" A Diary of Occurrences at York Factory, in Hudsons Bay, North America, by Joseph Colen Resident, Commencing August 29th 1788
Ending September 8th 1789"

August 29 1788
" Friday Light Airs and pleasant Breezes variable fine Clear Weather
Late in the Evening Closed the Packet and delivered it to Captain Willm Christopher"

Aug. 30
" Satuarday AM Light Breezes SE afterwards SSW pleasant Weather till Evening when a thick fogg.
About two PM Captain Christopher took leave accompanied by Mefs Hudson and Isham and in the Evening the King George and Churchill Sloop got under way, a fogg soon after came on obliged to drop Anchor in the offing
Severn Sloop took on Cargo consigned to that settlement - All hands variously engaged"

Aug. 31
" Sunday Stiff Breezes SSE Cloudy foggy Weather - Heavy Rain last night which continued this day
This Morning the Honble Companys Ship and Churchill Sloop got under way and soon after out of sight. pray God send each a prosperous and speedy pafsage to their destined Havens
Engaged in Trading Room with Natives"

Sept. 1 1788
" Monday Stiff Breezes NNE and Ely afterwards variable NNW Cloudy Weather
Tradesmen employed in their respective departments and occupations - Labourers removing Bricks &c from Banks to New Plantation & others unpacking Stores &c &c - When Tide permitted for Severn Sloop to drop down River Wind contrary
Eight families of Natives set off for the Winters Quarters - Sent the remaining to Hunt Geese acrofs the River
In the Evening two Canoes of Natives came from the Poplar River accompanied by a Chief Leader, they came purposely to conduct Englishmen into their Country where the Canadians have Houses erected that Intercept Indians from visiting Severn and this place - The Banks of the Poplar River and Lakes around are well stocked with Game and the finest furrs are brought from there, which induced me to get two large Canoes ready in order to send Englishmen this Fall to prevent the Encroachments of Canadians who are now Building near us.
The number of Old Servants who were ordered home, and returned to this Season, prevents my accomplishing the desirable"

Sept. 2
" Tuesday A Strong Gale variable from SSW to SSE with a heavy Storm of rain, early AM Thunder and Lightening - Afterwards moderate Clear and fine
Too Bad Weather for Men to Work without Doors, variously employed in House
An unfortunate accident happened just after the Severn Sloop got under way, in returning the factory Salute one of her ? hanging fire and James Sutherland venturing too near when it went off, burnt him in a shocking manner, he was obliged to suffer amputation of one of his fingers - The Sloop obliged to bring up on account of sending a person in Sutherland's Room - In the Evening five Canoes of Bungees arrived"

Sept. 3
" Wednesday A Fresh Gale NNE and Ely Cloudy Weather with a thick fogg and Rain
All hands removing Bricks from Bank to New Plantation except Taylor and Armourer who are at work for Trade. -
Wind Contrary for Severn Sloop to Sail - James Sutherland very Ill"

Sept. 4
" Thursday A Strong Gale NNE Cloudy foggy Weather with heavy Rain -
All hands variously engaged in House -
Severn Sloop remains at Anchor -
Traded with Natives who arrived the 1st & 2nd Inst."

Sept. 5
" Friday Moderate Breezes Variable from NNE to NNW and NW part clear and part Cloudy with Rain - PM moderately clear with variable Light Airs - All hands as on Wednesday - Severn Sloop Weighed Anchor and Sailed. Willm Deane sent to that Settlement in room of James Sutherland who remains under the care of Mr Southall -- The Natives who arrived the 1st and 2nd Instant went away this Morning as did 7 families of Home Guards crofs the River to Hunt Geese on the Eastern Shore"

Sept. 6
" Satuarday Variable moderate Breezes part Clear and part Cloudy - AM a sharp frost. All hands as before - A North River Native arrived with Green Venison which he Traded
Receiv'd this Week 8 Geese 36 Ducks 96 Plover 102 lbs Fish 8 Tongues and 424 lbs Venison"

Sept. 7
" Sunday Sly Breezes part Clear and part Cloudy with light Showers -
The Natives of Yesterday set off - All hands preparing to set off tomorrow to remove Shallop laying on the Eastern Shore"

Sept. 8
" Monday AM Blowing a strong Gale & Cloudy PM more moderate and Clear
In the morning all hands variously engaged. Afternoon twenty five Men set off to the Shallop on Eastern Shore. rest afsisting them acrofs the River in Boats - James Sutherland Ill"

Sept. 9
" Tuesday AM stiff Breezes SW by S Clear Weather - afterwards a strong Gale variable very Cloudy and heavy Rain
This Morning sent off Men in Long Boat with Tools and necefsary Implements for the getting off Shallop on Eastern Shore - Too bad Weather in Afternoon for myself to follow them - In the Evening two Musqua Rat and two North River Natives arrived from the back of this Island. having left part of their furrs there"

Sept. 10
" Wednesday first part of the day a stiff Breeze Ely with Cloudy Rainy Weather afterwards more moderate an Clear
The Natives who arrived last night Traded and took up debt Early and set off for the remainder of their furrs
Took four Men with me in a Boat to afsist at the Shallop on Eastern Shore"

Sept. 11
" Thursday Cloudy Raw Cold Weather with variable Breezes
Mefs Southall, Sutherland and Cook with seven Men at the factory myself and rest of Men on the Eastern Shore"

Sept. 12
" Friday Pleasant light Breezes Ely part Clear and part Cloudy Weather
This day all the Men who were with me on the Eastern Shore came to the Factory, except five left with Boat Builder to repair Shallop and three at the fourteens River Goose Tent -
It gives me pleasure to say that the Shallop is removed many hundred Yards (nearer to the River) and fixed on proper Logs near unto a Creek ready for Launching the next Spring Tides - I fortunately found a Barrel of Pitch in the Marsh near her, also a large Quantity of Junk which will greatly facilitate our expedition in getting her into the River, as her seams must be chaulk'd and pay'd? before she is launched into Water
In the Evening three Canoes of Natives arrived with green Venison"

Sept. 13
" Satuarday a fresh SSW and variable W by N part Clear and part Cloudy - Heavy Rain all last night and continued till near noon this day - Mefs Sutherland and Cook set off to Tent and Hunt Geese in the Marsh - Sent five Men in a Boat with Old Canvas and other necefsaries to afsist in the Launching and bringing Home Shallop from Eastward
The Natives of Yesterday Traded and went away - Rec'd this Week 1220 lbs Venison 48 lbs Fatt 6 Tongues 59 Geese & 20 lbs Fish"

Sept. 14
" Sunday Ely Breezes Cloudy wet Weather -
Divine Service"

Sept. 15
" Monday Early AM Stiff Breezes NNW afterwards a strong Gale from the same quarter, cloudy wet Weather
Two Men Hunting in Marsh - three to the Eastw'd, 11 repairing Shallop. rest variously engaged on new Plantation - James Sutherland on the recovery
This Morning two Canoes of Natives arrived from the Play Green with a few Skins & dryed Meat &c - which they Traded"

Sept. 16
" Tuesday A fresh Gale Early NW afterwards a moderate Breeze Cloudy Cold Weather with Sleet - Sent three Men to the Eastward for Geese - rest as before - The Natives of yesterday set off"

Sept. 17
" Wednesday Pleasent Breezes SSE Clear Temperate Weather
All hands as before"

Sept. 18
" Thursday Variable Stiff Breezes part Clear and part Cloudy
All hands as before - In the Evening two Bungee Natives arrived with a few Skins"

Sept. 19
" Friday A stiff Breeze W by S Clear Temperate Weather AM About noon a storm of Wind with heavy Rain Thunder and Lightning towards Evening more moderate
Men as before - The Natives who arrived yesterday Traded Early and set off and two arrived from the Eastward with Geese and returned soon after"

Sept. 20
" Satuarday Stiff Breeze SW Cloudy Weather. A severe frost in the Morning - PM Thunder with Rain
All hands as before, till noon when the Shallop brought up to an Anchor near five fathom Hole. Sent five Men in Long Boat with (Cable and Anchor &c &c) necefsaries for the poor Men.
I cannot help mentioning that the Boat sent out in frame last year and put together at this place this Spring is not of any use being built on so heavy a construction it takes six Men to work her and draws as much Water nearly as our Long Boat. and instead of stowing Hogsheads under her Seats as pr Indent, she has not sufficient room for a Vinegar Cask and when riding in the River at Anchor, (without Ballast) her Gunnels are not 10 Inches above the surface of the Water - I must say she is of little Service in this Shoal River, indeed she has not been used three times since her Building - And was it not for the Old Boat, belonging to the Severn Sloop, which was left here as condemned (which I had thoroughly repaired) my distrefs would have been great and many duties neglected - As I am not a judge of Boat Building I cannot pretend to say where or with whom the fault rests whether the framer in England or the person who put it together at this place, but this I am certain, it has been very expensive. as it stands your honors is upwards of 16 £ in Workmans Labour &c besides the materials sent from England Nails &c &c - Mefs Sutherland and Cook came home
Two Natives arrived with a few Skins they came purposely for a Gun, the new one they bought at this place about a fortnight ago having burst - after trading they went away
Rec''d this Week 196 lbs Moose flesh dryed 238 lbs Fatt 23 lbs Beaver flesh and 118 Geese"

Sept. 21
" Sunday Stiff Breezes Nly and N by E Clear moderate Weather - Divine Service - It gives me pleasure to see the Shallop (which has Lain so many Years on the Eastern Shore) safe Anchored in this River - I was obliged to have a Jenry? Mast erected to bring her home, and the old Main Top Gallant Sail of the King George was a good substitute and answered as a Main Sail for her"

Sept. 22
" Monday Variable Breezes part Clear and part Cloudy moderate Weather
Sent five Men in a Boat to the fourteens River Tent for Geese. - Tradesmen engaged at their respective occupations. Labourers variously employed - James Sutherland is so far recovered as to be out of the Surgeons list and expects to be on duty in a day or two"

Sept. 23
" Tuesday Wind and Weather as yesterday
Men's employ nearly the same. had all the Buoys taken up and the Men who went to the fourteens yesterday returned with Geese - Early this morning a Native arrived From Steel River with the flesh of two Buck Deer which he traded and set off immediately"

Sept. 24
" Wednesday A strong Gale NE by E and Nly unpleasent dark Cloudy Weather with heavy Rain - Too bad Weather for Men to work without Doors, variously employed in House"

Sept. 25
" Thursday a fresh Breeze NW Clear moderate Weather AM - Afterwards Cloudy with Rain, Hail and Snow, and a storm of Wind Nly very Cold and freezing Sharp -
In the Morning sent off three Men to the fourteens River for Geese, also three to break up the old Sloop laying Wrecked on the Eastern Shore for her Timbers in order to repair the Shallop next Spring - rest of Men as on Tuesday - Mr Geo. Sutherland Ill
A Native arrived from the back of this Island traded and went away"

Sept. 26
" Friday A Severe frost last night and continued this day with Nly Breezes
The Men arrived from the Goose Tent severely pinched with the last nights frost - Rest as before, except three collecting Lime Stones to be in readinefs against next Spring"

Sept. 27
" Satuarday A fresh Gale Nly very sharp freezing Weather with drifting snow
All hands nearly as before - Had the Shallop laid up for the winter in a small Bay below the old Battery House (her former Winter station) - I observe the Banks and Trees there are least Injured (by the late Deluge) of any in the River
Rec'd this Week 76 Geese and 245 lbs Venison"

Sept. 28
" Sunday A fresh Breeze Wly moderate Weather
Divine Service"

Sept. 29
" Monday Light Breeze SSW Clear moderate Weath.
Tradesmen engaged at their respective occupations - Labourers variously employed - Saw a Smoak acrofs the River sent Men in Boat who returned with Hunters from the Goose Tent, also three Men I sent to break up the Old Sloop came home says the opposite Shores are loaded with heavy Ice - In the afternoon all the Natives arrived from the Goose Tent and were paid for their Hunt. the Men says never were fewer Geese seen in one Season"

Sept. 30
" Light Airs and gentle Breezes variable from SSW to NNE fine mild thawing Weather. All hands nearly as before except three preparing to set off to the Hunting Tents - Had Launch taken down and stowed away"

Oct. 1 1788
" Wednesday Early AM fresh Breezes SSW Cloudy Weather - Noon a strong Gale from the same Quarter with Rain which continued the remainder of the day
Sent off three Men in Cockle to Tent and Hunt at Ten Shilling Creek for the Winter. rest variously employed
The Natives who came from the Goose Tent took up debt for Winters Hunt"

Oct. 2
" Thursday AM pleasent Breezes SSW mild Weather - PM a fresh Gale variable from SSW to E Cloudy with heavy Rain raw Cold -
All hands nearly as before - Had the Vegetables taken up from Gardens and put in Store for Winters use - Long Boat with two others laid up for the Winter -
Five Canoes of Natives went away. - Twenty five remain dependant on the factory of which are two old Men, the others are helplefs Widows and Orphan Children. -"

Oct. 3
" Friday A fresh Gale Ely Cloudy Cold freezing Weather
All hands nearly as before - Blows too strong for French Creek Hunters to set off"

Oct. 4
" Satuarday Stiff Breeze SSW sharp freezing Weather. - PM Hail and Snow very Cold
Sent 3 Men to Tent and Hunt at French Creek for the Winter Season, four Men afsisting them acrofs the River in Boats &c. - All the rest removing Timber and a Building (which I had taken down this Week) to the new Plantation
Rec'd this Week 139 Geese and 27 Ducks"

Oct. 5
" Sunday Light Airs Nly part Clear and part Cloudy temperate Weather. Divine Service"

Oct. 6
" Monday fresh Breezes SSE Clear Temperate Weather - - Six Men at Hunting Tents, two Brewing, Taylors at work for Men - Sent five Men to haul the Scene (no fish in the River) rest preparing Buildings on new Plantation and cutting down Woods around &c"

Oct. 7
" Tuesday fresh Breezes Nly Cloudy with Sleet, raw Cold
All hands nearly as yesterday, except those who were fishing and Brewing are collecting Lime Stones and Sand for use next Spring"

Oct. 8
" Wednesday fresh Breeze Nly Cloudy with Snow Sleet and Rain
All hands as before"

Oct. 9
" Thursday Light Breezes NW Clear freezing Weather
All hands nearly as before - The Hunters came from Ten Shilling Creek with a few fish. They say Game is very scarce and have not yet seen a Partridge
Sent the two Natives to cut Snow Shoe frames"

Oct. 10
" Friday fresh Breezes NW sharp freezing Weather with light Snow
All hands nearly as before"

Oct. 11
" Satuarday Wind and Weather as Yesterday and mens employ the same
Received this Week [blank] fish."

Oct. 12
" Sunday fresh Breezes Sly Clear Temperate Weather. Divine Service"

Oct. 13
" Monday fresh Gale Sly Cloudy Weather towards Evening heavy Rain. -
Sent four Men to Tent and [Hunt] on this Island near flambro' House. they were afsisted up this River by Men and Boats. _ 6 Hunters at their respective Tents. the rest preparing Buildings on new Plantation and cutting down Wood around, except Taylors and Cooper, the former at work for Men and latter making Sleds"

Oct. 14
" Tuesday Light Airs variable from SW to N Cloudy moderate Weather with Rain - All hands as before and the Men who afsisted the Hunters return'd"

Oct. 15
" Wednesday Light Airs and gentle Breezes NNW pleasent Weather
All hands nearly as before - One on the Sick list"

Oct. 16
" Thursday stiff Breezes Nly Cloudy Cold Weather
Sent five Men and two Natives to haul the Scene accompanied by Mr Geo. Sutherland they tryed various places in the River but not a fish caught
Rest and Sick as before"

Oct. 17
" Friday Wind and Weather as Yesterday and mens employ the same"

Oct. 18
" Satuarday Breezes NW Cloudy Seasonable Weather with light Snow
Men as before. - Ice driving into the River with the Tide and returned on it's Ebb.
Rec'd this Week 3 Partridges and 2 Rabbits"

Oct. 19
" Sunday Breezes SE Clear Seasonable Weather towards Evening Snow and Cloudy. -
Much heavy Ice in the River"

Oct. 20
" Monday fresh Gale E by N Cloudy with light Snow
The Hunters at their respective Tents. - Tradesmen variously employed. as are the Labourers cutting down Wood around the new Plantation"

Oct. 21
" Tuesday fresh breezes SE Cloudy moderate Weather
All hands as before. much heavy Ice in the River"

Oct. 22
" Wednesday Wind and Weather nearly as yesterday and mens employ the same"

Oct. 23
" Thursday A fresh Gale Ely moderate Weather with light Snow AM - afterwards blowing Strong and in the evening much drift. Men as before - Five fathom Sand Beacon carried away"

Oct. 24
" Friday fresh Breeze NE by N Cloudy Weather with Snow
Men as before"

Oct. 25
" Satuarday Breezes SE Cloudy seasonable Weather towards Evening a strong Gale Nly with much? Snow
All hands as before - Reced this Week 6 Rabbits 3 Partridges and 3 Martins. Game remarkably scarce at present not a Partridge to be seen only 6 killed this Season, and the few Rabbits caught have been snared near the new Plantation, which makes me fearful that they were nearly the whole destroyed when this Island was overflowed by the late Deluge, except the few that escaped to the high ground before mentioned, as not a Track is to be seen elsewhere"

Oct. 26
" Sunday A fresh Gale Nly with drifting Snow much fell last night. Cloudy Cold Weather. Divine Service - The double headed Beacon carried away"

Oct. 27
" Monday NW Breezes Clear sharp Weather
Two Men at Hunting Tents. Tradesmen at their respective occupations. Labourers variously employed cutting down woods around new Plantation"

Oct. 28
" Tuesday fresh Gales variable from N to NNW Clear sharp Weather. Men as before"

Oct. 29
" Wednesday Breezes NW part Clear and part Cloudy Temperate Weather - All hands nearly as before"

Oct. 30
" Thursday Wind Weather and mens employ nearly as Yesterday"

Oct. 31
" Friday stiff Breezes SSW Cloudy Weather with Snow
Tradesmen as before. Labourers variously employed in House &c"

Nov. 1 1788
" Satuarday fresh Breezes variable Nly Cloudy mild thawing Weather with Sleet and much Snow. All hands as on Thursday. Mefs Sutherland and Cook with two Indians hath been out almost every day this Week in search of Game and only killed 8 Partridges. a convincing proof of their scarsity near us. not the Track of a Rabbit seen for this Week past
Reced this Week 8 Partridges and 9 Martins"

Nov. 2
" Sunday Nly Breezes Cloudy Weather with Snow. Two Men came from Hunting Tent near Flambro' House with only 47 Rabbits and 50 Partridges, being the whole killed by four Men in three Weeks they say several places were tryed for fish unsuccefsfully not one caught.
- Divine Service."

Nov. 3
" Monday Variable Breezes SSW to NNW Cloudy Seasonable Weather.
Tradesmen at their respective occupations. Labourers variously employed cutting down Woods around new Plantation. two Brewing. Hunters as before. - those of Yesterday returned to their Tent. Five hunting from House besides two Indians, not a Bird seen."

Nov. 4
" Tuesday Variable Breezes from NNW to NE temperately mild Cloudy Weather.
Tradesmen and Hunters as before. - Labourers making Deer Hedge acrofs this Island. - The reason of building it at this Season is. The Stakes fixed in the ground at this time penetrates a great depth into the Earth, and will be as securely firm as a standing Tree. experience hath convinced me that the Spring is very improper for this Work as when the thaw and warm Weather advances, the Hedge is continually out of repair, many Deer are lost and much trouble attends it, The contrary I hope will be the case with the present."

Nov. 5
" Wednesday Wind Weather and Mens employ nearly the same as Yesterday."

Nov. 6
" Thursday Breezes NW Cloudy Temperately mild with Snow
All hands nearly as before - Killed a Buck Deer"

Nov. 7
" Friday Breezes Nly Cloudy mild Weather PM variable to ESE. Men as before"

Nov. 8
" Satuarday Wind Weather and Mens employ as Yesterday - Two Men came from Flambro' House Hunting Tent with only 22 Partridges and 8 Rabbits
Received this Week 30 Partridges 11 Rabbits 135 lbs of Venison and 16 Martins."

Nov. 9
" Sunday Light Airs and Breezes variable from E by S to NNE Cloudy Weather . Divine Service"

Nov. 10
" Monday Breezes Nly Cloudy Weather Temperately mild
Tradesmen and afsistants at their respective occupations. Labourers building Deer Hedge acrofs this Island. Hunters as before. Those of Satuarday set off to their Tent. One Man on the Sick list"

Nov. 11
" Tuesday Wind and Weather as yesterday
Mens employ nearly the same. Mr Geo Sutherland killed a young Buck Deer. blefs God for these supplies. Rabbits and Partridges are remarkably scarce, not one of either to be seen"

Nov. 12
" Wednesday fresh Breezes NNW Cloudy Weather with light Snow.
All hands nearly as before except two who are Brewing."

Nov. 13
" Thursday fresh Breezes NNW Cloudy sharp freezing Weather. PM Clear.
Tradesmen as before. Labourers cutting down Woods around new Plantation it being too Cold in open Plains to tye up Deer Hedge."

Nov. 14
" Friday Light Breezes NW part Clear and part Cloudy.
All hands as on Wednesday."

Nov. 15
" Saturday Fresh Breezes NW Clear sharp Weather very cold.
All hands as on Thursday - Never was Game known so scarce at this place as at present. only 9 Partridges and 1 Rabbit killed by all the Hunters at the Factory. - Two Natives hath been great distances from the House - no Tracks to be seen.
Besides the above reced this Week 80 lbs of Venison and 13 Martins."

Nov. 16
" Sunday fresh breezes NW Clear sharp Weather. Divine Service."

Nov. 17
" Monday Wind and Weather as Yesterday.
Labourers cutting down Woods & Tradesmen and Hunters as before. We are at an intire stand in the building Way for want of Timber and cannot send Men to cut down more until the River Ice sets fast."

Nov. 18
" Tuesday Wind Weather and Men's employ the same. - The River Ice having set fast at the four Mile Creek above us - Mefs Sutherland and Cook went to Ten Shilling Creek Hunting Tent - The Men there says they had not seen a Partridge since they left the factory ? ? Rabbits and Fish are very scarce"

Nov. 19
" Wednesday Wind Westerly Cloudy Severe Weather. All hands as before"

Nov. 20
" Thursday Mild and Cloudy with Snow. Wind and Mens employ as before"

Nov. 21
" Friday Breezes NNE Cloudy sharp Weather
Mens employ as before
About noon the River Ice set fast"

Nov. 22
" Satuarday Nly Breezes sharp part Clear and part Cloudy Weather. - Mens employ the same. Two Men came from each of the Hunting Tents. Rec'd this Week 43 Partridges 74 Rabbits and 186 lbs fish besides 2 Porcupines 16 Martins & 5 Foxes"

Nov. 23
" Sunday stiff Breezes Nly very Cold and drifting Snow - Divine Service"

Nov. 24
" Monday stiff Breeze Nly Clear sharp Weather.
All the Hunters went to their respective Tents. Had a Victualling Hole cut in the Riv Ice and salt Provisions laid therein. - rest of Men as last Week"

Nov. 25
" Tuesday fine Clear Weather with Breezes SSW
Took James Hall and Pateroon to Survey Timber Pieces at French and Crofs Creeks, rest as before. The Hunters came home from Flambro' House having killed but 8 Partridges 5 Rabbits in the last 14 days"

Nov. 26
" Wednesday Wind an Weather as Yesterday. Mens employ as on Monday"

Nov. 27
" Thursday easy Breezes ESE Cloudy Weather very mild with light Snow AM.
Mefs Sutherland and Cook accompanied by James Hall and Wm Sinclair set off to examine Woods up the River for Timber. rest as before"

Nov. 28
" Friday Variable strong Gales from W to N varung? alternately with thick drift, Cloudy and Cold.
Too bad weather for Work without doors. All hands variously employed preparing too leave the Factory"

Nov. 29
" Satuarday Wind as yesterday Clear sharp Weather. Men as on Thursday - One came from each of the Hunting Tents. Game continues scarce - (small Furrs around? are numerous) -
Reced this Week 76 lbs Fish 5 Rabbits and 8 Partridges also 86 Martins"

Nov. 30
" Sunday NW Breezes Cloudy and Cold
The Hunters of yesterday went to their Tents. to whom I join two others."

Dec. 1 1788
" Monday Variable Breezes from E to SSW part Clear and part Cloudy
All hands as last Week"

Dec. 2
" Tuesday NW Breezes part Clear and part Cloudy
All hands at large Sled drawing fire Wood acrofs the River part of day, afterwards part preparing to leave the factory tomorrow"

Dec. 3
" Wednesday Wind and Weather as yesterday
Sent 14 Men to cut down Timber pieces at French and Crofs Creeks. rest as before"

Dec. 4
" Thursday Variable easy breezes from SSE to NW Cloudy mild Weather with light Snow
All hands as before. - In the afternoon Mefs Sutherland Cook &c &c who left the Factory last Thursday return'd and acquaint me the discovered sufficient Timber for nearly two Winters falling, tho upwards of 40 Miles distance. blefs God this will greatly help us in our Building, as at present we are at an intire stand - Sent two Natives to take a Beaver House at Crofs Creek"

Dec. 5
" Friday Breezes NW by W Clear sharp Weather
Carpenters and Sawyers preparing Tools to leave the Factory next Week. - rest as before"

Dec. 6
" Satuarday stiff Breezes Ely Cloudy and very dark with light Snow
Men nearly as before. One Man came from each of the Hunting Tents. And late in the Evening the two Natives I sent away on Thursday return'd with one old and three Young Beaver
Reced this Week 69 lbs Beaver flesh - 32 Rabbits and 30 Partridges also 124 Martins"

Dec. 7
" Sunday stiff Breezes variable from E by N to NW by N early part of day clear afterwards Cloudy sharp Weather - Divine Service. The Hunters of yesterday went to their Tents, Those at French Creek has orders to bring home their Tent and Bedding in order to remove up the River, as only 6 Rabbits were the produce of last Weeks Hunt of four Men."

Dec. 8
" Monday a fresh Gale SSW Clear very sharp Weather
The Hunters and Wooders as last Week. - Sent eight Men to saw Timber at French Creek, and two of the Hunters came from thence with Tent and Bedding. the others joined the Wooders to afsist cutting down Timber Peices, Taylors and rest at House variously engaged"

Dec. 9
" Tuesday Wind and Weather as Yesterday - and Mens employ the same, except four who are sent up the River to Hunt for fresh Provisions - Sent an Indian to take a Beaver House at French Creek"

Dec. 10
" Wednesday stiff Breezes variable from SSW to NW excefsive sharp Cloudy Weather
All hands as before - Country Provisions failing. the poor Men living so long on salt, they make a great complaint of the Pieces of Beef, ? ? quality ? too small Allowances for four people - this induced me to make tryals out of several Casks, the Chief part we find good looking but part of the pieces when boiled is barly sufficient for a single Meal of a hungry Man, who is obliged to do laborious duties - One piece brought on my Table this day did not weigh twenty ounces when drest - besides it is not well cured as part we cannot eat"
[ written in the margin "5 oz pr Man only my? have? Jnt?]

Dec. 11
" Thursday fresh Breeze from NW to WSW Clear sharp Weather - All hands as before"

Dec. 12
" Friday fresh breeze Sw by S Cloudy and Cold. All hands as before"

Dec. 13
" Satuarday A Strong Gale NW Cloudy Cold, and drifting -
All hands as before. - Four Men came from the woods for Provisions and return'd to their Tent. One hunter came home with only 30 Partridges and 17 Rabbits which is the whole produce of this Week. except two of the former killed by the Hunters at the Factory besides 1 red Fox and 14 Martins"

Dec. 14
" Sunday Variable Breezes from NW to SSW Cloudy moderate Weather - Divine Service
Two Men brought Hugh Wilson from the Woods unfit for duty, he is indeed uselefs at all kinds of work. The Men return'd and I sent a person to supply Wilsons room - And the hunter of Yesterday went to his Tent"

Dec. 15
" Monday stiff Breeze NW severe and Cloudy PM a strong Gale from the same quarter - extremely Cold
All the Men as last Week except Hugh Wilson under Mr Southalls care"

Dec. 16
" Tuesday Breezes NNW and variable W Clear and moderate
Men as before - One Man came home from the Hunters (up the River) with only 35 Partridges"

Dec. 17
" Wednesday Breezes variable Cloudy and Temperate. PM Snow.
The hunter of Yesterday went to his Tent. Rest as before"

Dec. 18
" Thursday early AM strong Gales NW afterwards a Hurricane, severe Cold and thick no man could face it without Doors. All hands as before"

Dec. 19
" Friday A strong Gale of Wind NW Cold & Cloudy
Men as before - The Native I sent out the 9th Inst. return'd with two old Beaver, he tells me he has travelled a great distance from the factory and not seen a Partridge"

Dec. 20
" Satuarday A fresh Gale NW part Clear and part Cloudy very sharp
All the Men came from the Woods, as did the Hunters from Ten Shilling Creek. -
Several Men under Mr Southalls care"

Dec. 21
" Sunday Stiff Breeze NNW Cloudy Cold an drifting. Divine Service"

Dec. 22
" Monday Wind and Weather as before
All hands (Sick excepted) cutting fire Wood"

Dec. 23
"Tuesday stiff Breeze NW Clear sharp Weather
All hands and Sick as before - For days past the Weather hath been so intensely severe the Ice on the River froze 2 feet thick in 10 days
The Hunters came from the 12 Mile Island with only 36 Partridges"

Dec. 24
" Wednesday moderate clear Weather with variable Breezes from NW to SW Men as before"

Dec. 25
" Thursday Clear and temperately mild with Sly Breezes. Divine Service"

Dec. 26
" Friday Wind and Weather as yesterday"

Dec. 27
" Satuarday Variable Breezes from S to E Cloudy and temperately mild"

Dec. 28
" Sunday Cloudy mild Weather with Ely Breezes
Several of the Men are afflicted with an imetuate? Scurvy which contracts their Limbs as much as to render them unable to walk - Divine Service"

Dec. 29
" Monday Wind and Weather as Yesterday towards Evening much Snow
All hands Sick excepted made one trip acrofs the River with Large Sled and brought home Wood"

Dec. 30
" Tuesday Wind and Weather with Snow as yesterday - Men the same"

Dec. 31
" Wednesday A strong Gale NE by E with Snow and thick drift"

Jan. 1 1789
" Thursday Cloudy Weather with Breezes NE. The Snow is so very deep on the Plantation and in front of House prevented the usual annual procefsion of Men, who finished their Holiday diversions"

Jan. 2
" Friday Clear fine Weather with SSW Breezes
Sawyers and Hunters preparing to leave the Factory tomorrow - Labourers with large Sled drawing fire Wood acrofs the River. five Ill with the Scurvy unfit for duty"

Jan. 3
" Satuarday Wind and Weather as Yesterday
Mens employ the same, except 10 Sawyers and 4 Hunters who went to their respective Tents."

Jan. 4
" Sunday stiff Cold Breezes NNW part Clear and part Cloudy - Divine Service
Sent two families of Indians too try for fresh Provisions which has been so remarkable scarce I have not been able to serve out four days all the Winter - Men are daily falling bad with the Scurvy which prevails in some degree amongst the whole"

Jan. 5
" Monday stiff Breeze NW Cold sharp and Clear
All hands and Sick as on Satuarday. - One added to the Sick list."

Jan. 6
" Tuesday Wind and Weather as Yesterday
Men employ the same - One added to the Sick list"

Jan. 7
" Wednesday Wind and Weather as on Monday
Labourers employed drawing Casks of Flour &c up to to Ware houses at the new Plantation. rest and sick as before"

Jan. 8
" Thursday A Hurricane of Wind Wly very Cold and Cloudy
Men unable to Work without doors variously employed in House, picking Oakum, making Sinnet and Bags for Inland"

Jan. 9
" Friday moderately mild with variable Breezes part Clear and part Cloudy
Men as on Wednesday - One Man came from each of the Hunting Tents with only 40 Partridges and 2 Rabbits being the whole killed by the Hunters this Week"

Jan. 10
" Satuarday Cloudy moderately mild Weather with light Breezes ESE
The Hunters of Yesterday went to their respective Tents - Seven Men in the Sick list. - Sent fourteen Men to the Woods to cut down Timber for Sawyer four of whom came for Provisions and returned
One Native sent out on Sunday brought two Beaver, he says he has not seen a Partridge since his absence. indeed not one or the Track of one hath been seen by the Hunters at the Factory for Weeks past.
Rec'd this Week 40 Partridges 2 Rabbits 36 lbs of Beaver flesh, besides 2 Martins 1 Wolf & 1 Fox"

Jan. 11
" Sunday Light Airs AM Afterwards Breezes Variable almost round the Compafs
Mr Sutherland added to the Sick list"

Jan. 12
" Monday Seasonably pleasent Weather with NW Breezes
Twenty four Men at the Woods and 6 Hunters at their respective Tents. Eight in the Sick list rest variously employed"

Jan. 13
" Tuesday Moderately mild Cloudy Weather with Breezes NW - Men as before"

Jan. 14
" Wednesday Wind Weather and Mens employ as Yesterday"

Jan. 15
" Thursday The same as Yesterday
The Hunters brought Tent &c from Ten Shilling Creek having killed but 10 Partridges for 10 days past"

Jan. 16
" Friday Wind Weather, with some Snow, as Yesterday. and Men's Employ the same"

Jan. 17
" Satuarday Mild Cloudy Weather with Snow and variable Breezes from N to W and W by S
Six Men came from the Woods for Provisions and returned, to whom I joined the Hunters from Ten Shilling Creek - One Man came from the 12 Mile Island with a few Partridges - Sick &c as before
Rec'd this Week 41 Partridges 2 Foxes & 1 Quickhatch"

Jan. 18
" Sunday Wind and Weather as Yesterday
Divine Service. The Hunter unable to go to his Tent (is under Mr Southalls care). Sent Mr Cook with orders for those up the River to return to the factory as no Birds are to be killed
a Native arrived from the North River with 12 Rabbits says he has not seen a track of a Partridge since he has been absent"

Jan. 19
" Monday Breezes SSW and variable to N Moderately mild part Clear & part Cloudy with light Snow. The Hunters came home with Tent and Bedding. rest of Men as last Week - It is with much pleasure I mention that the Sick are recovering apace and greatest part able to Work at Sinnet and other small Jobs in the House"

Jan. 20
" Tuesday Nly Breezes Cloudy mild Weather with Snow
Men and Sick as before - In the afternoon six families of Natives came in, very badly Gooded and Wretched in appearance. Complains loudly of Scarcity of Game and provisions, they had no flesh to bait Martin Traps, that the depth of the Snow prevent their travelling, as their Snow Shoes were netted with Twine took in debt last Fall which would not support their Weight and it was with difficulty they reached the Factory"

Jan. 21
" Wednesday Somewhat Colder than Yesterday Wind &c the same.
Sent two Men to Ship and Stoney Rivers to examine that quarter for Game &c - Rest as before"

Jan. 22
" Thursday Breezes SW by W Clear and fine
All hands as before. Sent the Natives who arrived the 20th to Hunt for Partridges, no tracks to be seen around us"

Jan. 23
" Friday Breezes NW by W fine and pleasant
All hands as before. Sent seven Natives to the Northward to try for fresh Provisions"

Jan. 24
" Satuarday Wind and Weather as Yesterday
Ten Men came from the Woods for Provisions and returned. they brought home Hugh Wilson as uselefs. this Person was brought out last Year and hath not done any the least Service since his arrival. The two Men I sent the Eastwd on Wednesday says there are very few Partridges in that quarter.
A Native returned with the flesh of one Beaver which he Traded &c
Rec'd this Week 30 lbs of Beaver flesh 29 Partridges 1 Fox and a few Martin Skins"
[In the margin "NB I have tried all ways & means to make this Man do his duty to no purpose. His indolence surpafses any other I ever met with - and gives every person at the factory much trouble & concern."]

Jan. 25
" Sunday Wind and Weather as Yesterday
Two of the Sick having recover'd sent them to the Woods"

Jan. 26
" Monday Wind and Weather as before
Sent three Men to Tent and Hunt at Stoney Rivers. Rest and Sick as before"

Jan. 27
" Tuesday Wind Weather and Mens employ as Yesterday
James Hall came from the Woods for Mr Southall's afsistance, and brought the Melancholy Account that the chief part of the Men at the Woods are falling bad with the Scurvy"

Jan. 28
" Wednesday Wind the same. Weather more mild
Mens employ and Sick as before
Prepared Letters and closed the Packet for the Bay Settlements"

Jan. 29
" Thursday Variable Breezes from W to N Cloudy Moderately mild Weather.
Men and Sick as before. - James Hall went to his Tent.
The Natives I sent out last Friday to the North'd return'd with 400 Partridges and 16 Rabbits which they Traded. - Blefs God for this Supply!"

Jan. 30
" Friday Wind and Weather as Yesterday.
Men and Sick the same"

Jan. 31
" Satuarday Nly Breezes, Cold and Cloudy
Sent all the Natives to kill Partridges &c - The Sick and others as before. Six Men came from the Woods for provisions and returned. - One Man came from the Stony Rivers Hunting Tent with only 26 Partridges.
Rec'd this Week 426 Partridges 16 Rabbits and 1 Fox"

Feb. 1 1789
" Sunday Breezes WNW part Clear and part Cloudy Sharp Cold Weather. - Divine Service. The Hunter of Yesterday went to his Tent"

Feb. 2
" Monday Variable Breezes from W to N Clear sharp Weather.
Mens employ and Sick as last Week. - Two Indian Men and one Woman came in well loaded with Furs"

Feb. 3
" Tuesday Breezes NW Clear Cold Weather.
Men &c as before - Mr Southall went to the Woods to see those who are unable to come to the factory. The Natives of Yesterday traded"

Feb. 4
" Wednesday SE Breezes part Clear & part Cloudy.
Men and Sick as before - The Natives who traded Yesterday set off and those I sent out on Satuarday return'd with only 180 Partridges"

Feb. 5
" Thursday Breezes NNW part Clear & part Cloudy.
All the Men (Sawyers excepted) came from the Wood with three Sick People on the large Sled - Rest as before. Two Natives set off to ease those of Yesterday (as I Judge) of their Liquor"

Feb. 6
" Friday Variable light Airs and Breezes Cloudy Mild Weather with Snow.
Labourers partly engaged drawing Goods up to new Plantation. others opening Victualling Hole. Eight Men very bad with the Scurvy &c &c - Sent all the Natives to the North'd to Kill fresh Provisions for us"

Feb. 7
" Satuarday Breezes NE by E part Clear & part Cloudy.
All hands and Sick nearly as Yesterday. Two Sawyers came from the Woods for Provisions and returned. One Hunter came from the Eastward with a few Partridges. - One Native brought a few Rabbits and 2 pair of Snow Shoes which he traded and went away.
Rec'd this Week 250 Partridges 5 Rabbits &c &c"

Feb. 8
" Sunday Breezes NE by E fine and Clear AM afterwards variable and Cloudy with Snow.
The Native of yesterday went to his Tent"

Feb. 9
" Monday Early in the morning a Strong Gale with thick drifting Snow Severe Cold which increased to a Hurricane that unstripped part of the Covering of the Men's Flanker. no one Person could venture out of either House. - In the Evening the Gusts of Wind became so strong that I was apprehensive of the saftey of our Buildings. Men variously employed in House"

Feb. 10
" Variable stiff Breezes from ENE to NW and W by S Clear sharp Weather.
This Morning all hands employed removing Snow which was in many parts within the Works drifted as high as the tops of our Stockadoes, after a pafsage was cleared, engaged as last Week. - James Hall was brought home from the Woods with a severe cut in his leg with a broad Ax. nine Men are at this time in the Sick list."

Feb. 11
" Wednesday Breezes from NW to WSW Clear fine Weather.
Men and Sick as before except Mefs Sutherland and Cook afsisting me sorting small Articles for Inland Trade"

Feb. 12
" Thursday Breezes SW by S Clear Seasonable Weather
Men and Sick as before. - Two Natives came in with a few Partridges which they traded with 2 pair Snow Shoes, engaged them to go to Severn with a Packet."

Feb. 13
" Friday Wind and Weather as Yesterday. Mens employ the same except two Brewing."

Feb. 14
" Satuarday Breezes NNW part clear & part Cloudy.
Men and Sick as before. All the Sawyers came home with Bedding &c from the Woods and one hunter came home with a few Partridges as did two Indians. - Engaged the latter to go to Churchill with a Packet.
Rec'd this Week 156 Partridges 7 Rabbits & 2 Foxes"

Feb. 15
" Sunday Variable Breezes from W by S to NW by N Cloudy Weather.
Closed Packets for Severn and Churchill. Sent off the latter by two Indians whose families are Tenting nearly half way between that Settlement and this place, and is where the few Partridges killed by them this Season has been procured."

Feb. 16
" Monday breezes W by S fine Clear Weather
Mr Cook, James Sutherland and two Indians set off with a Packet to Severn (in which are inclosed the Bay Letters). The Hunter of Yesterday went to his Tent. - Twenty one Men with large Sled drawing Timber (sawed) from Crofs Creek to the New Plantation. three at Hunting Tent. Eight bad with Scurvy, James Hall laid up with a lame leg, rest preparing for Inland, Working for Trade and doing other duties."

Feb. 17
" Tuesday Sly Breezes fine Clear Weather
Men as before - The Pateroon added to the Sick list"

Feb. 18
" Wednesday Wind and Weather till Noon as Yesterday. afterwards Cloudy with Snow. - Men & Sick as before"

Feb. 19
" Thursday Stiff Breezes variable from N by E to NW Cloudy drifting and severe Cold.
Too bad Weather to Work out. Men engaged stowing away Casks in New Flanker."

Feb. 20
" Friday Stiff Breezes variable from NW to E b N Part Clear and part Cloudy.
All hands as on Wednesday except one who, I am sorry to say is added to Sick list."

Feb. 21
" Satuarday Early a Moderate Gale of Wind Ely afterwards a Hurricane with thick drifting Snow and so intensely cold it is with difficulty we keep ourselves from freezing near a large fire. - No working without doors. - One Man came from the Hunting Tent Early with only 50 Partridges, none brought in by Natives, and no prospect of Game being more plenty, will I am afraid much distrefs us and prevent the necefsary duties. - No lefs than twelve Men in the Sick list unable to Work, part of them are helplefs as Children. - Many attribute their Illnefs to eating several pieces of Beef (sent from England) that were in a putrid state and mixed with others fine and good. - The Men were at the Woods and had no Provisions to live on for some time. We found several in this condition which when drest was very offensive. - Mr Southall saw some Pieces and condemned them as unwholesome and unfit for human Eating."

[written in the margin "The Beef alluded? to was drefsed prior to 10 Nov. last on which day Mr Southall pafsed his opinion that it could injure the Constitution? of any who eat there? ? and when drest weighed no more than 1 1/4 lbs each piece"]

Feb. 22
" Sunday Wind and Weather nearly the same as Yesterday. till? the afternoon when it became more Clear and fresh Breezes Nly - Divine Service"

Feb. 23
" Monday Breezes variable from N to NW Cold & Clear.
All hands as on Friday last"

Feb. 24
" Tuesday Wind and Weather as Yesterday - Men's Employ the same"

Feb. 25
" Wednesday Moderate breezes Variable part Clear and part Cloudy. - Mild Weather.
Men and Sick as before"

Feb. 26
" Thursday A fresh Gale NW very severe part clear and part Cloudy.
All hands as before. - Finished hauling the Sawed Timber from French and Crofs Creeks sufficient for the Carpenters to go on with their Work in the Spring at? the breaking up of the River Ice. - 500 Timber Trees hath been cut down there, greatest part are left on the Bank properly secured made into rafts ready to bring home by Water. - Having so many hands disabled by the Scurvy prevents the fire Wood (acrofs the River cut down by order of Mr Martin in 1785) being hauled home which distrefses us - A combinative of circumstances conspires against us this Winter which will I am afraid prevent the duties being so forward as I expected"

Feb. 27
" Friday Breezes NW Clear moderate Weather.
All the able Men employed removing Stores &c to the New Plantation - part of the Sick on recovery"

Feb. 28
" Satuarday Wind and Weather as Yesterday - Men's Employ till 9 OClock AM the same afterwards preparing things in readinefs to leave the Factory on Monday. - One Man came from the Hunting Tent with only 40 Partridges. he says they were killed upwards of 50 Miles from the Factory. - The Natives I sent off the 6th Inst. returned with 366 Partridges and 5 Rabbits. they complain loudly of the scarcity of Game, that they travelled many days together since they left the Factory and never saw a Bird, that the few now killed were procured so far distant that they lay out 4 Nights in coming with them to the House."

March 1 1789
" Sunday Stiff Breezes NW Clear sharp Weather. - All able hands preparing things for the Woods. The Hunter of Yesterday went away in order to bring home Tent and Bedding"

Mar. 2
" Monday Stiff Breezes Ne by E and variable Ely Cloudy and Cold
Sent 23 Men to Tent up the River, 13 of whom to haul fire Wood to the Banks Edge, and ten to cut down Timber discovered by Mefs Sutherland and Cook as mentioned in this Journal 4 Dec. last. - Three men at Hunting Tent the rest at the House (Officers excepted) are Invalids and unfit for Laborious duties. Among these are Peter Clouston, Wm Miller, Robert Meal, Henry Hay, Thomas Linklatter, John Linklatter are as helplefs as Children besides Hugh Wilson the most unprofitable the most Idle man I ever knew. He carries his Sloth to the highest Pitch as not to rise from Bed to ease nature and night after night like a Swine wallows in his own filth he is a great nuisance to the Factory. - Sent off Natives of Satuarday to kill fresh provisions. In the afternoon the Hunters came home with their Tent Bedding &c"

Mar. 3
" Tuesday Breezes NW and Severe Cold.
All hands as before - Late in the Evening two Natives arrived with Letters from Churchill Settlement"

Mar. 4
" Wednesday Light Breezes variable fom N to ESE moderately mild and Clear Weather.
Sent three Men to Tent and Hunt up the River to afsist the Wooders with what fresh provisions they kill. - They took Letters &c for Men. - Rest as before"

Mar. 5
" Thursday ESE Light Breezes part Clear and part Cloudy - All hands as before"

Mar. 6
" Friday Breezes Wly clear and pleasent Weather.
All hands as before. - One Man came from the Woods with Letters &c. Closed Packet for Churchill and Packed up Goods for that Settlement. -"

Mar. 7
" Satuarday Light Breezes Variable from S to SE Clear and pleasent Weather.
This Morning the two Indians that came with Letters from Churchill set off on their return with a Packet &c.
The Man who came from the Woods yesterday went to his Tent and four came for Provisions. they say two or three poor fellows are unable to Work, the Scurvy having disabled them so much. - The rest of Men as before"

Mar. 8
" Sunday Gentle Breezes Sly with Light Snow Mild Weather towards Evening blowing strong Nly with much Snow. - The Men from the Woods Yesterday returned joined by two others who were in the Sick list - Divine Service"

Mar. 9
" Monday Nly Breezes Clear sharp Weather -
Men as last Week"

Mar. 10
" Tuesday Wind and Weather as Yesterday and Men's employ nearly the same."

Mar. 11
" Wednesday Variable breezes from S by E to W AM Cloudy - PM Clear and fine. - All hands nearly as before. - Early this Morning Mefs Southall and Sutherland set off to the Woods, (the former to attend the Sick Men, the latter to examine Work done and give directions to Pateroon) and returned late in the Evening."

Mar. 12
" Thursday Stiff Breezes N by W Clear and Sharp. Men as before"

Mar. 13
" Friday AM Breezes NNW afterwards variable to SSW moderately Mild and Clear.
All hands as before. - In the afternoon the Natives I sent to Churchill the 15th Ult. returnd with a good supply of Gun Flints - But no Rusia Duck, the want of this Article will be much felt when the Men arrive from Inland. The No. 2? Canvas sent out in lieu of Rusia Duck is to weighty for the Sails of Canoes, and for a Tent to be made with it would prevent the Men's taking a full Cargo of Goods from the Factory. especially when wet would be a sufficient burden as they could not convey it over the carrying Places"

Mar. 14
" Satuarday Sly Breezes moderately mild part Clear and part Cloudy very mild and thawing.
Men as before. - Ten Men came from the Woods for Provisions. they brought home one lame and disabled. - One Man came from the Hunting Tent. only 40 Partridges killed by 3 Men in 14 days. This Morning two Indians came to the Factory well loaded with Furrs. As did all the Natives and families who were in search of fresh Provisions for us to the Northward. they say Game is so scarce they have not seen a Partridge for six days past. they brought a few killed soon after they went away.
Rec'd this Week 190 Partridges 1 Quekqueehatch 2 Foxes &c"

Mar. 15
" Sunday Fresh Gales Nly Clear sharp Weather.
Seven Wooders and the Hunter of yesterday went to their respective Tents."

Mar. 16
" Monday AM Breezes NW by W Clear fine and Sharp. PM variable to the S Cloudy and Mild.
Three men who came from the upper Wooding Tent on Satuarday went back. - All the rest & Sick as last Week. The two Indians who arrived on Satuarday traded a few Skins for Articles they wanted and left three good Bundles unopened till they come home in the Spring."

Mar. 17
" Tuesday SSW Breezes fine Clear and pleasent. Men as before."

Mar. 18
" Wednesday fresh Gales variable severe Cold Cloudy and thick drift. - Men as before"

Mar. 19
" Thursday Nly Breezes Cold & Clear. - Men as before. In the afternoon a Native Woman died supposed to have been the Oldest in these parts."

Mar. 20
" Friday NE Breezes fine and Clear. -All hands as before. Mr Cook and two Natives who set off to Severn the 16th Ult. return'd without an Englishman in James Sutherlands' room which will distrefs us, for notwithstanding the Number at this place, we find ourselves too Weak to perform the duties required having so many disabled"

Mar. 21
" Satuarday AM Wind and Weather as Yesterday. AM Cloudy and Severe with variable Breezes. - All hands as before. One Man came from the Hunting Tent.
Rec'd this Week 60 Partridges and 4 Martins"

Mar. 22
" Sunday NW Breezes fine and pleasent Weather
The Hunter of Yesterday went to his Tent. - Sent off eight families of Natives to trapping small furrs for a few days."

Mar. 23
" Monday Light Breezes S by E Clear fine Weather.
All the Men engaged as last Week"

Mar. 24
" Tuesday Variable Breezes from S to N by W part Clear and part Cloudy. - Men as before."

Mar. 25
" Wednesday NE Breezes. - PM variable to NW part clear and part Cloudy with drift.
Men as before. - Mr Sutherland set off to the Wooders and Sawyers Tents to examine the Work done."

Mar. 26
" Thursday AM fresh Gales Sly Cloudy and mild. PM variable Breezes more Clear and Cold. -
Men as before. - Snow Birds made their appearance a sure sign of Springs advance."

Mar. 27
" Friday Strong Gales NNE Cloudy with much drifting Snow and Cold.
Men as before."

Mar. 28
" Satuarday Breezes NE Clear and Sharp. - The Snow fallen yesterday and last night is four feet deep.
All hands as before. - Mr Sutherland returned from the Woods as did six Men for Provisions. Five others very Ill with the Scurvy, unable to Walk, attempted to come to the House. only one reached so far. beside one so helplefs was obliged to be hauled to the Factory on a Sled, the other three could not reach half way, where they remain under the care of the Hunter till afsistance is sent them. - The Factory is again filled with Invalids. no fresh Provisions or Game of any sort Stiring and our English meat turning out so indifferently much distrefses us.
This day a piece of Beef after it was drest weighed only 17 Ounces and another being fine looking part of a Rump only weighed 27 Ounces. (this is poor allowance for four Labouring Men) What is extraordinary we find fine and good with a mixture of bad all in the same Cask which causes much discontent amongst the poor people."

Mar. 29
" Sunday Ely Breezes Clear fine Weather.
The Men who came for Provisions Yesterday went away with Orders to bring home the Sick left at the Hunters Tent. - Divine Service."

Mar. 30
" Monday Wind and Weather as Yesterday.
The Sick Men left at the Hunters Tent on Satuarday brought to the Factory.
I have 12 Men on the Sick list as helplefs as Children besides several others scarcely able to keep their Work The Scurvy rages with such Violence. The rest of Men as before."

Mar. 31
" Tuesday Wind Weather Sick and others as before.
One Man came from the Woods for Medicines for 2 Men that are Violently Ill there."

April 1 1789
" Wednesday A Strong Gale Sly Cloudy Weather with thick drift. Men as before. - The Man that came from the Woods Yesterday returned."

Apr. 2
" Thursday Sly Breezes - Evening variable SSE Mild and thawing - towards Evening Rain. All hands as before - Three Natives came in for a supply of Oatmeal &c say no Game of any sort is Stiring."

Apr. 3
" Friday A Gale of Wind Nly Cloudy and drift.
Men as before - Natives of Yesterday went away."

Apr. 4
" Satuarday Wind as yesterday as was the Weather till Noon when it became more Clear.
All hands as before. - The Carpenters and Sawyers party came from the upper Woods they brought one man home disabled by the Scurvy.
The English Provisions turning out so bad a general discontent and murmur prevail amongst the Men, it is with difficulty I get businefs executed. They brought home pieces of Beef and Pork from the Woods so offensive, unfit for human Eating. The Chief part of Men there has lived for this Week past on Oatmeal, Flour &c &c
Indeed was I to insert the continual Complaints against the Meat my Journal would be filled with them. large are the quantitys of skins of dead Maggots that we have found in our Beef when drest which the Gentlemen at my Table have been often witnefs to as well as myself.
Rec'd 96 Partridges this Week"

Apr. 5
" Sunday Stiff Breezes NNW Clear Cold Weather.
Five of the Men who came home Yesterday went to join those at the Woods. - Two Natives came in with a few Skins. - Divine Service."

Apr. 6
" Monday Wind and Weather as Yesterday.
Carpenters preparing Tools and cleaning Shops. Taylors, Cooper, Armourer and Smith at Work for Trade and Inland. 15 Wooders and two Hunters at the respective Tents. the rest of Labouring Men are very ill and unfit for duty.
Mefs Sutherland, Cook &c afsisting me sorting Goods for Inland. It gives me concern to find nearly half the flints received from Churchill are uselefs. and not sufficient collected out of 5000 to defray the expence of the Packet dispatched purposely for this Article.
Mr Southall fumigated all the Cabbins in Mens House. - his attention and care to the Sick deserves the highest praise.
The Indians of Yesterday Traded and went away."

Apr. 7
" Tuesday Wind and Weather as Yesterday and Men's Employ the same except Carpenters who are cleaning out Ware Houses &c. - Sorting out Goods for Inland &c."

Apr. 8
" Wednesday Breezes Variable from N by W to NE by E Clear and fine.
Mens Employ nearly as before. - Had Goods &c stowed away in security in case of a ? deluge on the breaking up of the River Ice."

Apr. 9
" Thursday Light Breezes NE Cloudy with Snow
Men and Sick as before"

Apr. 10
" Friday Light Airs NE part Clear and part Cloudy
Divine Service"

Apr. 11
" Satuarday Light Airs Sly Clear and mild.
All hands as on Thursday. four Men came from the Woods for provisions as did one Hunter with 20 Partridges"

Apr. 12
" Sunday Wind and Weather nearly as Yesterday.
Men who came from the Woods Yesterday return'd in the night - Divine Service"

Apr. 13
" Monday A fresh Gale Nly part Clear and part Cloudy
Carpenter and afsistant began framing Launch House on New Plantation. Boat builder & afsistant mending Boats &c - Rest of Men and Sick as Last Week."

Apr. 14
" Tuesday Wind as Yesterday Cloudy and drifting Snow
Men unable to Work out variously Employed in House"

Apr. 15
" Wednesday Light Airs and gentle Breezes NNW Clear and fine.
All hands as on Monday - Mr Sutherland went to the Woods with Orders for Men to prepare to bring home Tent &c tomorrow as much Water appears on River Ice."

Apr. 16
" Thursday AM variable Breezes NW to NE Clear fine and mild thaw - PM stiff Breezes Nly freezing Sharp - with? day light all the Men returned from the Woods with their Bedding. a great flow of Water on the River Ice prevented their drawing the large Sled, Tent &c farther than the seven Mile Island where they were obliged to leave it. Rest as before. In the Afternoon three families of Natives came in for the Goose Hunt well loaded with furrs paid their debts and traded a few."

Apr. 17
" Friday Breezes Nly Clear and fine.
Sent off Men early this Morning for Sled &c left up the River Yesterday. - prepared things for Goose Tent to send acrofs the River tomorrow. - Sick as before."

Apr. 18 " Satuarday A Hurricane of Wind with drifting snow,, very dark Cloudy and uncomfortable, No person could shew there face outdoors. - Had all the Cabins Cleaned and fumigated"

Apr. 19
" Sunday A Stiff Breeze Nly Clear and Cold.
This Morning all the Avernues to Ware House were Closed up with Snow six feet deep, which was obliged to be removed before we could pafs."

Apr. 20
" Monday Variable Breezes AM Clear and Cold PM Wind settled Sly with light Snow Cloudy and mild.
Carpenter, Boat builder and Armourer at home. All other able hands sent with things to Goose Tent at the River Fourteens. - Wm Sinclair and two Men left to serve out Powder &c to Natives. - Two Men added to Sick list as is Mr Sutherland."

Apr. 21
" Tuesday Breezes NE Clear and fine.
All hands as Yesterday. - Sent Cooper to repair Casks at the Fourteens Goose Tent. The Natives who came in the 16th finished Trade."

Apr. 22
" Wednesday AM Stiff Gales Nly with drifting Snow PM Variable and very Cloudy.
Too bad Weather for people to venture out. - Had all the Cabins Cleaned and fumigated - The number of Sick requires all the attention of those who are able to afsist them. It is impofsible to exprefs my anxiety having so many disabled Men around me, others daily falling bad and no fresh provisions to be got so much distrefs us that I know not what to do. - God I hope will send speedy relief. - The Scurvy rages with violence and some Men are so Bad it is with difficulty they are removed from their beds. - Scarcely one person at this place but is tainted with this disorder - And It is almost impofsible to describe the Malady that rages amongst us which is attended with a kind of putrifaction, the Teeth loosen the Gums swell, a quantity of loose dark flesh is cut off daily from the afflicted before they can take any kind of Subsistance. The Patients Legs swell which are much discoloured they are disabled and contracted in their Limbs as to render them objects of Comifseration - Their breath is so offensive as to be almost unbearable, and a lownefs of spirits attends the whole afflicted which if it should prove fatal to anyone, I am apprehensive a great mortality would ensue, notwithstanding all our care and exertions."

Apr. 23
" Thursday Stiff Breezes Ely drift and Cold.
All able Men went with the large Sled for Boat left at Ten Shilling Creek last fall, afterwards exercising small Arms. Cooper came from the Fourteens River having repaired all the empty Casks left there. "

Apr. 24
" Friday Variable Breezes from E to S Clear and fine.
Carpenter and Boat builder with their afsistants at their respective occupations. Armourer, Cooper, Smith and Taylors at work for Trade and Inland. three at the Goose Tent, five wheeling Snow, all the rest 21 in number with the Pateroon laid up with the Scurvy.
Three families of Natives came in for the Goose Hunt paid their debts and Traded with the flesh of two Beaver wt 42 lbs.
The Natives had their usual annual treat prior to the Goose Hunt."

Apr. 25
" Satuarday Stiff Breezes S by E Clear and fine.
Men and Sick nearly as Yesterday
Forty two Natives (Old and Young) went away to the fourteens River Goose Tent, amongst only 6 Men Hunters."

Apr. 26
" Sunday Wind and Weather as Yesterday AM sharp frost PM Mild and fine. - Divine service. Sent Mr Sutherland and two Men to Flambro House and Crofs Nelson River to look for Deer and other Game"

Apr. 27
" Monday Wind as before Mild and thawing.
All able Tradesmen as before. fourteen Men very bad with the Scurvy unable to move ? several others with afsistance of Sticks walk with much pain doing trifling Jobs such as slinging Inland Rundlets, making pegs &c &c &c &c
- laid out a piece of Ground to Erect a Building on New Plantation to serve as a Temporary dwelling for the Sick to be removed before the breaking up of the River Ice."

Apr. 28
" Tuesday SW Breezes part Clear and part Cloudy.
Hunters and Sick as before - All able hands afsisting the building a Temporary dwelling on New York Plantation. - Sent several Casks of Powder to the Flanker erected as a security."

Apr. 29
" Wednesday Variable light Breezes Clear & fine.
All hands as Yesterday. - four of the Sick very dangerously Ill.
Two families of Natives came in for the Goose Hunt. Geese seen near the House - Much Water on the River Ice."

Apr. 30
" Thursday Breezes variable Sly Cloudy Weather towards Evening Rain.
The Men as before till Noon when part began packing Goods for Inland.
The Natives that came in Yesterday set off to the fourteens River Goose Tent. - Five Indians came in from thence for Provisions and for their Canoes. they are very fearful of a great inundation on the breaking up of the River Ice. - they say the Snow is deeper than they ever before saw it at this Season of the Year. - Indeed it is from 6 to 10 feet deep around us, at present I have only Avernues cut from House to House thro' which we walk for we have not sufficient able hands to remove it as usual.
the Natives who came from the fourteens River this day brought the Melancholy Intelligence that two of the Englishmen at the Goose Tent are very Ill with the Scurvy and unable to walk out. - And what is very Singularly extraordinary several Indians that eat of the tainted salt Beef which I gave them (several pieces) are afflicted to a Violent degree with that disorder.
Rec'd 4 Geese."

May 1 1789
" Friday Variable Breezes SSW clear fine Weather.
All able hands engaged conveying Sick &c &c Bedding? &c &c on Sleds to the Temporary Building erected for the purpose on the New plantation amongst whom are? Peter Clouston, Wm Miller, Robert Meal, Thomas Sinclair, Henry Hay, Thomas Linklater, John Ward and Robert Taylor are very dangerously Ill and past hopes of recovery unlefs kind providence sends us speedy supplies. - Eleven others at the House are so disabled in their Limbs it is with pain they move about. - Sorry am I to say we are but four that are clear of the Sick list. - Amongst the Tradesmen who are unable for duty are the Carpenter, Bricklayer, Armourer, three Sawyers and Pateroon which almost stops businefs having no more than two labouring Men fit for Work, one of whom attends the Sick at New Factory the other those at the House."

May 2
" Satuarday Strong Gales of Wind Nly with drifting Snow and Sleet very Cloudy
Early this Morning Mr Sutherland and Men return'd unsuccefsful no Game stiring or Track of Deer seen. They crofsed Nelson River Yesterday near Flambro House and soon after most of the Ice broke up. Too bad Weather for Work without doors. all able hands engaged packing Goods for Inland. Sick as before."

May 3
" Sunday Variable Breezes all round the Compafs part Clear and part Cloudy.
Engaged on Inland duties the whole day"

May 4
" Monday Breezes NE by E and variable E morning Cloudy and Cold afterwards fine clear and Moderately Mild.
Bricklayer very bad obliged to remove him to the Hospital on the New Plantation. - The Sick there and at the House in a deplorable state. - All able Men engaged packing Goods for Inland except Mr Sutheerland and one Man who went up the River to Hunt for Game. killed four Geese. - Blefs God for this small supply."

May 5
" Tuesday NE Breezes and variable Ely Cold and part? Clear
All hands and Sick as before - No Geese flying. In the afternoon two Natives came in for the Goose hunt well loaded with Furrs paid their debts and Traded. Engaged them to go up the River to look for Deer early tomorrow Morning as many lives depend on a quick supply of fresh provisions. - Obliged to send one Man to the Hospital this day very bad. Mr Southall Snow blind."

May 6
" Wednesday Wind as Yesterday Raw Cold with light Snow
At day light sent off the Indians engaged Yesterday to look for Deer and other Game.
Men and Sick as before - A Man attempted with three Dogs to go to the Fourteens River Tent for Geese but was obliged to return as French Creek Ice broke up early this Morning which filled the South Channel with Water as to render it impafsable. finished packing Goods for Inland except Brazil Tobacco of which Article I cannot spare one half their Indent requires - The Tobacco sent from Churchill is as bad as any I have seen in this Country, therefore avoided breaking into the Rolls till Mr Tomison examines them on his Arrival from Inland. - That sent from England (pr last Ship) gave great satisfaction to Natives and I have not a doubt but YF Trade will be benifitted on account of this Commodity being of so good a quality."

May 7
" Thursday Fresh Gales Nly Cold and drifting Snow.
Sick as before. Sent two Men to hunt at the back of this Island. all rest of able Men employed securing things in case of a heavy deluge
Two families of Natives came in and paid their debts. One of the Men unfortunately hath lost the use of one hand by the bursting of a Gun he had from the Factory since Xmas. he has a large family who will with himself become dependant on the Factory."

May 8
" Friday Wind and Weather nearly as before Severe frost and very Cold. Men's employ and Sick as yesterday. The Natives who came in Yesterday set off to their friends at the fourteens River Goose Tent. they say no Game or other provisions is stiring on this Island."

May 9
" Satuarday Strong Gales of Wind Nly severe Cold and drift. - Men and Sick as before. - Unpacked all the Kettles sent out last Year. Am sorry to find them more Weighty than any I have seen at this place. And am fearful not one will be traded on the present Standard. - Having had much dealing (and my long Connection) with Braziers and Copper Smiths, I am well acquainted with the Finefse practised by these Traders. whenever their Goods is contracted for or paid by Weight, it is a rule to load their Work with bulky and heavy Articles. - The Kettles sent out here come under this description, as the Iron work for Bails and what goes round its rim of each is nearly the Weight of Brafs in them, all which are Weight together and the same price paid. But this is always avoided when their work is done pr piece it being more to their advantage to make them light.
Your honors I hope will pardon my giving opinion on this or any other Article of Goods. - I have no other view than a sincere wish of pleasing? and giving satisfaction to Natives I Trade with, and my employers Interest is my sole object.
Your honors would find a great and considerable saving annually if Kettles to be made in future were to be contracted or paid for size (instead of Weight), good Workmanship and patern (they would be sufficiently light) More than double the quantity would be traded here and Indians would not fly to the Canadian Traders for them which they do at present.
How mortifying to see Natives bring Goods of this kind with other articles to the Factory (purchased from the Pedlars) and sell them on the Plantation to other Indians for Cheaper than I can afford.
If Kettles were to be packed in Cases when sent in to this Country would prevent their being bruised? and otherwise damaged, which is always the case where they are packed in Casks. Indeed I have found all articles of Trading Goods more injured? when packed in the latter, than those of the same quality in Cases, the reason is obvious, more care is taken of it and when placed in its birth remains firm. the contrary is the case with a Cask which is rolled from place to place the motion of which injures its contents be it ever so carefully packed."

May 10
" Sunday Wind and Weather nearly as Yesterday
One Man came from the Hunting Tent at the back of this Island says he has not seen a bird or game of any sort since he has been absent except a few Snow Birds."

May 11
" Monday Wind and Weather as before.
Three Men at the fourteens River Goose Tent Two on the back of this Island. Mefs Sutherland & Bird went to the Marsh to sleep out for a few nights.
Twenty three laid up with the Scurvy unable for duty part of whom in a very deplorable condition. indeed almost every person at the Factory is under Mr Southalls care to prevent the healthy from being afflicted with the dreadful disorder that rages amongst the poor Men. -
Let the feeling heart Judge my anxiety - surrounded as I am with such a number of crippled and disabled objects pining under one of the worst of maladies. the rest of Men under my Command apprehensive of falling victims to it dayly, listlefs and I may say lifelefs in their businefs which is nearly at a stand. In want of fresh Provisions and none to be got. that from England refused by every one. it is now three Weeks since any has been served out except Bacon, one half of which cannot be eat it is so ranced and rusty? the people are fearful of its having the same baneful effects as the other Meat. The Cheese and Butter is the only thing eatable in the WareHouse, if we except Flour and other Grain, a quantity of which is drest daily under the inspection of myself and Officers and served out amongst the people at their meals with other ingredients therein to make it palatable. indeed it is a shocking sight to see the reduced state of almost every one at this place.
Not that I fare better for it is now six Weeks since we eat of Meat at my Table except a few Snow Birds that have been killed by Officers around the House."

[In the margin "NB The fresh Geese &c&c so soon ? were drest and equally shared? amongst the Sick"]

May 12
" Tuesday Light Airs and moderate Breezes. - Variable part Clear and part Cloudy.
Hunters and Sick as before. - All able hands variously employed. Had a few deer Snares set in the open places where the Snow is melted. the Hedge remains covered in the Woods."

May 13
" Wednesday Wind Nly Cloudy and Cold
Men as before. One Man came from Mr Sutherland and hunters with 13 Geese."

May 14
" Thursday NEly Wind Clear Cold Weather
Men and Sick as before. Mefs Sutherland &c came from the Marsh with only two Geese."

May 15
" Friday Stiff Breezes NE by E part Clear and part Cloudy and raw Cold. Morning a thick Rime. Men and Sick as before. - Two Natives came from the fourteens River Goose Tent for Provisions and Medicines. - Many of the Natives are afflicted with the Scurvy to a violent degree as are the English men there. one of them so bad as not to be able to move out of the Tent or help himself, they want afsistance but I have not one Man to send as all the Labourers are laid up, two accepted whose whole time is taken up attending the Sick. The Natives returned to their Tent say no Geese are flying nor will there be till the Wind changes to the Southward."

May 16
" Satuarday A strong Gale Nly freezing? sharp very Cold Cloudy and drifting.
All able hands variously employed in House, too bad Weather to work out."

May 17
" Sunday Wind and Weather as Yesterday with Snow very uncomfortable. - Divine Service. One Man came from the Tent on this Island with only one Goose. - The weather of late having been so cold pinches the Sick severely."

May 18
" Monday Wind and Weather the same till ten AM when it shifted and became variable mild and Cloudy. PM it return'd to its old quarter with Sleet and Rain raw Cold.
Mr Sutherland went to the Marsh as did the Hunter to his Tent. Sick Men very bad. - Our hands are now reduced to ten fit for duty Officers included who are variously engaged. - All businefs in the building way is at a stand, indeed it is with difficulty we muster sufficient to attend the Sick. it is impofsible to exprefs on Paper our deplorable Situation."

May 19
" Tuesday Light Airs Nly Cloudy mild Weather till towards Evening when it came on a thick fogg and raw Cold. - Men as before."

May 20
" Wednesday Wind Weather and Mens employ the same."

May 21
" Thursday Light Airs Ely Clear mild Weather PM it varied to its old Cold Quarter. - Mens Employ as before.
Swans, Weyways, Plover and small Water Fowl seen today, a sure sign the River Ice upwards has given way tho we have no sign at present near us, as no Water yet pafsed along Shore and the Ice appears firm as at Christmas. - For the latter end of May we have a gloomy prospect around us, our Gardens, Plantation, and within the Works remain covered with Snow several feet deep."

May 22
" Friday Light Airs Sly and variable Wly Clear fine Weather
Men as before. God be praised for Change of Weather as I am in hopes of receiving some comfortable supplies. - Mr Sutherland and hunters sent home 31 Geese and 10 Ducks."

May 23
" Satuarday Variable Light Airs and gentle Breezes almost round the Compafs, very warm Clear Weather.
Men as before. Mr Southall went to see Mr Sutherland who hurt himself by a fall on the Ice on the back of this Island.
This Evening the River Ice upwards began breaking up as did the South Channel with a tremenundious loud Noise."

May 24
" Sunday AM Wind and Weather as yesterday PM Easterly Breezes Clear and fine.
At 1 OClock AM the River Ice gave way in several places facing the Factory but all remains firm below (and above us to the Mile Sand where it's piled very lofty) as the Water hath a free pafsage on the opposite Channel, I am in hope we Have no danger to fear from it - Mr Southall returned from Mr Sutherland - Sent a Man and Dogs to his Tent for Geese"

May 25
" Monday Pleasant Breezes SSE Clear fine Weather.
All hands and Sick much the same as last Monday. The River Ice much the same as Yesterday, large is the quantity of small broken Ice that's forced by the Current under the fast Body"

May 26
" Tuesday Wind and Weather as Yesterday. Mens Employ the same.
The River Ice in motion several times and in the Evening we had a Clear Channel but much Ice left on Shore, Flats, and Islands."

May 27
" Wednesday Variable pleasant Breezes mild Weather. Cut a pafsage thro the Ice left on Shore and Launched a Boat into the Water. took four with me up the River to try for fish and look for Vegetables for the Sick. returned unsuccefsful too great a Current in the River for fish and no vegetable has yet made an appearance out of the Ground.
Mr Sutherland and Hunters came home from the Goose Tent on this Island."

May 28
" Thursday fresh Breezes Nly Cloudy and Cold towards Evening Hail and Snow.
Men and Sick as before. - Had the Trading Room Stored with Goods and Ware Houses Cleaned for the reception of Native furrs who are now daily expected to arrive.
The two Indians I engaged the 6th Instant to hunt up the River came to the factory with one Canoe load of Venison - God be praised for these supplies. tho many of the Men are reduced to so Weak a State as not to be able to take the least subsistance.
Looking over Mr Southalls Memorandum Book 'State of the Sick' under his care. I find a paragraph which with his permifsion I insert in this Journal

Extract of Paragraph from Mr N D Southalls Memorandums
-' What must be the disadvantages have been that we have laboured under. In an extreme ? frozen Climate, so many degrees Northward, A winter nearly two thirds of the Year, an uncommon scarcity of fresh Provisions. The People are obliged to live on salted Beef and Pork and that, shocking to say, so untolerable putrid when boiled as to be unfit for human sustenance and much of it could be no otherwise expended than being thrown away as Carrion to the Dogs. Some Old Natives residing on the Plantation requested a few pieces which they Eat. their blood soon became tainted.
This putrid state of the Meat was too well evinced by the eye alone, setting aside the sense of smelling. - When the knife was put in to it we had often, very often, the disgusting Sight of the remains of a heap of Maggots, which had gone thro double purgations? of salt and boiling for it must be plain to common reason that such appearances in the Meat could not be produced at any other time than prior to its being put into pickle. nor is it unreasonable to suppose that even the method of curing it had been put in practise in a carelefs and heedlefs manner -
Be this supposition as it may? I take God to Witnefs the Sincerity and ? of my afserting that I firmly believe, and that from strict observation, that the whole and sole cause of Scurvy breaking out amongst the People was the putrid unsound state of the salted Provisions from England. - For me to make any reflection on the Conduct of the Contractor of this Article would be both impertinant and unecefsary as plain fact and unbiased opinion is all I have to do with it.
Suffice it however to say that he must surely feel a thorn in his own conscience for such an Act and every honest human Man must condemn him.'
N.D. Southall

We whose names are hereunto subscribed having read over the above paragraph Do attest that the Beef Pork and also great part of the Bacon sent from England last year is very offensive to the sight smell and taste and unfit for human eating. and that for several Weeks we have been obliged to subsist without scarcely tasting Meat. As the ? Effects of the salted Provisions have been severely felt by almost the whole of the Men at this Factory who are reduced to a deplorable Weak emutiated? state as to stop businefs. only two Labouring hands are free from the Scurvy fit for duty.
Jos. Colen. Resident
George Sutherland
William Cook
James Bird "

May 29
" Friday A fresh Gale Nly severe frost and very Cold.
All hands variously employed in House. Sick as before"

May 30
" Satuarday Wind and Weather as Yesterday
Men and Sick the same."

May 31
" Sunday Light Airs and gentle Breezes variable all round the Compafs clear and fine
Divine Service."

June 1 1789
" Monday Light Breezes Sly clear and fine
Had a few Deer Snares set and Hedge mended. Sick as before. Saw a smoak at French Creek sent Men in a Boat to enquire the cause on their return say The Hunters at the fourteens River Goose Tent are in want of Gun Flints. those they have are so bad will give no fire. that not half the Geese will be killed in consequence.
The Natives who were up the River Hunting came to the factory with the flesh of two Deer. one Bungee family came in."

June 2
" Tuesday Light pleasant Breezes variable fine & clear
Sent Men in a Boat to the fourteens River with Gun flints. - Mr Southall accompanied them to see the Sick & Returned with the flesh of a Deer killed by Mr Sinclair Yesterday.
The Natives of Yesterday traded and paid And in the evening two Canoes arrived with four Men. they brought 154 lbs Venison."

June 3
" Wednesday AM light Airs variable very sultry with Thunder. PM gusts of Wind variable with Rain. Able? hands variously employed. Mr Sutherland very Ill with the Rhumatism - Sick as before - Part of Natives paid their debt and traded."

June 4
" Thursday fresh Gales NE very Cold part clear and part Cloudy - Men and Sick as before."

June 5
" Friday Early AM stiff Breezes ENE Cold and cloudy middle part of the day a strong Gale from the same quarter at times hail and Sleet. latter part of day more moderate
Men and Sick as before. - The Natives that arrived the 2nd Inst. finished Trade and went away. also those of the 1st were afsisted by Englishmen in a Boat acrofs the River. which return'd with one man from the Goose Tent. - the Hunters are waiting at french Creek to be brought home tomorrow"

June 6
" Satuarday Fresh Breezes Ely clear and fine. -
All able hands acrofs the River for English and Natives from Goose Tent. - Paid them for killing 673 Geese &c afterwards all the Men (Natives) were afsisted acrofs to their families at french Creek.
In the afternoon two families of Bungee Natives arrived they brought 96 lbs Venison"

June 7
" Sunday SW Breezes pleasant clear Weather.
Mr Southall with four Men went up the River in a Boat to try for fish and collect Vegetables for Sick Men. Caught 18 lbs fine Troute.
Natives of yesterday paid their debts and traded."

June 8
" Monday AM pleasant Breezes Sly afterwards a strong Gale from the same quarter.
Sent two Men in a Boat to afsist four sick Men to Ten Shilling Creek were they are to Tent try for fish and collect Vegetables. rest of able hands went to get Shallop into the River in order to get her near the House to be repaired? Tide to low to float her. Set three Nets. - The sick are much better Blefs God in their health tho very weak. 16 are unable to be removed from their Beds.
The Natives of Satuarday went away. And? Sent one family up the River to look for Deer. - Two Indians came from acrofs the River with two Guns and went away so soon as repaired"

June 9
" Tuesday Variable Breezes part clear and part Cloudy. Sultry part of the day and PM gentle Showers of Rain. Muskeatoes made their appearance.
Had the Shallop brought to the Sloop's Creek to be repaired and long Boat rigged ready for her going to the fourteens tomorrow for Geese. Had the Seine drawn. no Luck. Sick as before.
Two Canoes of Home Guards came in (many others are drinking up the River with the Bungees that left the factory Yesterday) Two Natives came from acrofs the River - Rec'd 169 lbs Venison."

June 10
" Wednesday Fresh Gales Sly part clear and part Cloudy.
Eight Men attempted to go to the fourteens River for Geese but were obliged to return the Wind being too strong for their Boat.
The Men at Ten Shilling Creek came home with 60 lbs of Fish. seven Canoes of homeguard Natives came in well loaded with furrs and with them one family of Bungees that left the factory on Monday"

June 11
" Thursday Variable Breezes with Rain Cloudy and Sultry
The eight Men as Yesterday with Long Boat & ? set off to the fourteens River for Geese. Sick as before. Part of Natives paid debts and traded"

June 12
" Friday AM variable stiff Breezes and Gusts of Wind Clear Cold Weather PM fresh Gales Nly Cloudy & raw Cold.
The Men return'd from the fourteens with Geese. All the Natives paid their debts and finished Trade. blows too strong for them to crofs the River. The Bungee Natives set off."

June 13
" Satuarday Fresh Breezes E & E by N part clear and part Cloudy
all able hands variously engaged. The 4 Men came from Ten Shilling Creek with their Bedding part of them so far recovered as I hope will be able to do duty on Monday. - The Sick at the Hospital and those at the House are much better Tho I am sorry to say the few (at this place) that escaped the Scurvy begin to feel symptoms of that dreadful disorder
All of the Native Home Guards set off acrofs the River to Hunt for Deer. except one I engaged to accompany an Englishman up the River.
Rec'd this Week 196 lbs Venison 125 lbs fish & 100 lbs Beavers flesh"

June 14
" Sunday Light Airs and gentle Breezes variable Clear and fine.
Sent James Batt and Indian man up the River to Hunt and fish. Mefs Southall and Sutherland went with four Men to ten Shilling Creek to try for fish and Meat, Vegetables for the Sick."

June 15
" Monday Light Breezes Sly part clear & part Cloudy very sultry Muskatoes numerous and troublesome.
Early this Morning sent three Men to the Woods beyond Pennycutway River for Shallop Mast &c &c The rest of able men variously employed packing Furrs &c &c. four of the Sick on duty. The rest on the recovery, except Hugh Wilson a man of all others, the most unmanageable in sicknefs or in health, he is a great nuisance, and no one will suffer him in their Cabbins, he is obliged to lay in a Truck bed in the Guard Room which he has almost rendered unbearable by his filth. What to do with him I know not. Neither entreaties or threats will prevail to excise him from his bed, sometimes for days together until his humor prompts him to get up. Never was there a Man so Indolent. God forbid I shall ever have his equal under me. -
The Native I sent up the River hunting returned with a few fish. ? in the evening nine Canoes of Home Guards arrived. they complain of great scarcity of provisions, that their families nearly perished thro want. they picked up an Indian family almost starved (strangers) whom they brought with them in a very deplorable condition.
Rec'd 166 lbs venison and 36 lbs fish."

June 16
" Tuesday Wind and Weather as Yesterday. Muskatoes numerous and troublesome.
All able hands sent acrofs the River to raft home Timber, Plank &c &c. part of Natives paid debts and traded."

June 17
" Wednesday Light Airs variable all round the Compafs Sultry and Cloudy AM PM gentle Showers of Rain. Thunder and Lightning - Muskatoes very troublesome and numerous.
The Men and Sick as before. Those I sent to Pennycutway River on Monday returnd with Mast, Boom &c &c for Shallop.
All the Natives paid their debt and traded. Stopped a debt of the Stranger (that came in the 15th) of 18 Br owing to Mr Jefferson at Churchill. All of them crofsed the River (except two Hunting in Marsh). One Canoe of Bungees came in Traded and set off immediately and soon after six Canoes of the same Tribe arrived all Men.
Caught one Deer in Snare wt. ? lbs"

June 18
" Thursday fresh Breezes NE by E Clear and fine
Sent three Men to Marsh for three Deer killed by Natives Yesterday. afterwards they were afsisted acrofs the River. The Men came home from french Creek with three floats of squared Timber &c &c."

June 19
" Friday Wind and Weather as yesterday
All able hands on new Plantation carrying up Timber &c
Mefs Sutherland, Cook and Bird afsisting me? in? Trading Room with Bungee Natives of Wednesday who paid debt and finished Trade and in the afternoon they all went away. Soon after four Canoes of North River Indians arrived."

June 20
" Satuarday A strong Gale NE by N morning clear afternoon Cloudy and Cold with Rain.
All able hands afsisting Packing furrs
Rec'd this Week 445 lbs Venison 35 lbs dryed Meat 40 lbs fatt 42 lbs Beaver flesh and 60 lbs fish."

June 21
" Sunday Stiff Breezes NE by N part clear and part Cloudy.
The North River Natives paid debt and traded"

June 22
" Monday AM variable light Airs and Breezes part clear and part Cloudy with Showers of Rain PM stiff Breezes and clear
Able hands variously engaged digging Garden &c Had Rundlets filled with Brandy &c for Inland Trade. the time it took up to make them tight? exceeded any former Year. their staves was so full of Worm Holes which is more trouble to repair than make new ones. Afterwards engaged packing furrs.
Two Natives came from acrofs the River for Provisions, say they are all starving as no Deer or Game of any sort is to be seen in that quarter.
Caught one Deer in Hedge."

June 23
" Tuesday AM light Airs and thick fogg. PM Breezes NE clear and fine
Men as Yesterday. The Natives of Friday last went away as did those that came for Provisions Yesterday. they begged not to be served out any English meat. they say it contains poison. I hear their bitter reflections on English Provisions cuts me to the Heart and I am very apprehensive this Trade will be greatly injured in consequence. They appear scrupulous? of taking any thing of eatables from us and when Beef and Pork has been offered them they took it and immediately throw it into the River. Not an Englishman at this factory will eat it and Country Provisions proving so scarce I have not been able to serve out full allowance for a long time past."

June 24
" Wednesday Light AM variable and foggy PM stiff Breezes NE and Ely clear Weather.
Sent five Men in Boat to old Shallop that lies wrecked on the Eastern Shore for Timbers &c as mentioned in this Journal 25 Sept last. rest of able Men variously employ'd
James Batt and Indian I sent to hunt up the River the 14 Inst. return'd, says no Game of any kind is stiring. Since they have been absent only killed 44 lbs fish. blefs God we have been more fortunate as our Nets produce a few for the Sick daily. Caught one Deer in Hedge and one killed at the Factory"

June 25
" Thursday A dead Calm AM afterwards fresh Breezes Ely clear and fine.
Early this Morning the Men came with Shallop Timbers from the Eastward. all the rest of able hands with Mr Sutherland repairing and lengthening Deer hedge."

June 26
" Friday AM stiff Breezes Ely clear and fine. PM a strong Gale from the same quarter. Cloudy and Cold. Sent Tradesmen and all able hands with part of the Sick who are capable to handle an Oar (in the whole 17 Men) in three Boats to the Woods to raft home Timber &c."

June 27
" Satuarday A strong Gale Ely clear and fine. All hands as before.
Rec'ed this Week 352 lbs Venison 3 Tongues & 73 lbs fish"

June 28
" Sunday AM fresh Breezes Ely Cloudy and Cold Noon clear PM a dead Calm and mild
Early this Morning three Canoes of HomeGuard Natives came in loaded with green and dryed Venison which they traded and went away. Two Bungee Natives arrived with a few furrs scarcely sufficient to pay their debts. they say Mr Tomison traded all their furrs eight days ago as they were coming to the factory when they parted, there being too little Water in the River upwards for the Navagations of large Canoes. Trusted those Natives small debts for Summers hunt (to pay in dried Meat &c in the fall) they went away in the afternoon."

June 29
" Monday Light Airs and gentle Breezes Ely part clear and part Cloudy.
Mr Sutherland took four of the Cripples in a Boat to the Woods with two days fresh Venison for the Men there. the rest as on Friday last.
All the Sick Men came from Hospital (on new Plantation) to the factory afsisted by Mr Sutherland and Boat &c. Obliged to erect a Tent within the Works for Hugh Wilson to sleep. he is so notoriously filthy no person can live in the House with him."

June 30
" Tuesday Wind and Weather as Yesterday the Men the same"

July 1 1789
" Wednesday Light Airs Nly Cloudy with heavy showers of Rain.
Early this Morning a North River Native came in for Paint?, Tobacco &c &c to carry to his friends who are waiting at the back of this Island for the Tide to bring them round the point of Marsh and in the afternoon they arrived in 15 Canoes. ? Canadian Pedlars have been among them and that those ? are going to build a House within three days Journey of this place. In the evening three Canoes of play green Indians arrived. they afsisted Mr Tomison from Lake Ouinnipeg and tells me he will be here tomorrow"

July 2
" Thursday Light Airs Ely and NE part clear and part Cloudy
As soon as day appeared Mr Tomison arrived with 49 Englishmen three Canadians and about 17 Natives arrived in twenty four Large and six Small Canoes. - In the afternoon three Natives came from the Eastward with a small supply of Venison Ducks &c. Three Canoes of Indians came in to Trade."

July 3
" Friday Light Airs variable clear & ? Sultry. Muskatoes numerous and troublesome.
Factory Men carrying Wood up the Bank. Three Canoes of Indians arrived with furrs entrusted to their care by Mr Tomison - part of the North River Natives paid debts and Traded."

July 4
" Satuarday Wind and Weather as yesterday till Noon afterwards Showers of Rain with heavy Thunder and Lightening. - Muskatoes exceeding Numerous and troublesome.
Men's employ the same Inland Servants packing furrs. part of Natives traded."

July 5
" Sunday AM variable Airs and light Breezes PM a thick fogg with gusts of Wind ENE and towards evening Rain.
Engaged in Trading Room all day.
Three Canoes of Bungee Natives came in as did three Musqua Rat River Indians. - Each Tribe have left best part of their furrs with the Canadians. The former traded at a House seated? at the poplar River and the latter near the sweet Herb Lake on the top of Churchill River. This shows how injurious these incroachments are to the Honble Company. I see with concern for not a gang of Natives hath come this Season ? but traded part? with them (my home Guards excepted) this I am so confident of as very few barely paid their contracted debts owing to me. Which had we but sufficient and large supply of good able Men and good Goods I will venture to affirm that the whole of the Canadians would soon be extirpated from these parts or at least driven so far from us as to prevent their doing any injury to these Northern Settlements.
But your honors positive orders for so many Servants (the chief part Steersmen) to return home this Seaon will very much distrefs the Inland Trade, for not half the Goods wanted can be taken to the upper Settlements. this together with the dreadful Malady that raged at this factory all last Winter which disabled so many Men, only three are recovered fit to supply their places. - This will give the Canadians opportunity to make further incroachments in your honors territories and inable them to establish those connections more fully among the Natives who are well inclined towards us. The Houses that are erected near and in different directions from this place have already done great Injury and weaned the affections of many Indians from the Honble Companys Interest. What then must we expect when Houses are erected among my home Guard Natives from whom I learn the Pedlars are making preparations to build this fall (on the side of the Deers Lake) which is but three or four days Journey from York. It is not the presents we make to Indians that will stop them from visiting the Pedlars.they are to fickle disposition and void of gratitude to remember past favours. and too indolent to go any great distance for goods when they can be supplied near at hand. and their propensity for Liquor is such that alone is temptation sufficient for them to dispose of their furrs so soon as killed. and all that wintered near Canadian Houses disposed of their prime furrs to them and paid their debts at York with Skins killed in the Spring. I am too well afsured of their proceeding and cannot prevent it without sending people to reside amongst the Natives and the want of Men will frustrate all the designs that hath been planned for securing the Trade for the Honble Company which I am fearful will be on the decline for some years to come without immediate exertions to prevent it."

July 6
" Monday Variable Gusts of wind with Showers of Rain and Cloudy.
Factory Men employed carrying Wood from the River to Pile. Too bad Weather to pack Furrs. variously engaged on Inland duties. Traded with part of Natives. Sent three Indians hunting no luck."

July 7
" Tuesday Strong Gales of Wind NE by E Cloudy Cold Weather with very much Rain.
Too bad weather to work out. All hands variously employed on Inland duties. - Early this Morning one of my Indian Hunters came in with the flesh of two Deer which was immediately distributed among the Men. - Sent four Indians up to the Steel River to hunt for us. God knows what we shall do if kind providence doth not send us speedy supplies for we do not have five days Provisions for all hands in the House. I mean Geese and Salted Venison for the Men positively refuse to take any of the English Meat."

July 8
" Wednesday Variable Winds AM Cloudy PM fine and Clear.
Part of Men carrying Wood from River to Pile. Inland Men packing furrs. Fifteen Canoes of North River, three of Bungee, five from the Playgreen and three Musqua Rat River Natives went away and three Canoes of Indians from the Eastward with a little dried Meat says Deer are scarce and their families starving. After receiving Flour Pease &c they return'd to their Tent. - Smoaked with the Natives that came with Mr Tomison, three of whom are from the Swan River Tribe mentioned in my Journal 9 July 1787. they came purposely to invite Englishmen to settle in their Country. the Canadians have many Houses erected among them who have been very succefsful in collecting furrs, but the traders take every advantage of them, they earnestly begged that Englishmen might be sent with them. But this is impofsible for us to perform, as Men will be wanting to carry up Goods to our established Settlements."

July 9
" Thursday Variable Light Airs and gentle Breezes Sly part clear and part Cloudy. Latter part of the day very sultry and Muskatoes very troublesome
Men finished carrying Wood up the Bank. Inland Servants packing furrs. The Cowentothinue Natives traded."

July 10
" Friday AM Breezes Sly fine and clear PM Cloudy and Sultry. Muskatoes numerous and troublesome.
All hands variously engaged on Inland duties. - opening Bundles and repacking them &c. The Natives that traded Yesterday set off."

July 11
" Satuarday Strong Gales of Wind Eastly very Cold part clear PM Cloudy with Showers of Rain.
All hands as Yesterday. - Paid Natives for carrying Goods Inland."

July 12
" Sunday Pleasant Breezes Ely clear and fine.
Engaged on Inland duties the whole day. The Natives I sent up the River last Tuesday returned with the flesh of one small Deer. - Collected Bundles of Goods for Natives to carry Inland."

July 13
" Monday Light Airs and moderate Breezes Ely Clear and fine.
Sent 6 Men to raft home Slabs &c from French Creek. All the rest on Inland duties. finished packing furrs brought from thence. -
Seven Canoes of Indians set off with Trading Goods to Cumberland House. - Ten Canoes of Natives came from the Eastward with Pease? &c &c say their families are starving. - No Deer or Game of any sort stiring. Indeed our distrefs is great we have no Meat of any kind to eat but what is stored for the Men to carry Inland."

July 14
" Tuesday Light Airs and Breezes Sly and variable Wly Clear fine Weather. Sharp frost in the morning and Cold. day Sultry and Warm with numerous Muskatoes.
Went to french Creek where all my home Guards are Tenting. - Sent 9 Indians different Routs Hunting and fourteen with two Englishmen went up the River to haul the Seine for fish only 30 lbs caught. - Set five Nets."

July 15
" Wednesday Wind nearly as Yesterday. Cloud and sultry Weather. PM heavy Thunder and Lightening with Rain. Muskatoes Numerous and troublesome. The Men came from French Creek with two Rafts of Slabs and Timber. all the rest of Men engaged on Inland duties.
Fourteen Natives set off to hunt for Deer four came in with a few Ducks &c And in the evening six Indians (Severn home Guards) came in with a few Deer Skins. they came purposely as they tell me to see some of their friends."

July 16
" Thursday AM light Airs Sultry Weather PM Breezes NE by E part Clear, part Cloudy and Cold.
Factory Men carrying up Slabs on new Plantation. All the rest preparing for Inland. It gives me concern, I have been obliged to deviate from your honors Instructions by engaging Men to return Inland who were ordered home. - When I came to muster Steersmen and man Canoes, only seven were capable to conduct a Canoe. This induced me to order Wm Flett Sen., Andrew Corrigal, Magnus Annal, James Sandison, Gilbert Laughton and Magnus Spence to serve the Contracts they entered into last year. and also to enter into new Contracts with James Morrowick? and John Irvin Sen., they being all sensible of the Error they were led into the two preceeding Years and appeared very sorry for their indiscretion and promised not to be guilty of like in the future. - But my Chief and principal Reasons for disobeying your Honors orders will be entered at large in my private Letter to the Honble Commitee. - I also entered into Contract a Canadian (Steersman) John Butler Grout? a person who bears a universal good Character and is a quiet steady man and well experienced in Canoes and other duties that is required Inland. - Wm Sabbiston also entered into Contract on the same terms as specified in your honors Instructions and he is every way qualified to execute agreeably to them. - Closed a Packet for Severn House in order to send with the Indians that arrived Yesterday"

July 17
" Friday Fresh Breezes NE part clear and part Cloudy.
Men as before. Sent off a Packet to Severn by Indians belonging to that Settlement"

July 18
" Satuarday Light Airs and gentle Breezes NE clear fine Weather.
Men nearly as before. Laid out a piece of ground to lay the foundation of a Building for a Launch House on the New Plantation.
The Trade Inland appears very variable. the Goods that are packed agreeable to the Indent left last Season are not now wanted and greatest part of the Bundles are obliged to be opened and repacked a fresh - this cause a great delay and hinderance of businefs for we have not sufficient hands to man more than 15 Canoes. Not half the quantity of Goods wanted can be taken to the Inland Settlements.
Happy shall I be when I see a useful number of able Men left here, it will be the only means of keeping many disatisfied minds quiet for I see it with concern a selfish and unsettled dispositon amongst almost the whole of the Servants from Inland. - those whose times soon expire and now ? resolves? are agreed almost to a man to leave their Employers at the expiration of their Contracts. this they are well convinced must distrefs the Trade as not sufficient capable Men will be left to manage Canoes. - No other means can be devised than by supplying those places with a number of good and active Men. for it is not every Man that is able to undergo the fatigues of the Journey, neither is every Man capable to steer or take charge of a Canoe. - Out of the Number that came out last year only two are capable for Inland duty (viz. Peter Fidler from England and John Jonhnson late Servant at Moose Fort) the other six were not able to undertake the hardships of the Journey from their first Landing at this place. particularly Robt. Taylor, John Smith, Henry Hay, and Hugh Wilson neither of whom hath earned the Company three Months Wages from their being first Landed. indeed the last named person is uselefs and has been a great and unbearable Nuisance to the whole factory ever since the departure of Captain Christopher last Season.
Your Honors will I hope pardon me for mentioning that it appears to me that this would soon be remedied if the following mode? was adopted. - As Men from the Orkneys appear the most hardy and fit for this Employ. - Your Honors would find a considerable saving if an Agent (an honest Man) was appointed to reside in the Orkneys purposely to engage proper Men for this Service who should be answerable for their well behaviour and Conduct. very many capable hands would enter and as many as this employ required. The few that entered of late Years at Stromnefs have been taken at the recommendation of Mr Robt Sandison and Rev. Mr Falconer, and these have been only those men, who gave them the most valuable presents. that aged and infirm and crippled objects unfit for Laborious Duties constitute the whole at this place. - Indeed if your honors were but sensible how the poor Men were wronged and the Honble Company injured by the first named person (M R.S.) a stop would shortly be put thereto. and till some steps are pursued neither Inland businefs or any other at this place can be carried on with vigour.
I mentioned these particulars in a Letter to Mr Hearne? at Churchill the first year of my Residency (vide Country Correspondance 19 July 1787) that your honors might be well acquainted with the impositions practised on the Company by a particular few at Stromnefs.
My duty to my Employers obliges me to insert these circumstances again, as I see the injuries they are like to sustain. It is not from surmises of my own for Mr Tomison is well acquainted with it and we have the afsertions of almost the whole of the Men for the truth. Some of whom paid to Mr Robt Sandison in Sheep, Fowls, Eggs and Money, the latter of which he always stopped? from the advanced? Guinea when they entered as he pafses his ? for and were answerable for their coming on board Ship before she sailed from the Harbour of Stromnefs.
Those two Persons I have mentioned are Elders (as is called) of the ? have great sway over the ignorant poor, that few, very few undertake any matter of consequence without consulting them. and when a poor fellow wishes to come into this Country and happens to apply to either and cannot afford a present suitable at the time they are told no Men are wanted this Year. and that they cannot undertake the speaking to the Captains in their favour until they are paid for their trouble - This is evident that no regard is paid to Character or abilities by the many uselefs Men that make the number at this place."

[Written in the margin " Very few Englishmen but are above doing the Work required (when they are able) they object being harnefsed (as they say) like Cattle to draw Sleds & ? and are the first to complain of hard Labour"]

July 19
" Sunday Light Airs and gentle Breezes variable all round the Compafs part clear and part Cloudy and Sultry. Muskatoes numerous
Engaged on Inland duties. All my home Guard Natives came in to take up debt for their Winters hunt. they say nothing is to be met with in this quarter to support their families."

July 20
" Monday Wind and Weather as Yesterday with gentle Showers of Rain. Muskatoes Numerous and troublesome
All those who came from Inland and are not returning afsisting Carpenters &c making foundation for Launch House. rest engaged on Inland duties"

July 21
" Tuesday Light Airs and gentle Breezes variable clear and fine Moderate Weather. flys very troublesome.
All hands as Yesterday. I entered George Rofs into Contract on his old Wages in order to man one more Canoe - Inland Men preparing to set off"

July 22
" Wednesday Wind and Weather as Yesterday and Mens employ the same"

July 23
" Thursday Wind and Weather the same and Men as before.
Twenty-two Englishmen 2 Canadians & 3 Indians set off in 8 large Canoes with Trading Goods for the Inland Settlements.
Early this Morning 6 Canoes of Musqua Rat and North River Natives came in wretchedly poor in furrs. they say the Canadians have been among them who collected all their furrs except just sufficient to pay their contracted Debts. Those tribes brought me fine Trade the two preceding Years and promised fair to enlarge this Trade very much. but since the Canadians are got amongst them very little can be expected in future. Indeed these Interloper have Houses or Huts built in every quarter around that intercepts the principal trading Indians from visiting this factory."
[Written in the margin]

"1 Edw. Wishart
Will Sabbiston
James Flett Sen.

2 James Morrowick
Nich. Allan
James Murry

3 Alex Corrigal
James Batt
John Strickler

4 Gilbert Laughton
Robert Garrock
Peter Brown

5 Mag. Spence
Peter Sabbiston
James Linklater

6 Hugh Lisk
John Irvin Jun.
John Flett

7 And. Davey
James Davey
George Short

8 Ant. Godda
John Grout?
Alex Flett"

July 24
" Friday Wind Weather and mens employ as before.
Eight Englishmen and three Natives set off in three large Canoes with Trading Goods to the Inland Settlements. The Natives that came Yesterday paid debts and traded what few furrs they had"

[written in the margin]

"James Sandison
David Copeland
3 Natives

John Irvin Sen.
Will Allan
Will Groundwater

James Flett Jun.
Leigh? Taylor
James Wood"

July 25
" Satuarday Wind variable all round the Compafs.
Factory Men as before. This morning 15 Englishmen and three Natives set off in five large Canoes with Trading Goods for the Inland Settlements. I appointed James Tate as super Cargo in his pafsage up who hath undertaken to see all the Goods (entrusted to his charge) safely delivered to Mr Walker. the persons from Inland who are left at the factory are Mr Tomison, Mitcheal Oman, James Oman, Willm Folster, James Spence jun., John Sabbiston, James Borrowick, James Johnson & Thomas Robinson whose times Expire - John Harper and Charles Alurie? alias Tuddelaire (a Canadian) lame left for Mr Southalls afsistance. and Peter Brafs unfit for Inland duties. in the whole 12 People in room of six added to their number viz. James Batt, James Wood, James Murry, William Hawkland, John Johnson and Peter Fidler - The two last came out last year and are the only ones that are fit for Inland duty.
Engaged Indians to go with a Packet to Churchill. prepared Letters for that Settlement - Two North River Natives came in very poorly gooded paid their debt but had not a skin left to Trade. - The ? the Honble company received this Year from the Pedlars is great and severely felt at the factory. The Indians tell me the Canadian Tobacco is much better than what they bought at the Factory for years past and that they have a right to Trade with whom they please."

[Written in the margin]

" 1 James Tate
Mal. G?
Will Corrigal

2 Mag. Twatt
Mag. Tate
Hugh Beakie

3 Mag Annell
Hugh Folster
Peter Fidler

4 Will Flett Sen.
Geo. Rofs
Will Hawkland

5 Will Flett Jun.
John Ballanden
John Johnson

NB The Natives are distributed to the Canoes that are the weakest manned"

July 26
' Sunday variable Breezes from ESE to SE and Sly Cloudy Sultry Weather. Muskatoes numerous and troublesome
The Musqua Rat River Natives set off and one North River Native came in with a few furrs which he traded. - Sent away 10 Canoes of Indians to kill Deer. Large herds are crofsing the North River, so says the Native that arrived today. Sent off two Indians with a Packet to Churchill."

[In the margin]

" NB a piece of Beef & Pork was boild this day which was so offensive no person could remain at the table it was brot to. - The Pork weighed no more than 13 Ounces. the Beef was too rotten it would not bear the Hook of the Stilliards Even the Dogs refuse Eating it. - Mr Tomison and Officers were present when taken out of the Cask & saw it when drefsed"

July 27
" Monday Light Breezes variable till about 10 AM Muskatoes troublesome when it sprung up a fresh Breeze E by N clear and pleasant Weather.
All hands variously engaged"

July 28
" Tuesday Wind and Weather as Yesterday afternoon Mens employ the same"

July 29
" Wednesday Wind Weather and Mens Employ the same, except four afsisting packing furrs"

July 30
" Thursday Wind and Weather the same.
Had framing of Launch House fixed on New plantation and began preparing Buoys and Beacons - The North River Native who arrived the 26th went away"

July 31
" Friday Wind and Weather the same.
All hand engaged putting up Launch and getting ready Buoys and Beacons.
Furrs Traded and Packed belonging to York MB 8217? 71/720? considerably lefs than either of two preceeding Years"

Aug. 1 1789
" Satuarday Variable light Airs and gentle Breezes Warm Clear Weather.
Had five fathom Sand? Beacon set and Buoy laid? finished Launch. Began taking stock. In the afternoon six Canoes of Home Guard Natives came in with the flesh of 13 Deer Wt 932 lbs. God be praised for sending us these supplies for altho it is tainted being killed so great a distance it is very acceptable as many long days hath elapsed since we tasted meat."

Aug. 2
" Sunday Sly Breezes Warm Cloudy Weather with Rain.
One Bungee Native came in with a few Deer Skins"

Aug. 3
" Monday Variable Breezes with heavy Showers of Rain.
Too bad Weather to work out all hands variously engaged picking Oakum &c Tradesmen looking over Tools &c"

Aug. 4
" Tuesday Wind and Weather as Yesterday and Mens employ the same, till noon when it cleared up when all hands on New Plantation
Several Home guard Indians took up debt for Winters Hunt and in the evening four others came in with furrs"

Aug. 5
" Wednesday Variable Breezes NNW Cloudy Weather with Rain
All hands engaged within the House.
Four Canoes of Natives arrived with furrs, they are belonging to those Indians that came in Yesterday"

Aug. 6
" Thursday Variable stiff Breezes all most round the Compafs part Clear and part Cloudy
Sent 12 Men in long Boat to set the double headed Beacon, lay Buoys &c Rest of Men variously employed. Sent two for furrs left at the Back of the Island yesterday.
The Natives that came in Yesterday and Tuesday paid their debts and Traded, they brought a good stock of furrs with them. In the Evening one Canoe Home Indians arrived with Deer flesh, as did one from the Eastward with a few Skins"

Aug. 7
" Friday Wind and Weather as Yesterday Mens employ the same. Except those who were setting Beacon &c are preparing to set off to the Wood tomorrow.
The Natives of 2, 4 & 5 Instant with those of last night went away after being trusted debts for Winters Hunt"

Aug. 8
" Satuarday Stiff Breezes E by S with much heavy Rain. Too bad Weather to work out. early this Morning the Severn Sloop appeard in the offing and about 10 AM came abreast the factory and dropt Anchor. Mefs Ballanden and Moore came on shore. Read Letters from Albany"

Aug. 9
" Sunday Stiff Breezes Variable from E by S to NW by N and Wly with Showers of Rain.
Sent fourteen Men to the Woods to raft home Timber &c. The Natives that set of on Friday was obliged to return to the Factory the Wind being too strong for them to get round the point of Marsh and soon after they set off up the River.
Two Bungee Natives came in with a few furrs which they traded and went away"

Aug. 10
" Monday Stiff Breezes Nly Cloudy with heavy Rain.
Men variously employed. Got the Severn Shipwright to afsist in the repairing of the Shallop for I am sorry to say ours is so very dilotary? and backward at his Work.
Ten Canoes of Home guard Natives set off for their Winters quarters. Sent two hunting to the Eastward. In the afternoon four home Indians came from the back of this Island with 6 Joints of Venison where they have been detained four days by contrary and foul Winds which prevents their getting round the point of Marsh with their Canoes loaded with the flesh of ten Deer. they say the swamps are to full of Water with the late heavy Rains that it will be impofsible to get it to the factory by Land. As I have no person to send to afsist them they went away in the evening to wait the change of Weather"

Aug. 11
" Tuesday Breezes Nly part Clear and part Cloudy
Men as before. Unloaded Severn Homeward bound Cargo. The four Home Guard Natives came to the House with the Venison mentioned Yesterday. part of which I am sorry to say is to much tainted for human eating.
In the Evening the two Indians I sent with a Packet to Churchill the 26 Ult. arrived with Letters from that Settlement"

Aug. 12
" Wednesday NE Breezes Clear fine Weather
All hands as before. preparing Mast Rigging &c for Shallop"

Aug. 13
" Thursday Wind Weather and Mens employ the same. Two Canoes of Homeguard Natives set off ? their Winters Quaters"

Aug. 14
" Friday Variable Breezes NE Cloudy Weather - Rain ? in the Morning. PM Clear and fine.
Mens employ nearly the same. Began rigging Shallop. Sent two Natives acrofs Nelson River to wait for and bring over Ships Packet Men from Churchill"

Aug. 15
" Satuarday Wind as before Cloudy and thick fogg with mizzling Rain.
All hands nearly as before. The Men came from the Woods with twelve rafts of Stockadoes and Timber Pieces.
Two Canoes of Tndians arrived appearantly well loaded with furrs"

Aug. 16
" Sunday Wind as before Clear and fine
The Natives of Yesterday Traded and took up debt for Winters Hunt.
Delivered to Mr Moore his Instructions on the arrival of the Ship"

Aug. 17
" Monday AM variable Breezes from NE to NW Clear and fine PM a strong Gale NE which increased to a Hurricane Cloudy foggy Weather with heavy Rain.
Severn Sloop dropt down to five fathom Hole early in the morning - All hands sick excepted afsisting getting Timber &c up the Bank. - Packed a few Furs. - The Natives who traded yesterday went away."

Aug. 18
" Tuesday Breezes NE Clear and fine
All hands as Yesterday. finished carrying Wood &c up the Bank.
Obliged to have the Shallop on Shore in order to overhaul her bottom and repair her leak which were omitted when on the Stocks. - The Severn Shipwright is detaind here for that purpose."

Aug. 19
" Wednesday Stiff Breezes SW Clear and fine.
Men preparing to set off to the Woods tomorrow.
Six Canoes of Homeguard Natives arrived Loaded with Venison. - As did one Canoe of Bungee Indians with furs. the last traded and paid 33 Br owing to Mr Ballanden - After taking up debt went away for their Winters quarters."

Aug. 20
" Thursday AM pleasant Breezes SSW Clear and fine PM variable Wly Sultry Weather.
Sent fourteen Men to the Woods to raft home Timber &c. Tradesmen at their respective occupations, four afsisting packing Goods for Inland.
The home Guard Natives of Yesterday went away and in the afternoon three Canoes of Natives arrived Loaded with Venison, one of whom set off"

Aug. 21
" Friday Sly Breezes Clear Sultry Wea. flys numerous
Sent Men in large Canoe to Severn Sloop with green Venison.
The Canoes of Natives that came Yesterday went away"

Aug. 22
" Satuarday AM Wind and Weather as yesterday PM Gusts of Wind variable from NE to E late in the eveninbg variable fresh Gales Sly very Sultry with heavy Thunder Lightening and Rain.
Men nearly as before. Two Men came from the Sloop to bake Bread. Employed all the Indians at the factory for days past collecting Stones &c &c
Rec'ed 2575 lb Venison 27 Tongues and 36 made Geese"

Aug. 23
" Sunday AM Pleasant Breezes Wly Clear and fine PM Gusts of Wind variable
Seven Canoes of Natives arrived with Deer Skins and dryed Meat"

Aug. 24
" Monday AM stiff Breezes W by N early variable and clear latter Cloudy and foggy PM strong Gales Nly very thick Cloudy and dark Weather with Showers of Rain towards evening a Hurricane of Wind Stormy and thick fogg very Cold
The Tradesmen at their respective occupations. Fourteen Men at the Woods, rest variously employed packing Goods for Inland &c. Six Men Ill unfit for duty.
This Morning Severn Sloop made Signal of seeing a Vefsel and soon after a Ship appeared in the Offing but a Gale of Wind sprung up obliged her to run out to Sea for safety"

Aug. 25
" Tuesday Variable Breezes from NW to NE Clear & fine
Mens employ nearly as Yesterday except those packing Goods for Inland engaged packing Skins for England. Sent four Men in Shallop to five fathom Hole. - Sent two Natives to the Woods With Orders for those there to return home. - Those I sent acrofs Nelson River the 14th Inst. returned. - The Indians of Sunday finished Trade and took up Debts for Winters Hunt. but are obliged to wait for Blankets having none in the Warehouse.
The Ship appeared in the Offing but was not able to Work into five fathom Hole. -
In the Evening two Canoes of Natives arrived Loaded with Deer Skins and dryed Meat. -"

Aug. 26
" Wednesday AM Breezes Sly Clear and fine PM variable W by N
Men as Yesterday. The Men came from the Woods with fifteen Rafts of Timber and fire Wood &c
The Ship King George came to an Anchor in five fathom Hole about at Noon and at 5 PM Capt. Tunstall arrived at the Factory. No Packet. Engaged three Indians to crofs Nelson River to look for the Men who were dispatched from Churchill with it.
The Natives of last Night Traded and seven Canoes of North River Indians arrived with Deer Skins and furrs"

Aug. 27
" Thursday Variable light Breezes Clear and fine
Part of day Men carrying Wood up Bank afterwards unloading the Sloop and Ships Long Boat Cargo. The Shallop came up loaded and factory Long Boat dropt down to the Ship.
Mefs Turner Hudson and Isham arrived as did Robert Hudson and Tho. Wiggan Writers. Entered on your Honors Books the following persons who landed this day. Engaged for five Years each

1 Isaac Batt

2 Peter Hutcheson Aged 22 Years from Orphir at 6£ pr year

3 Robt. Linklatter---------20             Birsday   Do.

4 Alex. Johnson---------26                 Do.     Do.

5 Nichl. Spence---------21                 Do.     Do.

6 Geo. Stranger---------21                 Do.     Do.

7 Tho. Brown-----------22                 Do.     Do.

8 Archbald Copeland----20           St Magnus   Do.

9 William Mowatt-------20               Evie     Do.

10 Geo. Harvey---------19               Orphir     Do.

11 William Tate--------20                 Do.     Do.

12 Nichl. Leith--------19         St Ronaldsha     Do.

13 John Vallient-------24                 Evie     Do.

14 Benj. Bruce---------19               Walls     Do.

15 Mags. Cooper?-------20           Sandwick    Do.

16 Mags. Halcro--------22               Orphir     Do.

17 David Robinson------32          Strumnefs     8 £

18 Tho. Moore Aged 26 Years from Birsay at 8£ pr year

19 John Brown------40 Strumnefs at 8£ pr Annum

20 James Sinclair--25 Evie at 8£ pr Annum

21 John Johnson----29 Birsay at 8£ pr Annum

22 Alex. Thompson--28? Stromnefs at 10 pr? Ann?

23 James Halcro----15 Orphir for Mr Ballenden Severn

24 John Thompson from London 6£ pr Ann."

Aug. 28
" Friday Strong Gales NW with heavy Rain till the afternoon when it became more moderate tho at times Squally showers
The Factory Boat came up late last night Unloaded her and Shallop. Blows too strong for any of the Vefsels to drop down the River.
No Packet from England is yet arrived, which impedes businefs. we cannot forward any duties for the Inland expedition till instructions are reced.
The Natives of the 26th Traded part"

Aug. 29
" Satuarday Stiff Breezes NW part Clear and part Cloudy.
The Churchill Sloop came to an Anchor in five fathom Hole and about 10 AM we receiv'd your honors Packet from England. All the Craft fell down to Ship came up Loaded with Churchill Sloop. Shallop and Long Boats unloaded. Mefs Longmoor and Stayner landed.
Several Indians came in"

Aug. 30
" Sunday Variable Breezes part Clear and part Cloudy towards evening heavy Rain.
The Severn Sloop dropt down the River. Four Canoes of Indians arrived"

Aug. 31
" Monday Much heavy Rain last night day Cloudy ? Cold and foggy
All the Craft dropt down the River to Ship. The Severn Sloop came up as did the Long Boats which were unloaded with the Churchill Sloop"

Sept. 1 1789
" Tuesday Pleasant Breezes variable from S to NW by W Clear and fine.
Long Boats dropt down the River, came up and unloaded as was the Severn Sloop The Shallop came to the factory.
Several Indians came in Loaded with furrs. Many home Guard and other Indians went away for their Winters Quarters"

Sept. 2
" Wednesday Wind and Weather nearly as Yesterday
Engaged discharging the Ships Cargo. Loaded part of the homeward Bound Cargo on board the Severn Sloop. Shallop unloaded as were the Ships and Factory Long Boats that came up, Churchill Sloop came up and Shallop went to the Ship.
Traded with Natives and trusted them debts for Winters Hunt"

Sept. 3
" Thursday Wind and Weather nearly the same
Churchill Sloop came up and unloaded, Severn dropt down to Ship. Long Boat came up as did the Shallop. the two former dropt down to Ship, Churchill unloaded. Discharged Mag. Flett Shipwright from your Honor's Service and entered Robert Farrer in our Books in his Room.
Many Indians went away, part afsisted to carry Trading Goods to the spot where Mr Isham has orders to erect a House and Build Canoes."

Sept. 4
" Friday Wind and Weather nearly the same
This morning Mefs Hudson, Turnor, Isham and Stayner afsisted by Mitcheal Oman, Wm Folster, John Sabbiston, Charles Tuffeldelaire (alias Alurie) John Harper, John Johnson and Wm Tate set off with Trading Goods for Inland. pray God send them safe to their respective distinations. -
The Churchill Sloop dropt down to the Ship as did the two Long Boats. The Shallop unloaded and went down to Ship, and the Severn Sloop came up."

Sept. 5
" Satuarday Wind and Weather as before
The Severn Sloop unloaded. - The Long Boats came up and unloaded sent them to fill Water Casks, The Shallop and Churchill Sloop came up with the last of the outer bound Cargo"

Sept. 6
" Sunday Wind variable from SSW to? Ely Clear & fine.
Long Boats dropt down to Ship. - Discharged Willm Collee and entered Wm Gouland on our Books for Severn."

Sept. 7
" Monday Ely Breezes AM Clear PM Cloudy.
Unloaded Churchill Sloop and Shallop the latter dropt to the Ship with part of the homeward Cargo. - Discharged John Caithnefs Taylor from your honors Service. - Finished packing furrs. - Shallop came up in the evening."

Sept. 8
" Tuesday Nly Breezes Cloudy and thick fogg.
Severn Sloop took in Cargo for that Settlement as did the Shallop the remaining part of the Homeward bound Cargo for England.
Discharged from your honors Service John Smith, Hugh Wilson, Robt Taylor, Peter Clouston, James Spence Jun., James Oman, James Borrowick, and John Linklatter also Mr N D Southall Surgeon, and Mr Tho. Thomas is entered on our Books in his Room. Mr Tomison sent his things on Board Ship in order to accompany Capt. Tunstall tomorrow.
In the evening closed the Packet and delivered the same to Capt. Joshua Tunstall. pray God send the Ship King George in safety to England. Amen.
Errors Excepted
Jos. Colen."


1M160 B.239/a/89

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