" A Diary of the Transactions and Occurences at Carleton House (near the South Branch) also on the pafsage from and to Cumberland House, by James Bird in charge of that Settlement.
Commencing Oct. 15 1795
Ending June 1st 1796 exclusive."
Oct. 15 1795
" Thursday A fresh Breeze NW Cloudy Weather At four AM embarked from Cumberland House with four Canoes lightly loaded with trading Goods, paddled and tracked till 5 PM then put up."
Oct. 16
" Friday Wind and Weather as before.
At 5 AM embark'd paddled, poled and tracked till 5 PM then put up."
Oct. 17
" Saturday a fresh breeze Wly clear Weather
At 4 AM embarked paddled and tracked till 6 PM then put up."
Oct. 18
" Sunday a fresh Breeze SW clear fine weather.
At 5 AM embarked tracked paddled and poled toll 5 PM then put up. here we met a Canoe of Canadians on their way to Cumberland House whom were kind enough to supply us with some fresh meat, having Orders from their Masters to that effect, as they expected to Meet us."
Oct. 19
" Monday Wind and Weather as yesterday
At 5 AM embarked paddled and tracked till 5 PM then put up."
Oct. 20
" Tuesday a fresh Breeze NW Cloudy weather with snow in the evening.
At 4 AM set off tracked till 5 PM then put up a little above Woo nup pow? in."
Oct. 21
" Wednesday a fresh Breeze NW Cloudy weather with showers of snow.
At 5 AM embarked tracked till 4 PM then put up."
Oct. 22
" Thursday a fresh Breeze NW clear weather.
At 4 PM Arrived where I found James Sandison and two Men building a House. - all well."
Oct. 23
" Friday Wind and Weather as yesterday.
James Swain with four Men in one Canoe embarked with the Pacquet and a few trading Goods &c for Buckingham House. four getting ready to return to Cumberland and the rest helving Hatchets &c."
Oct. 24
" Saturday a fresh Breeze Wly clear fine Weather.
Mr Oman with three Men in one Canoe embarked for Cumberland House, the rest employed putting a Roof on the House."
Oct. 25
" Sunday Wind and Weather as yesterday.
Four Indians Arrived with a few Furrs which they traded and went away."
Oct. 26
" Monday Wind and Weather as before.
Two Men employed chopping Timber Pieces the rest Mudding the roof of the House and building Chimneys. An Indian Man & his wife arrived with a little Meat."
Oct. 27
" Tuesday Wind and weather as before.
Two Men at the Pit Saw the rest employed mudding House.
Four Indian Men arrived with a few Furrs."
Oct. 28
" Wednesday a light Breeze Wly clear fine Weather.
Two Men at the Pit Saw and the rest carrying up stones and Building a Chimney. - The Indians of yesterday and Monday went away. - Our Hunter Arrived with a little Meat."
Oct. 29
" Thursday a light Breeze SW part clear part cloudy Weather.
Two Men at the Pit Saw, the rest building a Chimney and Plastering the House &c.
Our Hunter went away with one man to bring home meat."
Oct. 30
" Friday Wind & Weather as yesterday.
Mens employ the same."
Oct. 31
" Saturday Wind, Weather & Mens employ as before. - The Man who is tenting with the Hunter arrived with the flesh of a Bull buffalo and returned to his Tent."
Nov. 1 1795
" Sunday light Breezes Sly Cloudy Weather with rain.
Two Stone Indians Arrived for Tobacco & Ammunition &c."
Nov. 2
" Monday a light Breeze Wly clear weather
Men employed plaistering the House. two at the Pit Saw &c. - The Stone Indians of yesterday went away."
Nov. 3
" Tuesday Wind and Weather as before.
Men employed as before."
Nov. 4
" Wednesday Wind and Weather as before.
Men employed as before."
Nov. 5
" Thursday a light Breeze Wly Cloudy weather
Men employed laying Sleepers &c."
Nov. 6
" Friday a fresh Breeze WNW Cloudy weather. Four Men employed laying sleepers ? the Floor &c two at the Pit Saw & the other two making a track down the Bank.
The Man who is Tenting with the Hunter Arrived with a Red Der and returned with another Man to his Tent. - Three Indian men Arrived with a few Furrs."
Nov. 7
" Saturday Wind and Weather as yesterday.
Men at the House employed as yesterday."
Nov. 8
" Sunday a light Breeze NW clear Weather with a sharp frost last night.
The Indians of yesterday traded & went away & two arrived with a few Furrs."
Nov. 9
" Monday a fresh Gale NW clear sharp weather
Two Men at the Pit Saw, two falling Timber pieces and the rest variously employed.
The Indians of yesterday went away.
Two Men Arrived with the flesh of two Bull Buffalo & returned to their Tent."
Nov. 10
" Tuesday a fresh Breeze NW Cloudy cold Weather with a little Snow.
Two Men at the Pit Saw one chopping Timber pieces and the rest laying Floar &c."
Nov. 11
" Wednesday a fresh Breeze NW clear Weather
Men employed as yesterday - About 9 AM the River Ice fastened abrest the House."
Nov. 12
" Thursday a light Breeze Wly Cloudy warm Weather.
Men employed as yesterday."
Nov. 13
" Friday Wind and Weather as before.
Two Men at the Pit Saw one laying a floor one chopping Timber Pieces and the rest building a shed."
Nov. 14
" Saturday light Breezes Wly clear warm Weather
Men employed as yesterday."
Nov. 15
" Sunday Wind and Weather as yesterday."
Nov. 16
" Monday a fresh Breeze SW clear fine Weather
Two Men at the Pit Saw one putting up a partition and the rest building a victual Shed."
Nov. 17
" Tuesday Wind and Weather as yesterday
Mens employ the same two men arrived from the Hunting Tent."
Nov. 18
" Wednesday Wind, Weather and Mens employ as before.
The Men who arrived yesterday returned to their Tent."
Nov. 19
" Thursday a light Breeze Variable Cloudy weather
Men at the House employed as yesterday."
Nov. 20
" Friday Wind and Weather as yesterday
Mens employ the same - Two Indian Men with their women arrived and brought a few Furrs."
Nov. 21
" Saturday a light Breeze Wly clear Weather
Two Men at the Pit Saw one putting up partitions and the rest cutting fire Wood - The two Men arrived from Hunter with the flesh of a Bull Buffalo
The Indians of yesterday went away."
Nov. 22
" Sunday Wind and Weather as yesterday. - The Men of yesterday returned to their Tent."
Nov. 23
" Monday Wind and Weather as before
Two Men at the Pit Saw, two putting up Partitions and the rest employed cutting fire Wood."
Nov. 24
" Tuesday Wind and Weather as before.
Mens employ as yesterday."
Nov. 25
" Wednesday a fresh Breeze Wly cloudy Weather
Men employed as before."
Nov. 26
" Thursday Wind and Weather as yesterday
Mens employ the same."
Nov. 27
" Friday Wind, Weather and Mens employ as before. - Two Men arrived from the Hunting Tent with the flesh of a Bull Bufalo."
Nov. 28
" Saturday a fresh Breeze NE cloudy Weather.
Men at the House employed as before.
The Men who arrived yesterday with meat returned to their Tent."
Nov. 29
" Sunday Wind and Weather as yesterday.
An Indian Man and his Wife arrived with a few Furrs."
Nov. 30
" Monday Wind and Weather as before.
Two Men at the Pit Saw two putting up partitions and the rest cutting fire Wood.
An Indian Man arrived with a few furrs."
Dec. 1 1795
" Tuesday a fresh Breeze Wly clear Weather.
Men employed as yesterday. - The Indians of yesterday and Sunday went away."
Dec. 2
" Wednesday Wind and Weather as yesterday.
Mens employ the same."
Dec. 3
" Thursday a fresh Breeze Ely cloudy Weather with Snow. - Men employed as before."
Dec. 4
" Friday Wind and Weather as Yesterday. Mens employ the same."
Dec. 5
" Saturday a fresh Breeze SW clear Weather.
Men employed as before. Two Men arrived from the Hunting Tent with meat."
Dec. 6
" Sunday Wind and Weather as yesterday.
The Men of yesterday returned to their Tent."
Dec. 7
" Monday a light Breeze SW clear Weather
Men variously employed."
Dec. 8
" Tuesday a light Breeze Nly Cloudy Weather
Two Men at the Pit Saw one making Sleds &c the rest cutting fire Wood."
Dec. 9
" Wednesday Wind and Weather as yesterday Mens employ the same."
Dec. 10
" Thursday a light Breeze Ely Cloudy weather with Snow. - Men employed as before."
Dec. 11
" Friday a fresh Breeze NE cloudy weather. Men at the House employed as Yesterday. One Man Arrived from the hunting Tent for Men to fetch Meat."
Dec. 12
" Saturday Wind and Weather as yesterday.
Sent two Men with dogs and sleds to fetch Meat who came home in the evening the rest employed as yesterday."
Dec. 13
" Sunday a light Breeze Ely Cloudy Weather with Snow."
Dec. 14
" Monday a light Breeze NE Cloudy Weather. Two Men at the Pit Saw, one putting up Partition the rest cutting fire wood."
Dec. 15
" Tuesday Wind and Weather as Yesterday. Mens employ the same."
Dec. 16
" Wednesday Wind, Weather and Mens employ as before."
Dec. 17
" Thursday Wind Weather and Mens employ as before. An Indian Man and Woman arrived with a few Furrs."
Dec. 18
" Friday a light Breeze Ely Cloudy Weather with Snow. The Indian of yesterday traded and went away, with a Man who is to Tent with him to take care of what Skins he may kill the rest of the Men employ'd as before."
Dec. 19
" Saturday a light Breeze NE Cloudy Weather.-
Men at the House employed as before.-
One Man arrived from the hunting Tent with a little Meat."
Dec. 20
" Sunday Wind and Weather as yesterday.
Sent one Man to fetch Meat who returned in the evening also one to remain with the Hunter. Two Indian Men arrived."
Dec. 21
" Monday Wind and Weather as before.
Four Men getting ready to go away with the Indians of Yesterday to fetch Furrs. sent one to fetch Meat the rest employed cutting fire Wood."
Dec. 22
" Tuesday Wind and Weather as before. Sent four Men with the Indians of Sunday to fetch furrs one Man ill, the rest cutting fire wood.
The Man who went for meat yesterday arrived."
Dec. 23
" Wednesday Weather & Wind as before.
Men variously employed."
Dec. 24
" Thursday a fresh Breeze SW clear Weather
Men variously employed."
Dec. 25
" Friday a light Breeze Nly cloudy Weather."
Dec. 26
" Saturday Wind and Weather as Yesterday.
Men variously employed. - Two Men arrived from the hunter with meat."
Dec. 27
" Sunday a fresh Breeze SW clear thawing Weather
The Men of Yesterday returned to their Tent."
Dec. 28
" Monday a light Breeze Wly clear Weather.
Two Men at the Pit Saw, one went for Meat and the other ill."
Dec. 29
" Tuesday a fresh Breeze NE Cloudy Weather.
Men at the House employed as Yesterday. - The Man who went for Meat yesterday Arrived."
Dec. 30
" Wednesday Wind and Weather as Yesterday
Two Men at the Pit Saw, one cutting fire Wood the other Still Ill."
Dec. 31
" Thursday Wind and Weather as before. - Mens employ as Yesterday - An Indian Man Arrived for Men to fetch Furrs."
Jan. 1 1796
" Friday Wind and Weather as before."
Jan. 2
" Saturday a light Breeze Sly Cloudy Weather.
Sent John Pruden and two Men with the Indian of Thursday."
Jan. 3
" Sunday a light Breeze SW clear Weather."
Jan. 4
" Monday wind and Weather as Yesterday."
Jan. 5
" Tuesday a fresh Breeze NE Cloudy Weather.
The two Men arrived from the Hunting Tent with some Meat. the Man at the house employed cutting fire Wood."
Jan. 6
" Wednesday Wind and Weather as Yesterday
The Men who came home yesterday returned to their Tent. The Man at the House employed as Yesterday."
Jan. 7
" Thursday Wind and Weather as before.
One Man cutting fire wood."
Jan. 8
" Friday a light Breeze NW clear Weather
The Man at the House employed as yesterday. John Pruden and two Men arrived with a few wolves Skins and a little Fatt &c."
Jan. 9
" Saturday Wind and Weather as Yesterday
Men employed cutting fire wood."
Jan. 10
" Sunday a light Breeze Nly Clear Weather."
Jan. 11
" Monday Wind and Weather as Yesterday
Men employed cutting fire Wood."
Jan. 12
" Tuesday a fresh Breeze Ely Cloudy Weather
Two Men arrived from the hunting Tent with part of a Bull Buffalo, those at the House employed as yesterday."
Jan. 13
" Wednesday Wind and Weather as Yesterday
The two Men who Arrived yesterday returned to their Tent. The rest employed as before."
Jan. 14
" Thursday Wind and Weather as before.
Mens employ the same."
Jan. 15
" Friday a fresh Breeze Nly Cloudy Weather with Snow.
Men at the House employed as before."
Jan. 16
" Saturday a light Breeze Nly Clear Weather
Men at the House employed as before."
Jan. 17
" Sunday a light Breeze Wly clear Weather."
Jan. 18
" Monday a light Breeze Sly clear Sharp Weather
The four Men who went away the 22 Ulto. to fetch Furrs arrived, with about 150 MB and a little Fatt &c. Men at the House employed cutting fire Wood. Two Indian Men arrived with a few Furrs."
Jan. 19
" Tuesday Wind and Weather as Yesterday
The Men who Arrived Yesterday resting themselves, the rest cutting fire Wood. - The Indians of Yesterday traded and went away."
Jan. 20
" Wednesday Wind and Weather as before.
Sent three Men with Dogs and Sleds to fetch Meat the rest cutting fire wood."
Jan. 21
" Thursday a light Breeze Ely clear Weather
Men employed as Yesterday."
Jan. 22
" Friday Wind and Weather as Yesterday. - The three Men who went for Meat on Wednesday arrived, the rest employed as before."
Jan. 23
" Saturday a light Breeze Nly clear Weather.
Sent three Men for Meat, two getting ready to go to Cumberland House the others cutting fire wood."
Jan. 24
" Sunday a fresh Breeze Wly clear Weather."
Jan. 25
" Monday Wind and Weather as Yesterday
Sent two Men off for Cumberland House - The other Man cutting fire wood, those who went for Meat on Saturday Arrived."
Jan. 26
" Tuesday Wind and Weather as before
Sent three Men for Meat one laying a upper floor and the others cutting fire Wood."
Jan. 27
" Wednesday a light Breeze SW Cloudy Weather
Men at the House employed as Yesterday. Those who went for meat, with the two from the Tent arrived."
Jan. 28
" Thursday a light Breeze NW clear Weather
Sent three Men for Meat with two who are to remain with the hunter. one working in doors the others cutting fire Wood."
Jan. 29
" Friday Wind and Weather as Yesterday - those who went for meat yesterday Arrived with the flesh of two Bull Buffalo. Men at the House employed as Yesterday."
Jan. 30
" Saturday Wind and Weather as before - Men employed cutting wood &c."
Jan. 31
" Sunday a light Breeze Wly Cloudy thawing weather with Snow at times."
Feb. 1 1796
" Monday a light Breeze NW Cloudy Weather
Sent three Men with Dogs & Sleds for meat two making Soap and one working on the House.
An Indian Man Arrived."
Feb. 2
" Tuesday light Breeze variable part Cloudy part clear warm weather.
Sent John Pruden and the two Men who are tenting with the Hunter, with the Indian of Yesterday to trade furrs &c at his tent. the rest at the House employed as yesterday those who went for Meat Yesterday Arrived with the Meat of two Bulls."
Feb. 3
" Wednesday a light Breeze Wly Cloudy Weather.
Sent two Men for Meat and the rest employed as before."
Feb. 4
" Thursday a fresh Gale NE Cloudy Weather with Snow. - John Pruden with the two Men who went for Meat Yesterday arrived with a few Skins a little beat Meat & Fatt & Part of the flesh of a Bull Buffalo. - Men at the House employed as before."
Feb. 5
" Friday a light Nly Cloudy Weather.
Sent three Men for Meat one making sleds and the rest cutting fire wood."
Feb. 6
" Saturday Wind and Weather as Yesterday
The Men who went for Meat Yesterday Arrived with the flesh of two Bull Buffalo. those at the House employed as yesterday."
Feb. 7
" Sunday Wind and Weather as before."
Feb. 8
" Monday a light Breeze Wly clear warm Weather.
Sent three Men for Meat one making Sleds & the rest cutting fire wood."
Feb. 9
" Tuesday Wind and Weather as Yesterday.
Men at the House employed as Yesterday those who went for Meat Arrived with the flesh of two Bull Bufflo."
Feb. 10
" Wednesday Wind and Weather as before.
Sent three Men for Meat, one making Kegs and the rest cutting fire wood."
Feb. 11
" Thursday a light Breeze SW part clear part Cloudy warm Weather. - Men at the House employed as Yesterday those who went for Meat Arrived."
Feb. 12
" Friday Wind and Weather as before
Sent two Men for Meat the rest employed as before."
Feb. 13
" Saturday a fresh Breeze SE Cloudy Weather.
Men at the House employed as before."
Feb. 14
" Sunday a fresh Breeze SE clear fine Weather."
Feb. 15
" Monday a fresh Breeze Ely Cloudy Weather.
One Man making Kegs and the rest cutting fire wood &c - those who went for meat on Friday last arrived with the flesh of a Cow Buffalo."
Feb. 16
" Tuesday Wind and Weather as Yesterday
Sent two Men with dogs and sleds for Meat the rest employed as before. the two Men Sent to Cumberland House the 25 Ulto. arrived."
Feb. 17
" Wednesday a light Breeze NE Cloudy Weather with Snow.
Sent two Men for Meat one making Sleds those who Arrived Yesterday resting themselves and the rest employed cutting fire Wood. The two Men who went for Meat Yesterday Arrived with the flesh of a Cow Buffalo."
Feb. 18
" Thursday a light Breeze NE Cloudy Weather
The Men who went for Meat yesterday arrived the rest employed as yesterday. An Indian Man and his Wife Arrived with a few Furrs which they traded."
Feb. 19
" Friday a fresh Breeze ESE Cloudy Weather with thick Snow.
Sent John Pruden and three Men with the Indians of Yesterday to Trade Furrs &c at their Tent. the rest employed as yesterday."
Feb. 20
" Saturday a fresh Breeze NW Cloudy cold Wea.
One Man making Sleds and the rest employed cutting fire wood."
Feb. 21
" Sunday a fresh Breeze Sly clear sharp Weather
Three Indian Men and one woman arrived as also a Man who as been tenting with one of the Indians with a few furrs and a little Fatt &c."
Feb. 22
" Monday a fresh Gale Sly part clear part cloudy Weather
Part of the Indians of yesterday traded and went away. Sent James Sandison and three Men with them with Brandy &c to Trade Furrs at their Tents. - The two Men who tent with the Hunter Arrived with the Meat of a Cow Buffalo."
Feb. 23
" Tuesday a light Sly clear fine Weather
The Indian of Sunday and the Man who came with him returned to their Tent.
John Pruden with the Men who went away on Friday last arrived with a few Furrs."
Feb. 24
" Wednesday Wind and Weather as Yesterday
The Men who Arrived Yesterday resting themselves."
Feb. 25
" Thursday a fresh Breeze Ely Cloudy Weather
Men at the House employed cutting fire wood. those who went away on Monday last Arrived."
Feb. 26
" Friday a fresh Breeze NNW Cloudy Weather with Snow.
Men employed cutting fire Wood."
Feb. 27
" Saturday a fresh Breeze NW clear cold Weather
Men employed as Yesterday."
Feb. 28
" Sunday Wind and Weather as Yesterday."
Feb. 29
" Monday Wind and Weather as before
Sent two Men for Meat one making Sleds and the rest employed as before."
Mar. 1 1796
" Tuesday Wind and Weather as before.
Men at the House employed as Yesterday. those who went for Meat Arrived with the flesh of a Cow Buffalo."
Mar. 2
" Wednesday a fresh Gale NW cold Cloudy Wea.
Sent three Men for Meat. the rest employed as before."
Mar. 3
" Thursday a fresh Breeze Wly Clear Weather
Sent two Men for Meat one putting up Shelves &c in the trading room and the other cutting fire wood. The Men who went for Meat Yesterday Arrived."
Mar. 4
" Friday Wind and Weather as before.
One Man employed making Sleds and the rest cutting fire wood those who went for Meat Yesterday Arrived."
Mar. 5
" Saturday a fresh Breeze NW clear Weather.
Sent five Men to fetch the remainder of the Meat (our Hunter having moved farther off) the rest employed as before."
Mar. 6
" Sunday Wind and Weather as Yesterday
The Men who went for Meat Yesterday Arrived. An Indian Arrived for Tobacco which he got and went away."
Mar. 7
" Monday a fresh NNW Cloudy Weather
The Men who Arrived Yesterday resting themselves the rest employed as before.
The Indians of Yesterday Arrived brought a few Wolves Skins & a little Fatt & Part of which they Traded."
Mar. 8
" Tuesday Wind and Weather as Yesterday
Sent two Men for Meat the rest employed as before."
Mar. 9
" Wednesday a fresh Breeze Ely Cloudy Weather with light Snow.
Sent two Men for Meat one making Sleds and the others cutting fire Wood - The Indians of Monday finished trading and went away - The Men who went for Meat Yesterday Arrived."
Mar. 10
" Thursday a fresh Nly Cloudy Weather
Sent two Men for Meat and the rest employed as before."
Mar. 11
" Friday a light Breeze Variable Cloudy warm Weather - The Men who went for Meat on Wednesday & Yesterday Arrived the rest employed as before."
Mar. 12
" Saturday a fresh Breeze NW clear fine Wea.
One Man putting up a Counter &c in the trading Room and the rest employed as before."
Mar. 13
" Sunday a light Breeze SSW Cloudy warm Wea.
The Men who went for Meat Yesterday with a Man from the Tent Arrived."
Mar. 14
" Monday a fresh Breeze NE clear fine Weather
Sent two Men for Meat, those who Arrived Yesterday resting themselves. one making Sleds and the rest cutting fire Wood."
Mar. 15
" Tuesday Wind and Weather as before.
Sent three Men for Meat one making Sleds & the rest cutting fire Wood those who went for Meat Yesterday Arrived."
Mar. 16
" Wednesday Wind and Weather as before.
Sent three Men for Meat and the rest employed as Yesterday, those who went for Meat Yesterday Arrived."
Mar. 17
" Thursday a light Breeze Sly Cloudy Weather
Sent three Men for Meat and the rest employed as before, those who went for Meat Yesterday Arrived."
Mar. 18
" Friday Wind and Weather as Yesterday
Men at the House employed cutting fire Wood & those who went for Meat Yesterday Arrived as did One South'd & two Stone Indians with a little dried Provisions."
Mar. 19
" Saturday a fresh Gale NE Cloudy Weather with Snow. Men employed getting Ice into the Victual Shed &c."
Mar. 20
" Sunday a fresh Breeze N Cloudy Weather
The Indians of Friday traded and went away."
Mar. 21
" Monday a fresh Breeze NW clear sharp Weather
Sent six Men to gather Pitch one getting wood for Canoe building and the rest employed cutting fire Wood."
Mar. 22
" Tuesday Wind and Weather as Yesterday
Men at the House employed as Yesterday."
Mar. 23
" Wednesday Wind and Weather as before
Men employed as before. - About 4 PM Mr Wright Arrived from Cumberland House.
Mar. 24
" Thursday a fresh Breeze SW Cloudy Weather
Mens employ as before."
Mar. 25
" Friday a light Breeze Variable Cloudy Weather with Snow.
Men employed as before."
Mar. 26
" Saturday a fresh Breeze NE Cloudy Weather with Snow at times
Men at the House employed as before those who went on Monday last Arrived."
Mar. 27
" Sunday A fresh Breeze Wly Cloudy Weather."
Mar. 28
" Monday a fresh Breeze Wly clear Weather
Two Men getting ready to go out to tent with Indians in Order to take care of their Skins & the rest getting wood for Canoe Building."
Mar. 29
" Tuesday Wind and Weather as Yesterday
Sent John Pruden & one man (with two who are to remain with the Indians) to fetch furrs the rest employed as before."
Mar. 30
" Wednesday Wind and Weather as before
Men at the House variously employed."
Mar. 31
" Thursday a light Breeze SW clear Warm Weather
Men employed as before."
Apr. 1 1796
" Friday Wind and Weather as Yesterday
Men Variously employed - John Pruden & the Man who went with him on Tuesday last Arrived."
Apr. 2
" Saturday Wind and Weather as before
Sent four Men for Birchrind & the rest employed cutting fire Wood."
Apr. 3
" Sunday a light Breeze SE clear fine Weather"
Apr. 4
" Monday Wind and Weather as Yesterday
Men at the House employed cutting fire wood, those who went away on Saturday last Arrived with the Birchrind - Two Men Arrived with letters from Buckingham House."
Apr. 5
" Tuesday Wind and Weather as before
The Men who came home yesterday resting themselves, the rest cutting fire Wood."
Apr. 6
" Wednesday light Breeze Variable Cloudy with rain in the evening
Men variously employed."
Apr. 7
" Thursday a fresh Breeze NE clear Weather
Men variously employed - About 2 PM the river Ice broke and continued driving down leaving great quantities along shore. An Indian Man Arrived with a few Skins."
Apr. 8
" Friday light Airs Sly clear fine Weather
Two Men getting a Canoe ready to go to Cumberland House, and the rest Variously employed - A little Ice driving in the River."
Apr. 9
" Saturday Wind and Weather as before
Men employed as Yesterday
The Indians of Thursday went away and another with his wife Arrived, Men who were tenting with him also Arrived. - The River clear of Ice."
Apr. 10
" Sunday a fresh Breeze SE clear fine Weather - The Indian of Yesterday traded and went away with two Men to tent with him."
Apr. 11
" Monday Wind and Weather as Yesterday
Two Men employed getting Wood for Canoe Building three getting ready to go to Cumberland house and the rest Variously employed."
Apr. 12
" Tuesday Wind and Weather as Yesterday
Three Men embarked in a Canoe with letters &c for Mr Sutherland the rest employed as Yesterday."
Apr. 13
" Wednesday Wind and Weather as before.
Men at the House employed as before."
Apr. 14
" Thursday - a fresh Breeze NW cloudy Wea.
Men variously employed
A great deal of Ice driving in the River."
Apr. 15
" Friday a light Breeze Ely Cloudy Weather with rain. - Men variously employed
The River clear of Ice."
Apr. 16
" Saturday a fresh Breeze NE Cloudy Weather
Men Variously employed."
Apr. 17
" Sunday a fresh Breeze Ely Cloudy Weasther with Rain."
Apr. 18
" Monday a light Breeze SW clear Weather
Two Men employed plaining Canoe Wood and the rest cutting up Stumps and cutting fire Wood &c."
Apr. 19
" Tuesday Wind and Weather as Yesterday
Mens employ the same
An Indian Man Arrived with a few Skins as also did a Man who is tenting with the Indians for a gun his tentmate having been so unfortunate as to have his gun broken."
Apr. 20
" Wednesday a light Breeze Sly clear Weather
Sent two Men with the Man who Arrived Yesterday for some Fatt he had left on his way to the House, who returned with it in the evening. Men at the House employed as before."
Apr. 21
" Thursday Wind and Weather as Yesterday
Men Variously employed"
Apr. 22
" Friday a fresh Breeze Sly part clear part Cloudy Weather with rain
Two Men employed plaining Canoe Wood and the rest Cutting fire wood."
Apr. 23
" Saturday light Airs Variable Cloudy Weather with rain."
Apr. 24
" Sunday a fresh Breeze NW part clear part Cloudy Weather."
Apr. 25
" Monday a fresh Breeze Ely Cloudy Wea.
Two Men employed planing Canoe Wood & the rest employed cutting fire Wood &c."
Apr. 26
" Tuesday a light Breeze SSE clear fine Wea.
Four Men employed falling Stockadoes two planing Wooden Work for Canoes & the rest cutting fire Wood &c."
Apr. 27
" Wednesday Wind & Weather as yesterday
Mens employ the same."
Apr. 28
" Thursday Wind, Weather & Mens employ as before."
Apr. 29
" Friday a fresh Breeze SSE part clear part Cloudy Weather
Men employed as before."
Apr. 30
" Saturday light Airs Nly Cloudy Weather with rain at times.
About 9 AM Mr George Sutherland with six Men in three Canoes arrived."
May 1 1796
" Sunday light Airs variable Cloudy Wea.
At 6 AM Mr George Sutherland with eight Men in two Canoes embarked for Buckingham House."
May 2
" Monday a fresh Breeze SE Cloudy Wea. with Rain at times
Men employed turning Timbers for Canoes."
May 3
" Tuesday a fresh Breeze NW Cloudy with Rain & Sleet
Men employed as yesterday."
May 4
" Wednesday a fresh Breeze NW clear Wea.
Two Men planing Canoe Wood &c & the rest employed getting Roots."
May 5
" Thursday a fresh Breeze NW Cloudy Wea.
Men at the House employed as yesterday. - A Man who has been tenting with Indians during the Winter arrived in a small Canoe with a few Furrs."
May 6
" Friday Wind & Weather as yesterday
Mens employ the same"
May 7
" Saturday a nfresh Breeze Nly clear fine Weath.
Men employed as before."
May 8
" Sunday a fresh Breeze Nly part clear part Cloudy Weather with showers of Rain."
May 9
" Monday a fresh Breeze NE Cloudy Wea.
Men employed making a Prefs &c."
May 10
" Tuesday a light Breeze Ely clear Weather
Men employed building a Canoe."
May 11
" Wednesday AM Calm Cloudy Weather with Rain, PM a light Breeze NW clear fine Weather
Men employed pounding Meat till 2 PM afterwards sewing a Canoe."
May 12
" Thursday a fresh Breeze Wly part clear part Cloudy Weather.
Men employed sewing a Canoe."
May 13
" Friday a light Breeze NW Cloudy Weather
Men employed making a Prefs &c till 2 PM afterwards sewing a Canoe."
May 14
" Saturday a light Breeze Ely clear fine Weather
Men employed sewing a Canoe.
Three Indian Men & their Families arrived with a few Furrs."
May 15
" Sunday Wind & Weather as yesterday."
May 16
" Monday a light Breeze Wly part clear part Cloudy Weather
Men employed at the Canoes & making Wedges for the Prefs &c. - The Indians of Saturday traded and went away."
May 17
" Tuesday Wind & Weather as yesterday
Men employed making Pitch, sewing Pimmucan Bags &c."
May 18
" Wednesday a light Breeze Sly clear sultry Weather
Men employed pitching & splintering two Canoes."
May 19
" Thursday Wind & Weather as yesterday
Three Men employed timbering Canoes & the rest tying up Furrs to be Prefsed."
May 20
" Friday a light Breeze Sly clear Weather
Men employed as yesterday."
May 21
" Saturday a fresh Breeze Wly part clear part Cloudy Weather
Men variously employed."
May 22
" Sunday Calm Cloudy Weather with Rain."
May 23
" Monday a light Breeze Wly Cloudy Weather with Rain
Men variously employed."
May 24
" Tuesday a fresh Breeze Wly clear Weather
Men employed prefsing? Furrs."
May 25
" Wednesday Wind & Weather as yesterday
Men employed making Pimmucan and Pitching Canoes &c."
May 26
" Thursday a fresh Breeze Ely Cloudy Wea.
Men variously employed."
May 27
" Friday Wind & Weather as yesterday
All hands employed packing up Goods Stores &c & carrying them to the Canadian House where they are to be taken care of during the Summer."
May 28
" Saturday a fresh Breeze NE Cloudy Weather
At 10 AM embarked with eight Men in three Canoes loaded with thirty one bundles of Furrs & five bags of Pimmucan for Cumberland House."
May 29
" Sunday Wind & Weather as yesterday
At 3 AM embarked paddled till 7 PM then put up."
May 30 1796
" Monday a fresh Breeze Ely Cloudy Weat.
At 3 AM embarked paddled till 1 PM when we arrived at Cumberland House.
Joseph Lewis arrived to enter into your Honors Service & we have accordingly engaged him as a Servant of your Honors till his arrival at York Factory."
"Copy of a letter received from Mr Sutherland"
"Dear Sir
I received your letter yesterday and am at a lofs to tell you how to act at this late Season of the Year, for as You justly observe, very few if any Indians will come down to you as the Canadian Company have built a House privately up the South Branch so that you will be obliged to follow with Liquor and other Articles in order to secure some part of the Trade, and I hope you will use your utmost endeavour for the benefit of our Employers. - You need be at no great pains in fitting up your present House as we will have another built up the South Branch next Season & have it fortified on such a plan that no Tribe of Indians will dare approach it in a hostile manner in future - the Musquitoons? sent from England are well calculated to awe the Natives. - In taking Stock I found some Flints 100 of which I have sent you but there is not a Single File here.
Wishing you a good Trade, & remain
Yours &c
George Sutherland
Cumberland House
Nov. 16 1795"
"Copy of a Letter sent to Mr Tomison
Mr Tomison
Sir
The return of Mr Shaws Men to Buckingham gives me an Opportunity of informing you that I am much in want of Cloth, (having only about seven Yards at present remaining) therefore should be glad if you could pofsibly send me a little, as the want of this Article must certainly occasion the others (that are here) remaining on hand. I would have sent a couple of Men to Buckingham, but fearing you might not be able to spare any and having this Opportunity of Writing (which I think will answer the same purpose) I decline it. - Cumberland House is also very short of the aforementioned Article
There is only about 800 MB in the House (upwards of four hundred of which have been traded since my Arrival) and no dried Provisions of any kind. - The Buffalo remain at a great distance from us & we are at present living on red Deer and Bulls.
I should be glad to know, the next Opportunity whither it will be necefsary to have Canoes built here, as those last year turned out so bad. - Wishing you a good Trade
I remain
Your humble Servant
James Bird
Carleton House
Dec. 16 1796" [1795]
"Received from Mr Sutherland
Dear Sir
The Bearer Joseph Lewis a Mulatto who came into this part of the Country with one of the new Canadian Companys who have built a House at Q'Basqui au but a misunderstanding having happened between the above and his Master he has left him and seems inclined to enter into our Honble Companys Service but he has not as yet agreed. he appears to be well calculated in every respect for steering a Canoe and says he is under no contract whatever to his former Employers. therefore if he should make any any proposal to you of that Nature you are to take him to your House and consider him as a Companys Servant, not omitting to note the same in your Journal when his wages will commence accordingly - You are not to settle any terms with him about Wages &c as I have already spoke to him on that score?
We begin to live very poorly here as the fish are become exceeding scarce, indeed hardly any to be got & our Hunters bring us nothing owing in a great Measure to the long Calm Weather we have had. there have been a few Indians in with some Furrs but they brought no Provisions of any kind.
Do not neglect to send down the long Saw the very first Opportunity as its very much wanted here.
Wishing you a merry Christmas & a happy New Year, I remain,
Dear Sir
Your obedient
humble Servant
George Sutherland
Cumberland House
Dec. 22 1795"
" Sent to Mr George Sutherland
Mr George Sutherland
Sir
Your Letters (dated 16 Nov. & 22 Dec. last) I received, as also the 2 tents you was kind enough to send.Finding (in the Autumn) that there was a probability of my being able to dispose of the small quantity of goods that was here at this place and to better advantage than if divided I declined sending Men to the South Branch.
I have now about 1000 MB in the House (upwards of 600 of which have been traded since my arrival) but shall not be able to Trade many more unlefs you can supply me with a little Cloth, as I have only about three Yards remaining (the embofsed Cloth I have been glad to dispose of to save the other at the same price), a Keg of Liquor would also be very acceptable if you can conveniently spare it, as there are only three remaining.
The Mulatto You speak of (J.Lewis) arrived here. I have questioned him concerning his intentions of entering into this Employ, he says it depends entirely on two Americans who are here belonging to the same Company & wish also to engage in the Honble Companys Service (if Terms are offered them they can accept of), and if these engage, he intends doing the same, therefore if you think it proper that these should be engaged & will please to let me know what Wages can be offered them according to the duties they are found capable of performing (viz. whether that of Steersman Bowsman or Middleman). I will endeavour to engage them. if these are employed I am informed there is another (an American also) who will wait for our Canoes in the Spring
I have sent by the Bearers (Thomas Isbister & Wm. Park) the Pit Saw and a couple of pieces of tracking Line with a little ? &c.
Wishing you a good Trade with plenty of Provisions. I remain Sir
Your obedient
humble Servant James Bird."
" From Mr George Sutherland
Mr Bird
Sir
Your Men arrived here the 2nd instant with the things you sent &c. Am glad to hear you are likely to dispose of your Goods to advantage. I have but a very small quantity of Cloth yet have sent you a part with what you wrote for as pr inclosed list. I would also have sent you some Spirits but your dogs cannot haul any they being good for nothing, however I will send a Canoe with some early in the Spring if you should require any.Employ James Sandison in building Canoes, and I expect he will make two good ones, let them be of the size of those you took up in the Fall but to be lighter if pofsible. let/ the Timbers be exactly the same set or Mould.
As to the Americans who seem inclined to enter into the Honble Companys Employ, all that I can say is that all those who are found capable of Steering a Canoe &c will have 20£ or 480 Livres pr Annum and the others 16£ or 384 Livres pr Annum but perhaps Mr Colen will give them more when they go down to York Factory but I cannot promise them any more, nor can I make any Agreement with them whatever here, but you may tell them from me that they may depend upon being as well used with respect to Wages Bounties & Provisions &c as any of the Companys Servants are - I am aware they have from 600 to 1000 Livres in the Canadian Service but on trial they will find they can save more in our Service in one Year then they can in three in the Canadians. - Let me know if they intend going to York Factory if they do I will dispatch a Canoe to Buckingham House as soon as the River breaks for Provisions to carry them down and up again. You may read all this to them and as soon as they come to live at your House their Wages will commence
Wishing you a good Trade and plenty of Provisions. I remain, Sir
Your humble Servant
George Sutherland
Cumberland House
7 Feb. 1796
PS. Make as much Pimmucan as you pofsibly can."
" Sent to Mr George Sutherland
Mr George Sutherland
Sir
I acquainted the Americans with the Terms on which they can be engaged in this Service agreeable to your Letter of the 7 Ult., explaining every thing necefsary to them at the same time but I have not been able to get any determinative answer. the time by which they promised to let me know decisively their intentions is elapsed without my having heard from them. their not being at home has probably occasioned it - They ? to say all that occasions their being at a lofs, is their having Brothers now in the red River who they wish also to enter into the Honble Companys Service and that if they should not engage this Season we may depend on there coming the next with their Brothers. the Mulatto Joseph Lewis says I may depend on him in the Spring.
I am afraid I shall not be able to make any Pimmucan that signifies the little beat meat & Fatt to be got here is only to be purchased by Brandy (and then at a very dear rate) my small Stock of which will not allow me to Trade Fatt &c and the few Furrs which are to be got here too. - Wishing you a pleasant Spring
I remain
Your obedient
humble Servant
James Bird
Carleton House
5 March 1796
PS since writing the above I have seen one of the Americans who says that 20£ is too little unlefs they were supplyed with Cloaths &c gratis ans that they cannot at present accept of it.
James Bird
March 6th 1796."
"From Mr George Sutherland
Mr Bird
Sir,
I received yours by the Frenchmen but cannot think of leaving any Men up where you are this Summer as you cannot put it in a proper state of defence nor have we a proper Person to trust Mens lives with. at the same time it would be proper to cut down & collect Stockadoes now to set up in the Fall as in all Probability there will be a few Men there next Winter, however if Mr Tomison thinks proper to leave any Men there in this case he will & must stand by the consequences. we have smarted severely already for having a few poor Men in a defencelefs House & have no opinion of running a second risk.
Have sent you a pane of Glafs - Your Men I find could not take the Sturgeon? with them - Pray present my best respects to Mr Finley and am much obliged to him for the very fine piece? of Beef he was kind enough to send me - I remain Sir
Your humble Servant
George Sutherland
Cumberland House
9 Feb. 1796"
"From Mr George Sutherland
Dear Sir
By the arrival of the Frenchmen yesterday I received your letter was glad to hear you was living in plenty which is far from the case with us at this place as I afsure you I have not seen a bit of Meat of any kind this Month past nor does our Nets supply us with more than 2 meals pr Week - so that I am at a lofs to know how to subsist till the Geese & Fish return. - Mr Wright is preparing to go up with the Frenchmen to live with you as he has not yet learnt to live without eating.As the Americans are not willing to enter into this Service for the Wages &c already offered them so that here the Matter must drop of course as I cannot offer them more.
Mr Tomison tells me he will not be able to get enough Provisions nor the number of Canoes wanted. I therefore hope you will use your best endeavours to make up the deficiency - Wishing you a good Trade
I am Sir
Yours &c
George Sutherland."
"From Mr Swain
Buckingham March 22 1796
Dear Sir
By Order of Mr Wm Tomison I have sent down John Irvin & Oman Norquay to afsist in bringing up Mr Sutherland in the Spring. I am also enabled to forward his Letter as also yours, had not the Season been too far advanced I would have sent You a piece of Cloth and not only that but the Stone Indians are about four days Walk from this which prevents my sending Horses
I have at present very near my Stock of fresh Meat in the Victual Shed. as to the Trade its true there is no opposition at this place but what was before is little augmented since I wrote you last occasioned by the great depth of Snow. ? conclude wishing You a pleasant and plentiful Spring with a good Trade. I remain
Your very hble Servant
James Swain
PS Give my respects to your Mefsmates
I have made 50 Bags of Pimmucan here.
J.S."
"Sent to Mr George Sutherland
Mr George Sutherland
Sir
Mr Swain having given me to understand that Mr Tomison wishes to see you at Buckingham & deliver up the charge of every thing before any person leaves that place occasions my sending down three Men in a Canoe with your Letters (from Mefs Tomison & Swain) &c.I am much in want of a little Tobacco having only one small Roll remaining. the Roll of Brazil I brought up with me was entirely spoiled. - The little Cloth you was kind enough tp send was traded some time ago since which I have lost many Skins for want of this Article and shall still in all probablility lose many more as I have not a bit, even to give the Woman who takes our Birchrind
I informed you I think that I had wrote to Mr Tomison (in Dec. last) informing him of my being in want of Cloth. he writes me that if I want Cloth I should have put more in the Canoes at the Factory and Mr Swain says he could spare me a piece was not the Season too far advanced for sending it. - Most of the Indians of this place are fortunately for us afsembling at a distance from this in Order to form War-parties, otherwise our new Neighbours must have made a good Trade from our want of Goods, I remain, sir
Your humble Servant
James Bird
PS I have sent you two Bags of Pimmucan."
1M18 and 1M19 B.27/a/1