large & 1 Small Canoe from NRiver with 10 Men & 35 Bundles of Furs."

July 1 1810
" Sunday Mefs Bird & Isham preparing to start tomorrow."

July 2
" Monday Mefs Bird & Isham with 4 Men in an inland Batteaux set off for Hill River & Oxford House - Pateroon & 9 Men Repaired to 8 Mile Island to raft firewood."

July 3
" Tuesday North River Men packing Furs. Carpenters & others working at various Jobs about the Factory."

July 4
" Wednesday Began repairing Damage sustained by the Deluge at the Launch & Hoisting place.
Mag. Rendal Sawyer disabled by a dangerous cut with the adz."

July 5
" Thursday Packing Furs & examining Wolves of last year - find the upper Bundles in Good order the lower ones a little mouldy."

July 6
" Friday Erected a temporary canvas Tent on Top of the Fur Shed for the reseption of mouldy Skins."

July 7
" Saturday A boat with 12 Men set off to Hill River with remains of Inland outfit - John Turner accompanies having a desire to render himself useful in the barren ground."

July 8
" Sunday An Ind. came from the Eastward with a few Deers tongues."

July 9
" Monday Opening & repacking last years Furs find several of the Wolf Bundles in a Mouldy bad state."

July 10
" Tuesday Employed as yesterday."

July 11
" Wednesday Opened the casks & Chests of Furs dried & repacked some of them."

July 12
" Thursday Part of the men employed as yesterday others repairing the leaky places of the Fur Shed. Shipwright mending a Boat."

July 13
" Friday 4 Men arrived from Hill River with a Raft of Furs - Employed the afternoon on taking up the raft & stowing away the Furs."

July 14
" Saturday Wooders came home for a Supply . 8 rafts of wood compleated this week - 2 of the Wooders party preparing to go Inland."

July 15
" Sunday Ind. from the North River came in craving a Supply of Provision."

July 16
" Monday Mr Bunn & party arrived from Hill River with remains of Inland furs. also 2 Homeguards with their Winter Debts."

July 17
" Tuesday Men for the North River Settlements & Merries House preparing to embark tomorrow."

July 18
" Wednesday 3 Canoes with 12 Men & one Canoe with 5 Men set off for Merries House & Nelson River Settlements as also the Ind. of Monday for their Summer quarters.
Packing Inland Furs - Ja. Mckinley under the Surgeons care."

July 19
" Thursday 6 Homeguards from the Northward brought a few Quills & Feathers - but came principally for a Supply of Provisions their families being in a miserable starved Condition."

July 20
" Friday Packing Furs & Repairing the Launch. 3 Men under the Surgeons care."

July 21
" Saturday Opening Inland Bundles Pateroon & 4 Men came from the Woods having collected & Made 20 Rafts."

July 22
" Sunday Pateroon & party returned."

July 23
" Monday Packing Inland Furs - Shipwright repairing Boats - Carpenters at the Launch. Coopers making Beacons & Repairing buoys."

July 24
" Tuesday Ind. from acrofs the Factory River brought a little dried Meat, Quills & Feathers."

July 25
" Wednesday Ind. returned to their Families."

July 26
" Thursday Packing - Repairing Launch Boats & Buoys."

July 27
" Friday Sent the yawl & 8 Men to set the outer Buoys & to hawl the Seine net at the point of Marsh - in the Evening returned with little succefs in the fishing way."

July 28
" Saturday Stowing away Bundles of wolves & opening remains of Inland furs - Pateroon & party brought to the Factory 150 Stockades - Wm Johnson laid up with the Scurvy."

July 29
" Sunday Wooders returned to the Rafting businefs with an addition of 2 Men."

July 30
" Monday Resumed the Packing of Inland Furs & repairing of Launch & Boats."

July 31
" Tuesday Mens employ as yesterday."

Aug. 1 1810
" Wednesday 4 hands in the Yawl set the inner Beacon - Rest as before."

Aug. 2
" Thursday 6 hands with the Morning Tide went to the outer shoals & set the Buoys & Beacons."

Aug. 3
" Friday Sent 4 Men to afsist down with the rafts from 8 Mile Island - in the evening returned with 8 Rafts - Carpenters at Launch & Shipwright making ready the Boat as a substitute for the Long Boat."

Aug. 4
" Saturday Finished the Bottom plating of the Launch - Pateroon & party brought down 8 Rafts."

Aug. 5
" Sunday Wooders returned."

Aug. 6
" Monday Sent 3 Men to Set a buoy at a point of Stones dangerous to the Navigation of the Factory Craft - others employed putting down the Launch & Making a New Crab - 3 Ind. Lads arrived with 40 Beaver Skins & returned to their families."

Aug. 7
" Tuesday Mr Thomas & 1 Man arrived from Severn. Mefs Bird & Kennedy with 6 Men in 2 Canoes from Oxford House - & Several Ind. from the Eastward with a few Feathers Quills &c."

Aug. 8
"Wednesday The Beaver Brig arrived from Severn with Capt. Taylor & Mr T Swain on board - Ind. from the North River came in much distrefsed for Provisions."

Aug. 9
" Thursday Engaged 2 Ind. lads to go to Churchill to wait the arrival of the Ship & to bring over the YF Packet - Men employed packing - Making a new Crab & repairing Boats."

Aug. 10
" Friday Men employed cutting Hay - Wood for dunnage & sundry other Jobs."

Aug. 11
" Saturday as before."

Aug. 12
" Sunday No Duty."

Aug. 13
" Monday Brewing & carrying up wood 3 Men making Hay."

Aug. 14
" Tuesday Mr Tate & 3 Men arrived from Mer. House."

Aug. 15
" Wednesday Ind. from Oxford House arrived with Factory Debts & other Packages - Men as before."

Aug. 16
" Thursday Men employed carrying up wood, collecting &c. Shipwright finished the Boat as a substitute for Long Boat."

Aug. 17
" Friday Sent 2 Canoes of Indians up the River in Search of Deer - No fish or Meat of Any Kind except a few Plover to be got."

Aug. 18
" Saturday Wood carrying & other Duties going on as before - 2 Guns heard from Sea which we conjecture announce the arrival of the Honble Companys Ship. hazy weather."

Aug. 19
" Sunday Weather hazy occasioned by the Woods being on Fire in the interior. Sent a Boat & 6 Men to look for the Ship beyond 5 Fathom hole - & if pofsible by the report of Fire Arms to guide her into the harbour. 7 Men arrived from Nelson River with remainder of Furs Mr Auld arrived by return of Boat & the Ship came to Anchor in 5 Fathom hole."

Aug. 20
" Monday Ind. from Various quarters came in with Summer Hunts of Beaver Swans Quills & Feathers - no Deer to be found in any direction - the call of hunger great & distrefsing."

Aug. 21
" Tuesday Several Ind. from the Eastward came to the Factory on the same errand as those of yesterday - Spoke to him in conjunction with Mefs Auld & Thomas on the change of affairs & the Necefsity of their applying themselves to industrious Pursuits - Rec'd part of the YF & SR Cargo from the Ship - Capt. Turner came on Shore."

Aug. 22
" Wednesday Men employed as yesterday Several Ind. came to the Factory with a few Summer Furs."

Aug. 23
" Thursday Mr Sinclair & Mr Morrison in 4 Canoes arrived from Cumberland & Oxford House - Brought down a few Bundles of Furs."

Aug. 24
" Friday all hands employed unloading the Craft Packing Furs &c."

Aug. 25
" Saturday Finished Packing of Furs - cleaned some of the Boats from the Ship & sent on Board part of the homeward bound Cargo."

Aug. 26
" Sunday No duty this day."

Aug. 27
" Monday Sent down Pr the Brig part of the Homeward Bound Cargo - Men collecting Stones & stowing away Goods in the Launch House & long Boat returned to the Ship."

Aug. 28
" Tuesday Sent down to the Ship a Boat from the Factory who with the long Boat brought up a freight of Casks & other Packages."

Aug. 29
" Wednesday as before - Ind. came from Merrys House & others from Nelson River all much distrefsed for Provisions."

Aug. 30
" Thursday Ind. from different Quarters came for Supplies - no Deer or any Kind of Fresh Provisions to be got."

Aug. 31
" Friday Received the Remaining part of the Goods from the Ship & sent down the remainder of furs."

Sept. 1 1810
" Saturday The Pafsangers homeward bound went on board & also Capt. Turner - who will receive the Packet tomorrow if pofsible."

Sept. 2
" Sunday Mr Bird set off for the Saskatchewan Settlements with 4 Canoes & 16 Men & Mr Whitford with remainder of the Pafsengers for England went on board Ship."

Sept. 3
" Monday"



B.239/a/116

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