" York Factory Journal 1812/13"
[cover]


" York Factory Journal by Wm Hemmings Cook Chief Factor 1812- 13"

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Sept. 14 1812
" Monday with the Tide the Ship got under weigh & with a fair Wind blowing fresh soon lefsond from the Land - Sent two Boats to the Ship Sands for Buoys & Beacons but owing to the Wind which almost blew a Gale they returned without being able to take them up - Carpenters & Shipwrights making Oars - Labourers digging Drain - cleaning Mens House and other Jobs. - Mr Sinclair embarked for the Interior."

Sept. 15
" Tuesday Men employed as yesterday except five sent in a Boat to Fishing Creek House for Venison. Took up the Buoys & Beacons - laid the latter on the point of Marsh - Mr Bunn embarked for Merrys House."

Sept. 16
" Wednesday Took up the Launch - Shipwrights Carpenters and others as before - In the Afternoon Stacked the Hay on the Plantation."

Sept. 17
" Thursday very bad rainy Weather - Men employed Picking Oakum, clearing Warehouses & other indoor Jobs - Indians brought 4 Deer others arrived for winter Debts."

Sept. 18
" Friday Carpenters & Shipwrights finishing Oars &c helving Hatchets - Blacksmiths as before making falling Hatchetts - Indians took up Debts and went away."

Sept. 19
" Saturday Men variously engaged in preparing for Winter Quarters."

Sept. 20
" Sunday 4 Indians arrived with the flesh of 8 Deer."

Sept. 21
" Monday Paid the above 4 Indians for the Venison - Mr Cook with his family embarked for North River as also Mr Johnstone with Men to form a Boat Building Establishment for the Service of the Colony - A Boat also went to Churchill - Blacksmith repairing Hunting Guns. Cooper making Kegs & Labourers digging the Drain. Four Men sent to 10 Shilling Creek to procure Boat Timbers for RRS -"

Sept. 22
" Tuesday Blacksmith making Iron Work for Pitsaws &c - Coopers at Kegs - Labourers at the Drain."

Sept. 23
" Wednesday Blacksmith repairing Hunting Guns. The Cooper & Labourers at Drains.
Ja. Moar Steersman of the Boat destined to Churchill & who left the Factory on Monday returned to the Factory being unable to proceed on account of the unfavorable state of the Weather & the inexperience of his Crew - who are to a Man totally incapable of undertaking with safety so perilous a voyage."

Sept. 24
" Thursday Blacksmith making Hatchets - Cooper Taylors & Labourers at the Drains."

Sept. 26
" Saturday Mens employ as before. James Moor's Party arrived except one Man, who unable to keep pace with his Companions had been left on the Journey God knows where."

Sept. 27
" Sunday Early this Morning 7 Men were dispatched in search of the absentee - but they returned without having the good luck to find him."

Sept. 28
" Monday the absent Man arrived but without his Bedding &c having left that some distance on the Road - Today the poor fellow will rest & recruit his Spirits. & tomorrow return for his Burthen when all will be well - In the Afternoon a Boat loaded with Venison arrived from Mr Cook in the Nelson River - Blacksmith making Hatchets."

Sept. 29
" Tuesday Blacksmith & others employed as yesterday - The Boat from Mr Cook returned agreeably to his Wishes as he exprefsed a hope of being able to render a further supply of Venison to the Factory."

Oct. 3 1812
" Saturday Men employed in this interval exactly as before - Three Indians arrived with the meat of Six Deer - Two Indians also ferried acrofs from the opposite side of the River with Geese. these latter returned immediately."

Oct. 4
" Sunday Paid the Indians of yesterday & advanced them Credits for the ensuing Winter - Two more Ind. arrived from the Eastward with Geese - Mich'l Foley? the dropsical patient is yet much distrefsed - & altho every aid is administered which Medicine or Humanity can bestow, we have every reason to believe his disolution is inevitable - Wm Lisk is also dangerously Ill & Magnus Grieve is still in a very desponding way."

Oct. 5
" Monday Blacksmith making Hatchets - rest of Men digging in the Drains & collecting the produce of the Garden - A Chief & followers arrived from the opposite side of River - gave them Debt & otherwise equipt them for their Winter campain."

Oct. 6
" Tuesday Early this Morning a Boat from Mr Cook arrived with the welcome supply of 2255 lb of Green Vanison - Indians left the Factory - Blacksmith & his Afsistant preparing Iron for Nails for RRS - Rest of People nearly as before except four who are laying the foundation of a New CookRoom."

Oct. 7
" Wednesday Blacksmith & others as before."

Oct. 8
" Thursday The Boat from Mr Cook returned as also one to Mr Johnstone with Provisions. The Sick Men much the same as usual, except Mich'l Foley whose complaint is become so alarming that he cannot pofsibly survive long."

Oct. 9
" Much Snow fell this day - Two Indians belong'g to YF who afsisted Mr Sinclair Inland arrived from Oxford House bringing with them John Liney a refractory Man on the RRS Establishment."

Oct. 10
" Saturday Paid the Indians for Services renderd to Mr Sinclair & gave them Winter Credits respectively. Harry Gray & party came from Tenshilling Creek."

Oct. 12
" Monday The people from Ten Shilling Creek employed at the Factory in building the New Cookroom afsisted by 3 of the Factory people already engaged in the undertaking."

Oct. 13
" Tuesday Men employed as before - Two Indians from Mr Cook arrived."

Oct. 14
" Wednesday Mr Geddes arrived from Mr Cook at the Fishing Creek House Nelson River brought with him two Indians from whom we received a little dried Venison."

Oct. 15
" Thursday Blacksmith as before - others variously. Mr Geddes returned to Mr Cook."

Oct. 16
" Friday About 3 oClock this Afternoon 10 Men arrived who composed a party sent to Mr Cook for Venison - Unfavorable Weather has obliged them to leave their Boats & Cargoes at the High Bank below Flambro House - The Meat which is somewhat considerable is secured from Animals in the way usual to the Country & we hope safe from the depredations of Wolves and other Beasts of prey. - began clearing ground for an Ice House - J Dickson Blacksmith unable to work from a sore hand."

Oct. 17
" Saturday Men employed as yesterday - H Hay Carpenter came from Mr Johnston's having worked there 4 Weeks for RRS."

Oct. 19
" Monday Harry Hay employed fitting up an Appartment for YF. Blacksmiths making Nails for RRS. - Eight People sent to Ten Shilling Creek to procure Boat Timbers for RRS. - Rest of Men as before. - Three in the Sick List & with poor hopes of recovery."

Oct. 20
" Tuesday Blacksmiths as yesterday - H Hay as before Remainder variously engaged - A Man arrived from Mr Johnson for a supply of Bedding alledging that Mr J. had deprived him of his Bufflo Coat to supply another man - under the prefsure of these circumstances he had taken upon himself to Journey to the Factory without thinking it necefsary to consult Mr J. on the propriety of doing so."

Oct. 21
" Wednesday H Hay employed as yesterday. Labourers at various outdoor Jobs - Rec'd from three Indians 1250 lb Green Venison - Mr Johnstons Man Returned."

Oct. 22
" Thursday Mens employ as Yesterday - paid the Indians for their Venison & sent them away."

Oct. 23
" Friday Blacksmith & Labourers as before - Labourers building the Temple of Cloacina - James Moar, Ja. Pinkman & an Indian started for Churchill with 2 Dogs - J Pinkman is the Colony Nailer & is sent to CF on account of the scarsity of Coals here."

Oct. 26
" Monday Blacksmiths beating out Iron for Nails. Taylor making Traces for Dogs - Cooper making Sleds. H Hay Carpenter at Factory duty - Labourers, & Steward at Ice House, Temple & Drain - Wishart & Dickson picking Oakham - Magnus Grieve recovering from his Illnefs - Lisk & Foley as usual - Two of the Men who went to 10 Shilling Creek last Monday employed in Fishing, so that only 6 Men are chargeable to Lord Selkirk from this day."

Oct. 28
" Wednesday Steward Blacksmiths & Carpenter as before - Cooper helving & grinding Hatchets - Taylors making Winter cloathing for Officers - Rest employed in various outdoor Jobs - Sent Mr McVicar with 6 Men & 5 Dogs for the Meat received from Mr Cook & left at the back of the Island on the 15th Inst."

Oct. 29
" Thursday Men employed as Yesterday - finished the Job commenced on the 23rd Inst. - The People sent for Venison returned with 1050 lb fresh - Mr Geddes & one Man arrived from Fishing Creek House & brought 6 pr Snow Shoes & some small Line for Netting - Mr Cook also sent by them a supply of Venison for Mr Johnston & his party which they left a few Miles distance from the Settlement being impeded by Ice & contrary Minds."

Oct. 30
" Friday Men's employ as before - Sent Mr Bourke 3 Men & 5 Dogs to fetch remainder of Venison from back of Island."

Oct. 31
" Saturday Mr Bourke & Men returned with 440 lb Salted Venison & 230 lb fresh - Men variously employed. Magnus Grieve recovering - Lisk & Foley upon the decline."

Nov. 2
" Monday Blacksmith making Iron Work for Big Sled - Cooper grinding and helving of Hatchets. rest of people washing Officers Gaurd Room & digging Ice out of the Cellar."

Nov. 3
" Tuesday Tho. Hackland, Taylor sent to Mr Johnstons to make winter Cloathing for the Officers & people there - Sent off 8 Men to a Sawing Tent & 17 to the Wooding Tent - Blacksmith as yesterday. Simpson came to the Factory to take care of Foley & Lisk who are both very ill - Magnus Grieve much better & will go to the Sawyers tomorrow to act as Cook for them."

Nov. 4
" Wednesday Mefs Geddes McVicar & Castello went to Crofs Creek to shoot Partridges - Three Men & 3 Dogs were sent with them to afsist in Hauling their necefsaries, Pitching their Tent &c."

Nov. 5
" Thursday Men & Dogs returned from afsisting Mr Geddes &c & will tomorrow accompany Mefs Spencer Holdsworth & Bourke to ten shilling Creek for the like purpose - Foley & Lisk with Simpson their Attendent removed to tenshilling Creek - to be under the immediate care of Mr Holdsworth the Surgeon who is an inmate with Mefs Spencer & Bourke."

Nov. 6
" Friday This Morning the Gentlemen above mentioned set off for their Winter Quarters - Blacksmith making Boat Nails. Cook, Servant & Cowkeeper remain - Steward & several Men came home for Provisions &c also Mr Spencer who as well as the above returned to their Tents - Killed 3 Pigs."

Nov. 8
" Sunday sent the Cook to the Wooding Tent his place supplied by the Women one of whom has set a few snares for Rabbits."

Nov. 9
" Monday Men came for Horses to haul Fire Wood - Killed a lame Heifer of last spring."

Nov. 10
" Tuesday Two Women arrived from Indians for some trifling Articles."

Nov. 11
" Wednesday The above Women went away, Killed a Sow."

Nov. 12
" Thursday, Friday & Saturday - Rimy Weather in all have caught 26 Rabbits - Tho. Angus came from Mr Johnston for some Nails - he returned on 15th Sunday."

Nov. 17
" Tuesday Mr Spencer came home from his Tent agreable to my intention that he may visit Mr Johnstons party as I do not hear very satisfactory Accounts from that quarter."

Nov. 21
" Saturday Mr Spencer returned - While away he took Dogs with him and got the Dried Meat &c left by Mr Geddes the 19th Ult. hauled to Mr Johnsons - more than one half of the Meat was carried off by Wolves as he only got 120 lb - Went off to his own Tent again."

Nov. 22
" Sunday Mr Spencer & Doctor came home the latter to visit a sick Man at a Tent 5 Miles dist. After which they again returned to their own Tent."

Nov. 23
" Monday Sent a Man & 5 Dogs with Provisions to Mr Johnston's Party."

Nov. 25
" Wednesday Sent 5 Dogs & 2 Men with more provisions - An Indian brought 2 Porcupines."

Nov. 26
" Thursday 4 Indian Women came with Thong for snow shoe netting - they and the young Men of yesterday went off again."

Nov. 27
" Friday One of the people came with a Letter from Mr Johnson - he says he left the Dogs at the Tent but one of the Men had not arrived having a sled to haul."

Nov. 28
" Saturday The Steward came from Wooding Tent he reports the Man had not arrived & believing an accident had happened he sent 2 Men from his own and caused two from the Sawyers Tent to search after him but very fortunately the poor wretch has survived the Night and came to the Factory about Midday pretty much frozen on his face hands & feet and no wonder as the Thermometer for the last 3 Nights was -38 -42 & -38 he had no leather cloathng - Blanket or fireBag - Unfortunately too one of the Dogs had not arrived but was found this morning eaten up by a troop of 14 Wolves. Mr Spencer came & went away again after the people were served out."

Nov. 29
" Sunday Mr Spencer & Doctor came in the Morning. the latter to see the frost-bitten Man & another ill at the Woods - they repaired to theit Tent in the Afternoon - Mefs Geddes and McVicar came for Provisions they brought 45 Partridges and again returned to their Tent also."

Nov. 30
" Monday Sent the Blacksmith to fetch home the Sled left about 6 Miles from here by the Man who lost himself - he returned with it in the Evening - he saw 15 Wolves near it - he had only one load of Powder on which he put two Balls that levelled two of them on the Spot, but he durst not venture to afsert his claim among such near connected Relations - Two Men with Dogs, got their Sleds loaded & ready to go to Mr Johnson with Provisions tomorrow - they came from him to day. This Month got 33 Rabbits from the Women - from Europeans & Indians 63 Partridges 15 Pheasants 2 Porcupines & Fish 20 lb."

Dec. 1 1812
" Tuesday Men employed as usual."

Dec. 4
" Friday Mr McVicar came home for Provisions he brought 16 Partridges & immediately went away again."

Dec. 5
" Saturday Men came home for Provisions - gave orders for a party with the Dogs to haul out the Boards sawn to the main Horse track. - Two Men came home to make Sleds."

Dec. 8
" Tuesday Mich'l Foley died - he has never done any work having been ill of the Dropsy at the time he was engaged in Sligo - Two Men came for Nails and other necefsary Articles for the Boatbuilding party at Mr Johnstons."

Dec. 10 & 11
" Thursday & Friday got a grave dug & sent two Men to haul home the Corpse for interment. Yesterday the Sawyers came home having done all their Work there - sent off Edward Bell to his own party having appointed two Men to haul him as the mortification in his Toes prevents his walking - Mr Spencer came home to equip the Sawyers who are going about 12 up the River to pursue their duty there at a place where Mr Spencer discovered a good number of fine Trees growing last year."

Dec. 12
" Saturday Seven people went off with 14 days provisions to Saw - Sent a Man & 4 Dogs to afsist them who returned again in the Evening - Early this Morning one of the Men observed the Flames coming thro the stone Work of their Chimney which providentially was thus discovered in time - the Stack of the Chimney having quite seperated from the body of it at least 3 Inches."

Dec. 14
" Monday This day an Indian Woman came for some triffling supplies with which she went off same forenoon - In the Evening the Surgeon arrived in order to go off next day to see the frostbit Man at Mr Johnstons."

Dec. 16
" Wednesday This day went to the Wooders Tent to see what Quantity of firewood they had got cut and which I judge may suffice untill the river opens if great care be used in burning it. In the evening Mr Holdsworth came back & reportd favorably of the person he went to see but unfortunately the Wolves devoured a young Bitch who followed him from the Factory."

Dec. 17
" Thursday Mr H returns to his Tent. An Indian woman came for some things she required of her Own - sent her off same day."

Dec. 18
" Saturday Mefs Geddes & McVicar came home with 30 partridges - they reported Costello having been lost two days in the Woods, they found him nearly exhausted - They went back to their tent - Found a quantity of fresh pork 43 lb Weight mifsing at the Water Hole (where it had been put yesterday to thaw) owing to the extreme carelefsnefs of the Boy who took it there."

Dec. 20
" Sunday All the Wooders came home previous to their going up the River to cut firewood for next year."

Dec. 21
" Monday 18 Men went to cut Firewood."

Dec. 22
" Tuesday One of them returned with the Dogs to carry up more provisions and also Mr Charles arrived from Churchill with 12,000 Boat Nails - He reports favorably of the Country provisions being more abundant there than last year - but no Furs have been received from Indians - A Southern Indian Woman also came in the forenoon for some Oatmeal & begging Ammunition because starving, sent her off supplied same day."

Dec. 23
" Wednesday sent off the Dogs with more provisions to Wooders and Sawyers - Mr Cook's Daughter with an Indian Man and his Wife came to the Factory with sad accounts of the starving condition of her Fathers family but still more so of the Indians who are reduced to the sad necefsity of digging out of the Ice the putrid rotten Carcases of those Deer they had killed in August & September & neglected them because not fat enough."

Dec. 24
" Thursday Mag. Rendal came home with the Dogs - Sent off some small supplies to Mr Cook as the River being yet open we cannot have an easy Communication untill it is frozen."

Dec. 25
" Friday All the Officers came home with 56 part'gs"

Dec. 26
" Saturday Magnus Rendall & all the Dogs with a CF Indian went off with Provisions to the two parties up the River."

Dec. 27
" Sunday CF Indian returned with the Dogs - In the Evening a Boat Builder (Anderson) from Mr Johnstons party came home for some necefsaries."

Dec. 28
" Monday Mefs Geddes McVicar Burke & Costello went off to their Tents, one man went with them to bring back their Dogs hauling a Months provisions - preparing provisions to send up to Wooders & the Sawyers tomorrow."

Dec. 29
" Tuesday Anderson & Harry Gray went to Mr Johnsons Sent provisions to Wooders."

Dec. 30
" Wednesday Harry Hay and a Man came from Sawyers."

Dec. 31
" Thursday The Man went off with some provisions - H Gray returned."

Jan. 2 1813
" Saturday Harry Hay with the Blacksmith went off with some provisions. H Gray returned."

Jan. 3
" Sunday Mr Cooks Son came with some Indians for supplies."

Jan. 4
" Monday They went off this day again - Horses cant haul, the drift having spoiled the Track which the two Men are repairing."

Jan. 7
" Thursday Mefs Burke & McVicar brot partridges - McV returned alone the other went off with Mefs Spencer & Holdsworth to their own Tent where Mr Charles accompanied them for a few days as it is uselefs to go off for Churchill and have three days Journey up Nelson River before he can crofs it - As it threatens to be colder weather we may expect it frozen soon near flambro head."

Jan. 8
" Friday Sent off 6 Dogs and two CF people with them hauling provisions to Wooders &c Horses went two trips but to little purpose as both Track and weather is bad."

Jan. 9
" Saturday People and Dogs returned - Horses doing same as yesterday."

Jan. 10
" Sunday H Hay came home to replace some Lead blown off from top of new Room."

Jan. 11
" Monday H Hay Ja. Moore N'd Indian and Dogs went off with Provisions - Mr McVicar came home in great terrour to acquaint me with Mr Geddes having shewn evident symtoms of derangement - sent him back to his Tent - & sent off an exprefs to the Surgeon - As the weather is very cold, track bad & days short have deferrd hauling home the remainder of Firewood till March - Robertson working with Blacksmith."

Jan. 12
" J Moore & Dogs returned."

Jan. 13
" Wednesday J Moore, Indian & Dogs took another load of Provisions - G. Moar accompanied them to remain at Wooding Tent - J Moore, Ind. & Dogs returned at night - Mr Holdsworth brings his patient along with him quite comfortable as I suspected, his Disorder was of a far lefs serious narure - they both returned same day to their respective Tents."

Jan. 16
" Saturday Mefs Charles, Spencer Holdsworth & Burke came home."

Jan. 17
" Sunday Bad Weather - Mr Charles would not set off on his journey back to Churchill - Two Men by order came home from Wooding Tent."

Jan. 18
" Monday Fine Weather Mr C left here at dawn and in 1/2 an hour after Mr Kirknefs and Clouston Dickson arrived with the packet from Red River the latter having left Capt. McDonell on Dec.[blank] & reached Jack River on the [blank] which he & McV left on. - Sent after Mr Charles who returned to hear the News but sent his travelling Companions on - Mefs Holdsworth & Bourke went back to their Tents, kept Mr Spencer to send the Accounts current between YF & the various inland Factories & RRS - same morning sent two Men & 2 Dogs with Provisions to Mr Cook."

Jan. 19
" Tuesday sent more Provisions to Mr Cook by the Indian who came from Red River who goes to see his mother in the Neighbourhood."

Jan. 22
" Friday One of the Men returned with the Dogs being unable to get on for deep snow - the other proceeded on with the Indian of the 19th each hauling a sled - He also brought all the Hatchet helves and part of the Nails sent from Churchill but which CF packetmen left at Seals Creek Houses"

Jan. 23
" Saturday Mefs Geddes & McVicar came home for Provisions with which they again returned to their Tent sending C Dickson to bring back the dogs & look about that quarter for Juniper Wood to make Snow Shoe Frames."

Jan. 24
" Sunday C Dickson returned having found a few Trees of the Kind wanted."

Jan. 27
" Wednesday C D afsisted by a Man went off to Pitch a Tent in Crofs Creek to make Snow Shoe frames."

Jan. 28
" Thursday rec'd a Letter from Mr Johnston complaining against J Anderson for exciting Discontent among his party- This Morning Wm Lisk was found dead in his bed by the people in the Morning tho one Man was solely employed in attending on him."

Jan. 30
" Saturday this day had the dead man buried."

Jan. 31
" Sunday George Stevenson & the Indian who came home from Red River arrived the former with Fish from Mr Cook the other from his Mother. two Men came from Mr Johnstons for Iron Work &c - they stopped all night and went back in the morning."

Feb. 1 1813
" Monday Getting all ready for dispatching the the Packet to Red River - with the Accounts &c requisite. G Stevenson & all Dogs went to Mr Johnsns hauling Provisions &c."

Feb. 2
" Tuesday This morning Mr Kirknefs & Indian set off with two dogs - Mr Spencer went to his Tent to get all ready to go to Sams Creek where report says Partridges are swarming - Late last night J Anderson came home according to order in consequence of the repeated & serious complaints against him - An Indian & 2 Boys came with grievious complaints of starving in Nelson River. They brought two or 3 pr of Snow shoe frames."

Feb. 3
" Wednesday Mefs Spencer Holdsworth & Burke brought all their things home."

Feb. 4
" Thursday The above Officers went off with all. G Stevenson & all the Dogs to afsist them - Sent Anderson to 10 shilling Creek to work there."

Feb. 5
" Friday A Man came home from Wooders to get the handle of his Saw repaired."

Feb. 6
" Saturday The above man went back to his Tent with him went Taylor hauling Provisions - Two Indian Men and a Woman came from their friends about 6 days Journey from here in a very wretched condition reporting their party having experienced the most grievous famine ever before known among them - indeed they bear very evident marks about themselves one in particular being literally a Skeleton. A Man came home from 10 /. creek."

Feb. 7
" Sunday sent the Indians off with supplies to their Relatives."

Feb. 8
" Monday G Stevenson & Dogs returned from Sams Creek - Jacob Falstrom confined with pains in his Leg & Knee."

Feb. 9
" Tuesday Two Indian Youths from their friends in Nelson River came for some provisions. Sent provisions by the Dogs to the Wooders & some Junk to be converted into Oakum by a Man at 10 /. Creek."

Feb. 10
" Wednesday The Indians went off carrying some necefsaries to Mr Johnston at the New Houses - Mr Geddes reports no Partridges at the Eastward where he had been hunting 2 nights."

Feb. 12
" Friday An Indian Man arrived from the party starving."

Feb. 13
" Saturday 4 Men from Wooders came home to make bread - The weather very bad. The Indian of yesterday did not move."

Feb. 14
" Sunday Weather bad - The Men went off with their bread & other Provisions. The Indian did not move."

Feb. 15
" Monday better Weather. sent the Indian away two Men & 5 Dogs came home from the Wooders for Provisions with which they set off again."

Feb. 16
" Tuesday Two Men again came home with the Dogs for more provisions they relate that one of the Men of yesterday fell sickly or weakly on his return which occasioned his being frozen severely & was obliged to be left by his comrade 4 Miles short of the Tent where he did not arrive till 10 PM & it was 2 Hours more before the poor fellow was got there on Sleds when almost dead."

Feb. 17
" Wednesday I went off at 3 AM this morning to see the above Man & find indeed his hands shockingly frost bit, his Nose and face & allmost all his Toes are also severely affected & requires Surgical attendance immediately."

Feb. 18
" Thursday Early this morning a man went off to fetch the Surgeon from Sams Creek - 3 Ind. Men and 1 Woman starving came begging for food."

Feb. 19
" Friday The Indians went away supplied and the two Indian Youths came according to order to carry a packet to Severn, whence it is to be forwarded to Albany - Sent the Blacksmith for Mefs Spencer & Holdsworth who arrived this Evening."

Feb. 20
" Saturday The Surgeon went to see the frostbit Man who is as well as can be hoped - Mr Spencer went & brought home Mefs Geddes McVicar to take their places at Sams Creek - The Blacksmith also came home with Mr Spencers & Holdsworths bedding - An Ind. Man and his Wife came fir afsistance in Provisions they went off again."

Feb. 22
" Monday Mr Spencer & the packet Indians went and pitched the Tent in 10 Shilling Creek again - it being resolved to have the frost bit patient hauled there for the sake of being near the Surgeon."

Feb. 23
" Tuesday This sent off the packet for Severn Mefs Spencer & Holdsworth also went off to ten shilling Creek as did the 3 for Sams Creek set off yesterday - An Indian came in for supplies with which he immediately went away."

Feb. 26
" Friday Several Indians came for Prov's."

Feb. 27
" Saturday A Packet arrived from Severn - Our Indians who went off for that place on the 23rd returned with it. Mr Spencer came home & went away after serving out the peoples provisions."

Feb. 28
" Sunday Two more Indians came for Provisions. after which they went off with the two who are now no longer wanted to go to Severn."

Mar. 1 1813
" Monday Dispatched the Severn Indians with the packet & in the Afternoon an Indian came by appointment to carry some provisions &c To Mr Cook he directly went off again."

Mar. 2
" Tuesday The Patroon of the Wooding Tent came home for some tools to make a big Sled to haul the firewood on at same time two Men hauld down The Man who was frost bit to 10 Shilling Creek to be near the Surgeon And 1 Man came from 10 Shill'g Creek to afsist in killing the Bull."

Mar. 3
" Wednesday All the above people went off to their respective Tents hauling away provisions &c. An Indian lad brought all the Dogs from Mr Geddes Tent at Sams Creek with 231 Partridges. Another Ind. came for Provisions & 2 Men from Mr Johnson for Nails & fresh Provisions."

Mar. 4
" Thursday The Men who came from Mr Johnson for Nails & Provisions returned."

Mar. 5
" Friday"

Mar. 6
" Saturday Several Indians came for Prov's & 1 Sick came for Medicines - Two Men came home from wooding Tent on purpose to attend the Horses in hauling home fire Wood."

Mar. 7
" Sunday An Indian arrived with the news of his having been succefsful in fur hunting & he only one of the whole belonging to this place."

Mar. 8
" Monday The above Indian returned to his Tent to kill some more Beaver - The Horses began hauling."

Mar. 10
" Wednesday Indians came for more prov's."

Mar. 11
" Thursday A packet arrived from Mr Snoddie with very distrefsful intelligence of his having been in a starving Condition all Winter and the Indians in a similar condition doing nothing - Also a packet arrived from Churchill with Boat Nails - Partridges by the account of the people are very numerous all the way - Ind. again for Provisions."

Mar. 12
" Friday Sent to 10 Shilling Creek for a man to repair the horse sled which is broken - 2 Men from Mr Johnsons came for Stores."

Mar. 13
" Saturday Sent off the Indians to Mr Snoddy with a small supply of Grain to him - Mr Johnsons people went off with Stores & Provisions - The horses again hauling and the Man returned to his duty at 10 Shilling Creek - Sent provisions to Wooders, 6 of whom came here in the Evening."

Mar. 14
" Sunday The 6 people went off again hauling more provisions."

Mar. 15
" Monday Ja. Moar and Indian set off on their return to Churchill - The Indian who made his Appearance on the 7th Inst. brought in his Trade this day & after getting a few necefsaries went off to his Tent acrofs the River his son accompanied him. Mr Spencer came home for Provisions as did a Man from 10 Shilling Creek they went off again in the evening."

Mar. 16
" Tuesday An Indian came for Oatmeal he had been entrusted with Ammunition and now brought 100 partridges - He went off immediately again."

Mar. 17
" Wednesday Sent a man with 4 Dogs for Boat Boards from the Sawyers with which he returned after dark to the No. of 15."

Mar. 18
" Thursday Went to see the Man Who was frozen there met the Surgeon whose opinion my own coincides with - that the right hand ought to be Amputated at the wrist joint."

Mar. 19
" Friday 14 People came from Sawyers agreeable to Orders hauling 54 Boards to 10 Shill'g Creek party. Indians came for Provisions - They bring the sad tidings of one man being starved to death and a youth frozen almost to death having barely symtoms of Life when they left him - both his younger Brothers are also severely frozen in their hands, feet & private parts - Another family has lost their two Children - the eldest had been some time before frozen in one foot she was dead this morning and 8 or 10 days ago its brother an infant at the breast was famished for want of sustenance from its wretched Mother who is not expected to recover - All these sad Accidents arise entirely from starvation as it is invariably the case when the Indians are poor & reduced they cannot at all bear the cold of course are neither able to preserve their Children or themselves - Gave them supplies of food & Ammunition besides hiring one of them to carry Provisions to two families at a distance who have suffered most - Engaged three of them to haul a large Grindstone to Mr Johnstons."

Mar. 20
" Saturday This forenoon went myself to Mr Johnsons where I found all well there are 3 Boats partly finished & another of the larger size will be in the same state in about 10 days more, tho' each will require 10 days to complete intirely. At 10 Shilling Creek the other party have 3 Boats of the same size as the above 3 considerably more forward each only will require 6 or 7 days to perfect and they have one of the same large size which will require 16 day to perfect - Thus there will be about 4 Boats ready for putting in the Water about the 10th of May at Mr Johnstons and nearly about the same time or perhaps sooner the same number of the exact same size will be fit for launching at 10 /. Creek - which will be 8 Boats in 7 1/3 months from Seven Tradesmen exclusive of Sawyers Blacksmiths & Labourers - I returned same Even'g to the Factory."

Mar. 21
" Sunday Mr Johnson came by Invitation to the Fact'y the Surgeon came home to get his Instruments in order. Mr Spencer accompanied him - Clouston Dickson came home with his Tent and all the Snow Shoe frames having got 42 Pair almost finished since the 27th Jan."

Mar. 22
" Monday Mr Johnston went off to his house and I accompanied Mr Holdsworth & Mr Spencer to 10 Shilling Creek to afsist in amputating M Browns hand after which returned to the Factory - people hauling Wood with the Horses as usual without intermifsion this fortnight past making 4 trips a day or 20 Miles back and forward - C Dickson repairing Chimneys with Mud &c - The Blacksmith & one man sometimes afsisting him constantly working for the Boats."

Mar. 23
" Tuesday heard that Mag. Brown is doing well rec'd from the Indian of the 16th another 100 partridges he went off again with more Ammunition & some Oatmeal."

Mar 24
" Wednesday Sent Jacob with 4 Dogs hauling provisions to & to return from the Wooders with Boat Boards to 10 /. Creek he came back at night with 16 Boards."

Mar. 25
" Thursday this day killed the last of the Hogs only 3 young pigs remain."

Mar. 26
" Friday Sent Jacob & 4 Dogs with provisions to Mr Johnstons. he has orders to go for partridges from M Geddes Tent at Sams Creek a part of which to be given to Mr J. & the remainder brought here since the 22d - C Dickson putting Bars &c in his snow shoe frames. The Blacksmith as usual working for the Boats & the two Labourers attend'g the horses hauling home firewood."

Mar. 27
" Saturday Mefs G & B came to report there were no partridges at their quarters to kill now."

Mar. 28
" Sunday Mefs Geddes & Burke went away to their tent to strike it & fetch all home. at Night Jacob came home with Partridges having left 144 at Mr Johnsons."

Mar. 29
" Monday Indians came for Provisions - heard that the Woman mentioned on the 19th was dead & some others sick."

Mar. 30
" Tuesday The 4 Officers came home from NR according to order on 28th."

Mar. 31
" Wednesday As we must keep a fire for the above Officers sent for Mr Spencer & the Surgeon to come home & also for his patient who was living near - They all came in the afternoon."

Apr. 1 1813
" Thursday In consequence of the sudden thaw begun on the 26 Ult & continued the horses can no longer haul the firewood to the Factory - The two Men who had care of them employed variously."

Apr. 2 & 3
" Friday & Saturday the same Weather continues. Peter Wishart a Boat Builder & John Linney came home agreeable to orders both for Churchill."

Apr. 4
" Sunday An Indian Lad came from Mr Cook & Mr Johnstons."

Apr. 5
" Monday Two Indians came to go with the packet to Churchill."

Apr. 6
" Tuesday dispatched the Churchill packet with the two Tradesmen mentioned on the 3rd also Mr Costello goes with it to be sent inland from that Factory next July. Mr Geddes went with the dogs to wooders Tent to bring home a trip of timber for the Boats at 10 /. Creek - Mefs McVicar & Burke went also cheerfully on the same duty 4 days ago in very bad hot Weather & bad walking."

Apr. 7
" Wednesday Mr G came back - making preparations for beginning to rectify Spirits for inland use."

Apr. 8
" Thursday began rectifying the Saskatchewan Rum. Two Men came home one to do some repairs to the still house - the other to afsist in killing the two Cattle whom we have saved till this time under a hope of Deer supplying us with Venison but both we & the Indians have now no resource but in the Factory Store - Last night late 3 Men came from Mr Johnsons for Provisions. as one of them had put himself off duty on the 31st March & refused ever since to work besides being impirtinent & insolent to his Officers - I had him ordered before me, Mefs Spencer & Holdsworth being present when he owned his guilt - this rendered it unecefsary to call for witnefses & he was immediately ordered into confinement for 6 days it being his first Offence - When his food was carried to him he exprefsed the greatest sorrow for his Offence & afsured the Officer who was present that if he were pardoned now he never would offend again and appeared so contrite that it was no longer requisite to continue his punishment he was therefore liberated after being about 9 Hours shut up - The other 2 Men returned to Mr Johnston - Mr Geddes & the Dogs went with them."

Apr. 9
" Friday very bad weather - Killed both the Cows who are in good condition - one particularly is very fat."

Apr. 10
" Saturday Mr Geddes & a Man with the Dogs came home from Mr Johnstons - All the Indians came again for provisions they all seem very greatly in want they went off again on getting as much as we could afford to them - Mr Holdsworth after dinner set off for Mr Johnstons to see a Man hurt there by a Log falling on him - People came home from 10 /. Creek for Provisions after getting which they immediately went away - The Blacksmith as usual working for Colony - 2 Labourers at various Jobs but chiefly cutting firewood for Still House there 3 Days & getting Snow for Keeping the Worm tub cool."

Apr. 11
" Sunday Mr Geddes, a Man, and the Dogs again set off for Mr Johnstons with Provisions &c."

Apr. 12
" Monday Mefs Holdsworth & Geddes came home - received a letter with a heavy accusation against Jn McManus by Mr Johnson. a party of Ind. going there with prov's took a letter requiring the offender to be sent here."

Apr. 13
" Tuesday Seventeen Wooders came home having got all the firewood hauled to the edge of the Bank. One of them has the Scurvy Geo Stevenson."

Apr. 14
" Wednesday Jn McManus with another man came according to order - he retorts? on his superior as having by his severity & intemperate language occasioned by his own misbehaviour - Ordered him to go back & bring all his things home as no good is likely to be done by him in such circumstances."

Apr. 15
" John McManus & comrade went off to Mr Johnsons the former to bring his things to the Factory - Six Sawyers came home from their Tent bringing all their things with them. - Mifsed Mr Spencer this Morning - On making search find he has gone off to Severn taking with him a Dog hauling a Sled - Seems to have taken much pains to accomplish his purpose & so far has succeeded accordingly. as we have ever treated him with uncommon attention we have the more reason to be displeased with this return - Mr Auld wishes to record nothng here concerning this strange & very unprecedented conduct - Employed two Indians to follow him."

Apr. 16
" Friday This Afternoon the two Indans went off to Severn - they have Orders if they overtake Mr Spencer to tell him to return if he refuses they are instructed to Kill the Dog & haul his sled back by force."

Apr. 17
" Saturday Twelve Indians came on purpose to haul Casks to Sam's Creek for the Goose Season with which the went off - same day - In the Afternoon Mr Cook came to the Factory - Two labourers with the Horses constantly hauling home Firewood - Blacksmith & an afsistant at times constantly working for RRS - The Wooders hauling firewood since Wednesday The Sawyers partly hauling Boards with the Dogs - The two Coopers working at Geese Casks and other necefsary Jobs. C Dickson putting Oak Bars in his show shoe frames while Mefs Burke and MacVicar are constantly distilling night & day the 15th excepted - 3 in Doctors list & the House wright pulling down the old necefsary - Exclusive of Officers there are 32 Men home the rest at Mr Johnsons & 10 /. Creek - J McManus arrived in the Evening."

Apr. 19
" Monday Two Indians the Father & Brother of the Girl secretly engaged to Mr Spencer came for provisions they say they had seen where he had stop't to eat about 20 Miles from here but without making a fire."

Apr. 20
" Tuesday Mr Cook went off this morning - This afternoon a Deer pafsed the Factory in sight within a 1/4 of a Mile - Indians came for Prov's & went off again. people employed as before constantly hauling home firewood & boards chiefly in the night time as in the day it constantly is thawing - yesterd'y M Randall & Robt. MacKay Coopers began making Brandy Rundlets for inland - Jn McManus afsist'g them as he understands a little of that work finished the demolition of the necefsary."

Apr. 21
" Wednesday Employed as before - In the evening Mansee brought a few Furs belonging to his Son Hookemow Keeshick who has been starving all the Winter - He reports that Wahpusk has starved to death and all the Children of another Indian were destroyed in a similar manner."

Apr. 22
" Thursday Two Men from Mr Johnsns brought a Note from Mr Cook reporting Deer to be in plenty near Seal Islands."

Apr. 23 & 24
" Friday & Saturday employed the people in cleaning out their Cabins - Ja. Pinkman the Nailer & Fergus Ferguson came from CF on 23rd finished hauling home last of Firewood by the Horses."

Apr. 26
" Monday Employed Pinkman in staightning Nails for YF - Employed Ferguson as Cook to Chiefs Mefs - Sent two Sawyers to cut Keels for RRS Boats also 10 Men to haul home Boards for 10 /. Creek party with 6 Dogs. In the afternoon an Indian brought Letters from Mr Cook & Mr Johnson the one reporting Deer in some plenty crofsing - the latter of having rec'd Venison from Indians - The Blacksmith as usual for RRS - Three making Rundlets for Inland use. Housewright & another building a Necefsary One man cutting Wood & fetching snow for Still house - where two are constantly rectifying Spirits - the others removing the Snow & Ice from the yard - Thawing very much. Clouston finished the Snow Shoes."

Apr. 27
" Tuesday Employed Clouston Dickson in making Candles - In the afternoon the 10 Men & 6 Dogs returned with Boards under great difficulty from the great quantity of Water - First Goose seen."

Apr. 28
" Wednesday Sent 7 Men to the Eastward Goose Tent with hogsheads - They came back at night - Sent 9 to 10 Shill'g Creek to haul home the Boats built there they brought 2 at two trips."

Apr. 29
" Thursday Sent 6 Men to Eastward and 6 Dogs with hogsheads, Tent & Salt - 5 returned in the Evening the 6th remains there for the Season to salt Geese - Sent 9 as Yesterday for more of the new Boats. they brought home two & sent 2 Men to haul home more boards for 10 Shill'g Creek party's use - Clouston still making Candles. Rec'd 97 lb of Venison from an Indian."

Apr. 30
" Friday Six men employed for RRS in hauling brush to cover the 4 Boats brought home from there - 2 Men sent acrofs to cut down trees for Ribbons to Stockades - Mr Johnson & a Man arrived for some wearing Apparel - several of the Men snow blind & sick."

May 1 1813
" Saturday sent off Clouston Dickson to take charge of the Goose Tent at the Eastward a Man goes with him to carry 60 lb Gunpowder as there is no hauling. Men clearing the yard others as before. This afternoon equipped 5 Indians for the Eastward Goose Tent each taking Ammunition for 100 Geese."

May 2
" Mr Geddes getting ready to go to Sams Creek tomorrow - Sent 3 Bags of Salt to that place by Indians - Rec'd a Goose from an Indian the first killed."

May 3
" Monday Employed 8 Men hauling brush to cover RRS Boats - Mr Geddes & one Man went to Goose Tent at Sams Creek - a Cooper also went to set up the Casks."

May 5
" Wednesday sent 4 Men to 10 Shilling Creek with provisions for 3 Weeks to the Men there. Employed another Blacksmith working for RRS. The rest of Men carrying the firewood from back of factory to its proper place without the Gates. The 4 Men came from Mr Cook with Venison."

May 6
" Thursday employed as yesterday rec'd 3 Geese."

May 7
" Friday Bad Weather Men picking Oakham and at other indoor Jobs. - In the Afternoon at 6 the River Ice began to give way near the factory. All hands employed in clearing out the Cargoes from the Launch Houses tho snowing incefsantly."

May 8
" Saturday The river continued in same state untill the Afternoon at 6 when it raised suddenly & proceeded for an hour downwards throwing up the Ice on the bank in large Mafses carried away the end of the Launch & threatened the most serious inundation - Employed all hands in removing the RRS Cargoes to the factory yard there being no empty Warehouse in the place - part was put in Boats near the Boat house. While thus employed 2 Men came with the news of a deluge of Water having nearly overwhelmd the party at Mr Johnsons on Thursday in the middle of the Night obliging the whole to pafs their time till Morning on the top of their house - Much damage done to the provisions in consequence the most extraordinary thing is that the water came to them from the land Side which redoubled our own exertions to get all in safety, naturally imagining it was the Water from the River which had flown over its banks 15 or 18 Miles above that had come on the above party - By 10 PM got all in safety - finished distilling being unable any longer to lose the services of the two Officers who have been employed since the 8th Ult. night & day Sundays excepted in rectifying."

May 9
" Sunday The River quite fixed since 8 last night except having cleared itself a pafsage from between sloops Creek and Old Factory to past the Old Battery - The Water seems to have fallen very much - The two Men went off again for Mr Johnson with some Iron Work - About 1 PM the River gave way again & proceeded downwards for about 80 Minutes in grand force and then stopped."

May 10
" Monday Employed as usual at various Jobs 12 Men for half a day working at RRS Stores bringing up what was in the large Boat for greater safety as yesterday the water rose nearly to the platform."

May 11
" Tuesday Employed as before - In the Evening Wilks came from Severn accompanied by Mr Spencer & his Son - This Morning sent a Cooper to put up a Cask at Mr Johnsons for Keeping Meat in pickle."

May 12
" Wednesday Employed variously - this day the River Ice moved several times and in the evening open Water above the Factory about 1 Mile - During the last three days have cleard out all YF Goods from No. 2 Bastion in which are placed all the Winnipeg Goods - Clear'd out the Curtain Sheds between the above & Mens Bastion in which are placed all the Saskatchewan Goods - Also put the whole of YF Goods and great part of the Provisions into the West Bastion Trading Room &c. This duty being performed agreeably to the Order of the Honble Commitee.
Mr Spencer alledges as his justification for abandoning his office, the accumulated duties required in it. But this I do not by any means consider as the true one. For these last 8 days 2 Men have been working at the Ropes & Small Craft Stores - and one Man for these last Days making Spun yarn - 6 sawing dunnage Wood for the Ship - The Tradesmen as before mentioned -
In the Evening the Cooper returned from Mr Johnstons."

May 13
" Thursday Employed in seperating the different Cargoes. in the evening Mr Tho. McNab arrived with 2 Ind. he brings distrefsing intelligence from Red River & Cumberland House."

May 14
" Friday Employed variously 16? Men employed this day exclusive in replacing the RRS Goods in the Boat house - Rec'd 19 Geese from Indians."

May 15
" Saturday Employed variously had two of the 10 Shill'g Creek Carpenters repairing a Boat to take me inland as my presence is necefsary there."

May 16
" Sunday Getting Provisions ready for departure tomorrow."

May 17
" Monday At 9 AM Mr Auld accompanied by Mr McNab & 4 men embarked for the interior, attended by 2 Ind. in a Birchrind Canoe - Harry Hay Carpenter employed building a Necefsary - Blacksmith repairing Guns. Two Men in Launch House preparing Tackle for hoisting Place - Buoy Ropes &c &c - two Labourers G Moor & Rowland unable to work from Illnefs &c - rest digging the Garden - Mag. Randall, R McKay & John McManus making Rundlets for inland Service."

May 18
" Tuesday People employed as yesterday except the blacksmith who is repairing Padlocks."

May 19
" Wednesday H Hay putting up partition in No. 6 Tradesmen as yesterday - Labourers cutting firewood - Mr Cook arrived from Nelson River."

May 20
" Thursday Tradesmen as yesterday Laboures variously employed."

May 22
" Saturday People as before. Rec'd a Supply of fresh Geese from the Eastward - Two Men came from 10 /. Creek."

May 24
" Monday Carpenter fitting Doors in No. 6 - Blacksmith repairing Bell in Chiefs room - 3 Stockading Garden - Labourers at various Jobs - Coopers as before."

May 25
" Tuesday Mens employ nearly as before - Sent 6 Men to 10 /. Creek to afsist in turning over a Boat there in order to be caulked & tarred - By return of these people am informed of an Accident happening by the boiling over of a Pitch Kettle by which a Boat & Several articles of tools were completely consumed. The particulars of this affair are reserved for future investigation."

May 27
" Thursday Mens employ as before - Rec'd a Note from Master of Eastern Goose Tent stating the Season to be unproductive - & a desire of the Indians to discontinue the hunt as the Season is now nearly at a close."

May 28
" Friday H Hay Housewright making a Floor in one of the warehouses - Blacksmith & Cooper as before - 2 Men & Taylors making inland Tents - Rest picking Oakham &c &c."

May 29
" Saturday H Hay repairing Mahogany Table - Blacksmith & Randall as yesterday, Wishart mending a Tent. Sent a Boat to the Eastern Goose Tent for the produce of the Hunt."

May 30
" Sunday The Boat returned from Eastward Clouston Dixion & his man returned with it in consequence of the Goose Seaon being at a close & the Indians unable to procure more Geese than barely sufficient for the support of their own families."

June 1 1813
" Monday Sent 6 Men again to the Eastward for Geese &c remaining there."

June 2
" Wednesday Boat of yesterday returned with Geese &c - H Gray - J Anderson & W? Kirknefs Boat Builders working at Factory for RRS."

June 3
" Tuesday Sent 2 Men to examine the state of River that we may determine on the propriety of sending people to raft home firewood from 12 Mile Island - Alex Work and an Indian arrived by appointment from Split Lake."

June 4
" Wednesday sent off the Indian who arrived yesterday back to the Split Lake."

June 8
" Tuesday Sent a party to the New Houses in N River for a Boat left there last fall & others for a Battaux from the back of Island - at the same time to bring round Mr Geddes from Sams Creek."

June 9
" Wednesday The Boats sent for yesterday arrived."

June 10
" Thursday Mr Bunn with 4 Men arrived from Merrys House."

June 13
" Sunday A Boat sent to Sams Creek on Tuesday last arrived with the Casks of Geese procured there."

June 14
" Monday H Hay repairing Slip at Launch-end. Clouston & Dickson repairing Indian Guns Labourers in Garden - Coopers drefsing Staves for Small Kegs & Mag. Randall & Ja. Moor Sawing Ceiling Boards for RRS. Tho. Halcro & an Indian set off for Churchill this morning."

June 15
" Tuesday Sent 19 Men to raft wood at 12 Mile Island - rest of Men variously."

June 16
" Wednesday Began taking Stock - Two Men picking Oakum - H Hay making Window frames - Coopers at Small Kegs - others variously."

June 17
" Thursday Men as Yesterday - An Indian arrived with a Man belonging to the rafting party at 12 Mile Isl. who having rec'd a bruise from some wood falling on him is incapable of laborious duty - emloyed him in picking Oakum."

June 19
" Saturday the Pateroon & 4 Men brought down four Rafts of firewood - & returned with the evening Tide."

June 23
" Wednesday In the Afternoon Mr Auld accompanied by Mefs Bird, Hillier, Kivney, Snoddy & Edwards arrived in two Boats & 4 Canoes from the Interior."

June 25
" Thursday Mefs Sinclair, Henny, Sloan, McKenzie - Carswell & McRae - also Jn Park from SF & Mr Kirknefs from WWinnepeg."

June 26
" Saturday Wooders arrived with 6 Rafts of Firewood."

June 28
" Monday Mr Kennedy arrived from WWinnepeg with 1 Boat 3 Canoes & 15 Men - Inlanders carrying up Wood."

June 29
" Tuesday Sent off a Boat to Churchill Factory with articles for that Factory."

June 30
" Wednesday Mr Henny of the East Winnepeg Fact'y suspended & turned from Chiefs Table - being found guilty of some charges prefered against him by his Chief Factor."

July 2 1813
" Friday Some Colony Boats left the Factory this day."

July 3
" Saturday Jn Park started this day with 4 Boats under his direction for Saskatchewan & one for Colony."

July 5
" Monday 4 Boats manned by 20 Men set off for the Colony & Jack River - Mr Burk in a Boat with 8 Men also departed for Colony."

July 6
" Tuesday In the afternoon 4 Boats went away with Companys Goods 5 & 6 Men each."

July 7
" Wednesday Mefs Bird, McRae & Holdsworth embarked in three Boats for one being for SF one for the Colony & the other for WWF steered by Mr Tho. McNab carrying for the Company 24 Ps of Goods & the rest of Cargo for Colony."

July 8
" Thursday at 3 PM Three Boats & 15 Men with Mr McKenzie left the Factory."

July 10
" Saturday Jn McManus & Pinkman the Nailer turned over to the Colony & are now victualled by them."

July 11
" Mr Auld in company with Mr Snoddy embarked with 12 Men in two boats for Severn."

July 12
" Monday Carpenters raising the roof of Western Curtain - Coopers heading up Casks of WWF Furs. Blacksmith working for Factory. 3 Men sick. 15 on a party rafting - Two Indians arrived from Severn with account Book & other papers."

July 13
" Tuesday Mefs Hillier, Kiverny & Edwards with 6 Factory Men in the Yawl set off for Nelson River the former to sound a Channel in the Nelson & the latter to execute some businefs at the Colony Boat building Establishment there."

July 15
" Thursday Indians brought in some Dried Meat. Mefs Hillier Kiverny? & Edward returned having settled their respective concerns in Nelson River. - Mr Hillier has discovered the Channel he was in search of. Letters from Churchill also arrived."

July 17
" Saturday An Indian from Shamataway arrived with 6 Deers Tongues & the flesh of 2 Deer half dried - Says the Animals are crofsing numerously below the Falls & that a few are to be seen at Steel River point - Wooders brought 4 Rafts to the Factory."

July 19
" Monday Two Boats were brought from the New Houses in Nelson River by Colony People - Men returned."

July 21
" Wednesday An Indian sent up the River on Sunday returned with 2 Deer - Two Boats arrived from New Houses."

July 22
" Thursday Two Indians brought the flesh of 4 Deer & Eight Tongues - Very few deer crofsing by the account of these Indians."

July 24
" Saturday Mefs Johnson & Warren with the whole of the Boat building party arrived from the New houses having brought to the Factory the Boats &c from thence - Men brought 4 Rafts to the Factory & left 2 at 6 Mile Island."

July 25
" Sunday A Boat from Churchill arrived with dispatches for Mr Auld & supplies of Rope &c for the inland Factories - Rec'd 68 Geese from Indians."

July 27
" Tuesday Mr Auld arrived from Severn. Indians from Eastward with a few Geese & Dried meat - four? of them consent to go inland."

July 28
" Wednesday the above Indians left the Factory & in the Evening two Deer were brought by others tenting at Pennycutway."

July 30
" Friday Two Women brought the flesh of a Deer from a short distance up the River. Sent 4 Men to cut Grafs on Flats - Fined W? Merryman in the penalty of one pound for disregarding the orders of Mr McVicar."

July 31
" Saturday Rec'd from Indians 9 Geese. This Afternoon Wm Sweeny belonging to the Colony was handcuffed & confined in Lower launch House for disobeying & threatning Mefs J & K. ? - Robt. Garrock Cooper finished working for the Colony & is now on Mr Sinclairs establishment & served out by him."

Aug. 2 1813
" Monday Sent off 10 Men to raft Firewood. An Indian belonging to Merrys House brought about 30 Made Br. to the Factory."

Aug. 4
" Wednesday Mr Auld accompanied by 11 Men in two Boats set off for Churchill."

Aug. 5
" Thursday sent three Men to trade Meat with Indians up the River - In the afternoon 3 Canoes of Natives arrived with a few Furs - relate that no Deer are crofsing near the Factory & that the Indians are consequently destitute of Provisions. Several Homegaurd Natives arrived exprefsing a desire to go to Nelson River - not only on account of the scarsity of Deer in This River, but to join Their Friends there - who with themselves intend to Winter in the interior - Men finished cutting Hay."

Aug. 6
" Friday Factory Duties as usual - Blacksmith employed during the forenoon repairing Indian's Guns. In the afternoon resumed Colony duty "

Aug. 7
" Saturday Indians left the Factory - 4 Rafts brought from 12 Mile Island."

Aug. 10
" Tuesday Rec'd from Indians in Factory River 20 Deer."

Aug. 11
" Wednesday Carpenter & Cooper began making an out Door & landing place for Western Curtain. At 1 AM Taylors finished the Tent began on Monday. Ja. Anderson taken from Colony Boat bullding being found a hindrance to the other working Men. 4 Rafts brought to the Factory."

Aug. 12
" Thursday At 3 PM 5 Boats arrived from the interior - Mefs McRae & Holmes belonging to RRS also Cha. Sweeny an Overseer in disgrace - 12 of East & West Winnepeg Men taken on factory account to work till Shiptime - 2 Supplied from Mr Sinclairs Stores - Mr Sinclairs Servant at 2nd Table - Mr Holdsworth YF Surgeon also arrived - Taylor at work for RRS."

Aug. 13
" Friday Taylor finished work for RRS at 6 PM."

Aug. 14
" Saturday Men who arrived on Tuesday began working in the following order - 10 of E & W Winnepeg for the factory 7 for WWinnepeg but victualled by YF - general employment carrying up Wood repairing platforms &c &c - In the afternoon arrived Capt. McDonell with 5 Boats from RRS - Mr Bourk in company - One Man from EWF taken on Factory Acct. the rest employed by RRS - The Factory Boat builders finished working for Colony this afternoon at 6 oClock."

Aug. 16
" Monday All the Labourers carrying up Wood except a party to bring down remainder of Rafts at 12 Mile Island - At about 10 AM Mr Auld arrived from Churchill. Rec'd 10 Geese from Natives."

Aug. 17
" Tuesday early this Morning several Indians from Nelson River arrived with Venison - Some of them with the produce of their Winters hunt. Great complaints among them of the prevailing scarsity of last Winter both as to provisions & Furs. the like of which was never known. After breakfast 6 Taylors were employed to make Duck Tents for RRS - Blacksmith finished working for RRS at one PM."

Aug. 18
" Wednesday finished carrying up the Rafts - Tradesmen variously employed - Sent off a Boat with 3 Men to Salt Venison at Fishing Creek House - Remainder of Firewood brought to the Factory."

Aug. 19
" Thursday Severn Schooner arrived."

Aug. 20
" Friday unloaded Severn Schooner sent 8 Men to collect Stones for Ship Ballast finished the carrying up of wood - Shipwright employed stocking an Anchor for Schooner she having lost the one she brought from Severn on the Flats the night previous to her Arrival."

Aug. 21
" Saturday Mens employ as follows & Collectg Stones - 3 Shipwrights caulking Severn Vefsel - rest barking Stockades, cutting them into regular lengths - Sawing Ribbons for the same - Digging trench & drain &c - Taylors finished Tents for RRS at 6 this Evening."

Aug. 23
" Monday Robt. Yorston from Split Lake arrived with 3 Bundles of Furs - Cooper making nun Buoys."

Aug. 24
" Tuesday Mens employ as before."

Aug. 25
" Wednesday Rec'd 5 Deer from Natives of Nelson River."

Aug. 26
" Thursday Mr Cook went up the Nelson River to procure supplies of Venison for the Factory there being no Deer crofsing in Factory River."

Aug. 29
" Sunday Mefs Swain & Sinclair arrived from Severn."

Aug. 30
" Monday at 7 PM The Honble Companys Packet arrived overland from Churchill forwarded by Mr Cook to whom the people had applied for afsistance being unable to crofs the Nelson at its entrance for want of a craft being at hand for the purpose - Two Indians also arrived with 70 made Beaver."

Sept. 2 1813
" Thursday 3 Men arrived from N River with Venison from Mr Cook - Sent off 5 Men to Sams Creek to afsist Mr House & a party of Men expected from Churchill."

Sept. 3
" Friday Rec'd 32 Deer from Nelson River 23 young hands from the Ship arrived by land from CR. Sent 5 Men in a Boat to Nelson River for Venison."

Sept. 4
" Saturday at 3 PM a Canoe arrived with 8 Deer from Mr Cook in Nelson River & about the same time Mr Cook himself arrived having arranged matters to the best of his abilities but unfortunately it is much to be feared that the crofsing Season is almost over - & little more to be expected from this resource."

Sept. 5
" Sunday Sent off a Boat again to Sams Creek to afsist Mr Howse."

Sept. 6
" Monday Mr House arrived accompanied by 13 of the new Men - An Indian brought 6 Deer from Nelson river."

Sept. 7
" Tuesday Men as yesterday Mr Swain with 7 Men arrived also from CR - Mr Auld set off for Churchill with 11 Men."

Sept. 8
" Wednesday Sent on board the Schooner 10 Officers & 29 Men. who return to England & are to be conveyed to Churchill by Mr Taylor. some Indians arrived from the Factory River & state that a great scarsity of Deer prevails in the quarter they inhabit."

Sept. 9
" Thursday Employed this day and part of yesterday in distributing the Men now at this place among the different departments inland. The Schooner after having got under weigh & proceeded on her Voyage returned to her anchorage in 5 fathom hole - One of the New hands taken ill with a fever - had him lodged & attended without the Stockades. Mr Holdsworth Surgeon attending & will not be able to accompany Capt. McDonal tomorrow."

Sept. 10
" Friday Sent on board the Schooner 13 Men bound for Europe - & at 10 AM Capt. McDonell with 3 Boats set off for the Colony accompanied by Mr Spencer Mr Bourke & Mr Warren. In the evening Mefs Kivney & Edwards came on Shore from Schooner - wishing to proceed to Churchill in a Boat & take with them some of the Pafsengers now on board the Schooner who have no accomodation in the confined Hole of that Vefsel - Indians brought Geese from Eastward who returned immediately."

Sept. 11
" Saturday Mefs Hillier Tho. Swain & Johnson with 16 Men in two Boats set off for the interior - Mefs Kivney & Edwards also went to the Schooner - where after having taken a few Men to row them to Churchill will proceed accordingly."

Sept. 12
" Sunday John Allan who is employed in collectg Venison at the Nelson River - sent a Man to the factory to inform us of his arrival at the back of the Island with 36 Deer - Sent off all hands to bring the same acrofs as the weather is not favorable for coming round the point of marsh - John Knight with Men belonging to Saskatchewan set off with morning Tide - Men returned with part of J Allans Venison."

Sept. 13
" Monday Wind in from Sea consequently Schooner unable to proceed to Churchill - had 180 lb Venison boiled & sent as a supply to the Men on board. Sent 14 Men to bring Rem'r of Deers Meat from the back of Island - ordered J Allan to return immediately to procure fresh Supplies in case of a sudden arrival of the Colonists from Churchill - In the evening Mefs Taylor, Sutherland & McRae came from the Schooner - Mr Taylor has brought up his Vefsel to the Old Battery to give the Pafsengers the advantage of a little fresh air - Put Mr Swain & one Man acrofs the River on their journey to Severn."

Sept. 14
" Tuesday Blacksmith repairing Gun lock for WFactory - Carpenters & Shipwrights making a New Ice House - 4 Men acrofs the River afsisting Mr Swain to catch his horses - others sent with meat to Schooner - some washing Meat & cleansing the Old Ice House & others variously. 5 in a Boat with Mr Cook to procure Venison in Nelson River - Mefs Sutherland McRae & Sinclair went down to Schooner."

Sept. 15
" Wednesday Weather boisterous - Mr Taylor came up from Schooner also Mr Geddes to afsist Mr Sinclair in writing - Mr Taylor returned - Men at Factory cutting Wood for schooner making Ice House &c but the rainy bad weather retards the outdoor businefs much."

Sept. 16
" Thursday Weather Wet & boisterous little or no work done without doors."

Sept. 17
" Friday Weather clear but blowing a stiff Gale - Men at their usual jobs. - Four Indians arrived from Merrys House for Winter supplies - brought with them a few Furs & report that no Canadians are yet in that Quarter."

Sept. 18
" Saturday Mr Cook & 5 Men set off to Nelson River House to procure Venison. Also 7 Men went on the Yawl to deposit a small Boat at Sams Creek for the convenience of any Travellers eventually arriving by land from Churchill - Boiled 150 lb Venison & sent it to the Schooner. - Alex Rofs from CR whose time expires went on board. - Indians of yesterday took their Winter Debts & went away - The Men at Factory working at Ice House & other Jobs."

Sept. 19
" Sunday Early this morning the Schooner got under weigh - at 5 PM the 7 Men arrived from Sam's Creek having left the small Boat there."

Sept. 20
" Monday Men employed at the Ice House & other sundry Jobs."

Sept. 21
" Tuesday At 8 AM Mr Cook arrived from Nelson River with 14 Deer - Men as yesterday - The Master of the Eastern Goose Tent with an Indian arrived for more Ammunition - gives a favorable account of Affairs there."

Sept. 22
" Wednesday Sent 4 Men to convey a large Canoe to the back of the Island - in case of unfavorable Weather for pounding the Point of Marsh when Ppeople are sent up the Nelson River."

Sept. 23
" Thursday Mr Auld Arrived from Churchill in the Eastmain Schooner - Sent for Mag. Randal from Eastern Goose to take charge of one of Factory Boats - rec'd 4 Hogsheads of Geese & 48 fresh ones - Cleared Launch House for reception of Cargo from Europe - Rec'd 14 Deer from Indians hunting in Nelson & YF Rivers."

Sept. 24
" a Boat from Ship arrived about 9 PM. Mens employ - clearing Boat House for RRS Cargo - Sent off Robt. Yorston to Nelson River Settlement Also a Boat to Fishing Creek for Venison - 23 of Homeward bound Pafsengers came on Shore to afsist in delivering Cargo from the Ship."

Sept. 25
" Saturday Wind Easterly blowing a Gale Men employed collecting Stones for Ships ballast."

Sept. 26
" Sunday Ship came to Anchor at 5 fathom Hole & at 2 PM Severn Schooner came along side the Launch - Sent 2 Boats to the Ship Wind blowing too hard to send down any of the flat bottom'd Boats - Men collecting stones & unloading Schooner - a Boat came with Night Tide from Ship."

Sept. 27
" Monday loaded the Schooner with Furs. Indians from acrofs the River brought in several Geese - Sent on board 7 of the homeward bound Pafsengers."

Sept. 28
" Tuesday Employed unloading Craft & Capt. Turner came on Shore - Rec'd a few Deer from Factory River Indians."

Sept. 29
" Wednesday Loaded Schooner with remainder of Furs - Rec'd 35 Deer from Nelson River."

Sept. 30
" Thursday Schooner went down to Ship. Sent on board Mr Henny & Mr Sloan also 12 of the Men for home. Men employed taking Cargo from Launch House to upper Warehouses - Weighed the Oatmeal & had it put into Puncheons - Indians put acrofs to Eastward."

Sept. 31
" Friday Men employed as Yesterday. Boat arrived from Ship - Closed packet &c."

" WH Cook"


B.239/a/120

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