" YF
Journal"
[cover]


" York Factory Journal commencing the 2d Sept. 1808
and ending
the [blank] 1809"

---

Sept. 2 1808
" Friday Capt. Turnor Mefs Pruden, Isham & Calder went on board the Ship and Mefs Tate & McNab set out in 2 Canoes - 5 men - for their Winter quarters."

Sept. 3
" Saturday Wind Ely prevents the Ships from Sailing - Severn brig dropped doun from the launch - 5 men preparing for Oxford & its out posts - all hands Stowing by Cargo - several Indians took debt and went away."

Sept. 4
" Sunday Wind W a fne breeze the Ships sailed for Europe and soon disappeared in the offing - the Severn brig also for Severn - Mefs Cook & Sinclair preparing for Inland."

Sept. 5
" Monday This morng Mr Cook & J McNab in 2 Canoes Conducted by Indians set out for Inland. Mr Sinclair waits in hopes of men from CR to afsist - 2 Canoes - 5 men - set out for Oxford House and 7 men went with materials for the E Goose tent - 9 NR men preparing to set out to morrow - in the eveng J Irvine & 10 Labourers spared from the CR Compliment arrived in the Batteau that conveyed Mr Fidler to that Factory - Sent 5 of the 10 to Severn."

Sept. 6
" Tuesday Wind N blowing a heavy Gale prevented Mr Cook from Starting."

Sept. 7
" Wednesday Early this morg Mr Cooks men in 3 Canoes set out for the NRiver Settlements - a high surf prevented them going round the Point of Marsh - J Irvine & 4 men in a Boat went for his Ind. Compnions for CR who were obliged (for want of room in the boat) to walk back along shore - Gale of yesterday must have been severe at sea both beacons are blown doun - the men Return'd fm E Goose tent - the Gale of yesterday and high tide drove the boat high in the marsh among the Willows."

Sept. 8
" Thursday Wind continues Nly with heavy rain - Stowed by the European Cargo - 2 Indians came doun the River with a Canoe load of Venison - 4 men brought home the buoys."

Sept. 9
" Friday All hands took up the launch and 2 boats; making all snugg for Winter - Mr Cooks men still laying in the Marsh - 2 Ind. came doun the river with a few summer furs - Mr Geddes commenced his School - 4 Pupils Viz. Catharine Sinclair, daughter of Mr Wm Sinclair, John & Mary Bunn children of Mr Tho. Bunn & Harriet Ballendine dau'r of your late Chief Mr John Ballendine, at times also Mr Jos. Cook, son of Mr William Cook."

Sept. 10
" Saturday Indians went away. Mr Cooks men had a supply of food."

Sept. 11
" Sunday Mild weather - at last Mr Cooks men got round the point of Marsh."

Sept. 12
" Monday The Ind. who accompanied Mr Fidler to Churchill arrived - Tuo Indians came doun the river with a Canoe load of Venison."

Sept. 13
" Tuesday Mr Sinclair (who has been waiting for help for some time from the Ind. fm CR) preparing for OH."

Sept. 14
" Wednesday Mr Sinclair and 2 Indians set out for OH. J Hall and several Indians went up the river in a Boat for Venison."

Sept. 15
" Thursday All hands laying the new Platforms and bringing stones for Securing the bank which the high tides encroach much upon."

Sept. 16
" Friday a family of Indians took debt and went away - Snow at times."

Sept. 17
" Saturday Cold weather - Rec'd a few Geese from the Marsh."

Sept. 18
" Sunday a few fish from the Nets."

Sept. 19
" Monday Jos. Hall & party brought 7 deer. 9 men went to launch the Boat at the E Goose tent - others at the Platforms."

Sept. 20
" Tuesday laid the long Boat up in her Winters quarters - men of yesterday returned say the Hunters are Coming in the Boat - no Geese."

Sept. 21
" Wednesday All the Goose Hunters came for their winter debts - no Geese flying in the Marshes - only 3 Hhds Salted."

Sept. 22
" Thursday The Indians took debt. 3 Canoes from the NRiver brought Venison and went away."

Sept. 23
" Friday All the Ind. went away - Snow & Sleet. finished the platform 150 feet from outer gate upwards of 100 more feet is required to carry it to the launch end."

Sept. 24
" Saturday a tremendous Gale last night - Snow & drift as in Dec. people preparing for the woods."

Sept. 25
" Sunday Indians brought venison and deer Skins."

Sept. 26
" Monday Boat builder House Carpenter a Cooper & 4 men preparing for tenting 4 or 5 Months near the head of Steel River, where they are to cut plank for Completing the platform - weather boarding for the factory - Oars instead of Ash ones from Europe - boards pr boats &c - 2 Indians brought tuo deer - 2 families of Ind. came for debt - they brought a quantity of dry venison & deers tongues."

Sept. 27
" Tuesday Indians went away - 8 men bringing Stones for Securing the bank - part of the lime kiln already swept away. Boat builder and party set out for Steel river & Jos. Hall to his tent."

Sept. 28
" Wednesday the first fine day for weeks past. Wm Manson & 8 men preparing for the wooding tent."

Sept. 29
" Thursday Wm Manson & party set out with meat and flour for the Wooding tent to bring Setting poles on their return."

Sept. 30
" Friday Brewed beer - Mag. Rendall and 2 men preparing for tent at PennyCutaway and Mefs Cook & Geddes for a few weeks at Ten Shilling Creek - Mr Bunn in the mean time to act as School master."

Oct. 1 1808
" Saturday Tuo Ind. brought venison and deer Skins - Wm Manson & party came with setting Poles."

Oct. 2
" Sunday The Ind. of yesterday took debt and traded their deer skins."

Oct. 3
" Monday hard frost - Indians went away. 9 men clearing drains, repairing deer hedge, pumping the cellars &c."

Oct. 4
" Tuesday Snow & drift much Ice along shore. Wm Manson & 9 men went to the Woods for the Winter - at home - Smith, Taylor & 2 old or lame labourers, this will be the Factory Compliment till Xmafs."

Oct. 5
" Wednesday a Number of Ind. came with deer skins & dry venison from the N wards. heavy Ice driving from above."

Oct. 6
" Thursday Indians drinking and paying their debts - cold weather."

Oct. 7
" Friday Indians took debt and went away. three families came in the afternoon and took debt - all their Canoes are at the N River.

Oct. 8
" Saturday All the Indians went away - much Ice in the river."

Oct. 9 to Oct. 16
" Sunday Ind. came for necefsaries and went away - now Winter is commenced transactions are limited and can easily be defined weekly - during this, killed a Cow 400 lb & 12 pigs 600 lb Pork. a few Rabb'ts from Ind. - this day performed divine Service."

Oct. 17 to Oct. 23
" During the Week set the Guns & traps for foxes and got a few Rabb. about the Factory - Partridges very scarce - Mr Cook Crofsed the river on the Ice from 10 Shillg Creek - got a good hunt of Rabb. at his tent - this day divine Service as usual."

Oct. 24 to Oct. 30
" Have not seen more signs of Partridges - killed during the week 2 Hogs near 400 lb. Foxes more numerous than last year and we are getting some daily. - 3 Wooders Came home last night and this day after divine Service Retur'd to their tent."

Oct. 31 to Nov. 6 1808
" Indians brought rabbits during the week and we have rec'd a number from Snares about the Factory. 3 Wooders came home and after divine Service they this day returned to their tent."

Nov. 7 to Nov. 13
" tuo hunters from Pennycutaway brought a fine sample of fish. Mr Bunn went to hunt at 10 Shillg Creek in lieu of Mr Cook who goes to the E'd & Mr Geddes who attends his pupils - Wolves numerous about the factory - divine Service this day."

Nov. 14 to Nov. 20
" The various hunters sent good hunts of fish & rabbits from their tents - no partridges - Foxes Still plenty and the Guns & traps are attended succefsfuly - 2 of the Wooders came last night & this day after Divine Service returned to their tent."

Nov. 21 to Nov. 27
" Hunters continue succefsful in fishing & Snaring. Wolves Still numerous about - E Hunters say they come near their tent - " at alte Per noctem resonare lupis ululantibus sylvae?" - foxes daily from the Guns and traps & 2 Wolves during the Week - 3 Wooders came home & returned after divine Service."

Nov. 28 to Dec. 4 1808
" During the week 2 Ind. came from the N'd with a few furs deerskins & some fine Venison - hunters going on succefsfully - kill'd 3 more Wolves and the rabbit snares about the factory have been lucky as also the Guns & traps. 3 wooders & 2 hunters came last night and returned to their tents after divine Service this day."

Dec. 5 to Dec. 11
" During the week had as much meat watered as I trust will serve till the Geese visit us. Ind. from the N brought a fine supply of Venison & a few furs - Hunters & Wooders came home last night & retur'd after divine Service this day."

Dec. 12 to Dec.18
" Tuo men went with Articles to the men at the Head of Steel river Mentioned 27th Sept. last - the Fox Traps & Guns continue succefsul about the Factory - Wm Manson & Wooders came home preparatory to the holidays - Divine Service."

Dec. 19 to Dec. 25
" Many Ind. came during the week with Venison & a few furs - all retur'd to their families the hunters came all home, few partridges - Served the Xmafs fare last night and this day - Divine Service Performed."

Dec. 26 to Jan. 1 1809
" Several Indians came during the week with Venison & furs & Returned to their tents, a few foxes from the Guns & traps & rabbits from the Snares - Divine Service this day."

Jan. 2 to Jan. 8
" On Tuesday the Wooders & Hunters went to their tents - the same domesticks as at the commencement of winter remain at home - a few Ind. Came during the week and paid part of their debts. 3 Wooders came home last night & after divine Service this day retur'd to their tents."

Jan. 9 to Jan. 15
" During the week several foxes rec'd from the Guns & traps. Mr Cook & an Indian set out for Severn with a Packet for thence and further Bay Settlements - a Hunter & 3 Wooders came home - only 40 partridges - they Retur'd to their tents this day after Divine Service."

Jan. 16 to Jan. 22
" The Guns & traps attended succefsfuly during the Week - Partridges very scarce - Rabbits a few daily got from snares about the factory - a Hunter & 3 Wooders came home last night and this day after divine Service Retur'd to their tents."

Jan. 23 to Jan. 29
" Wolves again roaming about - one Killed during the Week & several wounded - Hunters more succefsful. they & 3 Wooders Retur'd to their tent after Divine Service."

Jan. 30 to Feb. 5 1809
" Got several Rabbits from snares about the Factory during the week and a fox from the Guns and traps at times - Tuo of the men of 27th Sept. last came doun last night with 3 of the Wooders - Divine Service this day - Wooders Ret'd to their tent."

Feb. 6 to Feb. 12
" During the week Mr J McNab and one of his men Came from Succor Lake he proposes exploring the way from thence to Lake Winnepeg says he will undertake it as soon as a pafsage is open next Summer return to his House and be at the Factory in time with his trade and to carry up next years supply to Succor Lake as usual - of Course approved the design - 50 Rabbits from E Hunters 3 Wooders & a Sawyer of last week Came home last night and returned to their tents this day after Divine Service."

Feb. 13 to Feb. 19
" Mr McNab & Companion set out for their Inland Residence - Mr Cook went to hunt Partridges at the NRiver Mr Geddes sollicited to accompany him a few Weeks & Mr Bunn acts as School master during his absence - E Hunter bought a few Rabbits - no partridges to be got - 2 Wooders and a Sawyer Came home last night and after divine Service this day retur'd to their tents."

Feb. 20 to Feb. 26
" A few Indians came in during the week for Oatmeal and the NRiver hunters sent in a good hunt of Partridges and the E Hunter brought 50 Rabbits - Wm Manson & 3 Wooders came home - Manson says they have a fine quan'y of Wood hauled out to the bank edge - After divine Service all retur'd to their tents this day."

Feb. 27 to Mar. 5 1809
" During the week a few Ind. from the N brought a few furs, complain of the excefsive severity of the Weather and say Martins are very scarce - a few foxes are Still getting from the Guns & traps. 2 Wooders & a Sawyer came home last night and after divine Service this day retur'd to their tents."

Mar. 6 to Mar. 12
" The remaing 5 men came home from the head of Steel river - they have cut a large quant'y of Plank & boards of various kinds - 4 of the Sawyers went to the Wooders tent to cut stuff for the Boat builder who laid the keel of a new boat. 160 part. & 40 rabb. from the hunters who came last night & 3 wooders - they all returned to their tents this day after divine service."

Mar. 13 to Mar. 19
" During the week a European and an Indian brought and returned with a Packet to Churchill - Mr Geddes came home and at times goes round the traps & Guns - hunters had little Succefs this week. 3 Wooders & a Sawyer came home last night & retur'd to their tents this day after divine Service."

Mar. 20 to Mar. 26
" Commenced the distillation during the Week. Foxes at times from the Guns & traps - Hunters brought poor hunts of rabbits & partridges - from Indians at times we are receiving a number of the former - Wooders came home last night having finished the duty there - divine Service this day."

Mar. 27 to Apr. 2 1809
" Sawyers finished the businefs at the Woods and with the Hunters came home - no partridges or rabbits to be got - a few Indians came during the week and paid part of their debts. - divine service this day."

Apr. 3 to Apr. 9
" Got the Materials for E & N Goose tents conveyed to each respectively during the week. Ind. from the N came with venison and another party for food to a number? of families they say are in want they retur'd with a supply for them - Divine Service this day."

Apr. 10 to Apr. 16
" a Number of Indians came from the E & N a few could not pay their debts. Mr Cook went to the N Goose tent to Serve the Ammunition there & Jos. Hall to the E. Several deer have been seen near the Factory & Ind. brought some venison. as businefs now becomes more urgent and transactions more variable shall rotate the particulars daily - no divine Service this day."

Apr. 17
" Monday Tradesmen at their various branches the others attending the Still & Cutting willows encroaching on the plantation."

Apr. 18
" Tuesday Three families of Indians came from the W ward with good hunts - J Hall 2 men and 3 dogs took remaing necefsaries for E Goose Tent."

Apr. 19
" Wednesday All the Indians (a Numerous band) went away."

Apr. 20
" Thursday An Indian came with a Sled load of Venison Says he saw many deer up the NRiver."

Apr. 21
" Friday The Indians of yesterday with several of the Goose hunters went after the deer. a Goose seen to the N."

Apr. 22
" Saturday All the Goose hunters from the back of the Island went up the river to look for deer - a Goose seen to the E."

Apr. 23
" Sunday Divine Service - 2 Ind. came with 2 loads of venison."

Apr. 24
" Monday Ind. went away - People amusing themselves as usual on St George - Jos. Hall and an Indian came for necefsaries to the E Goose tent and returned with them - soon after a large tribe of Indians came from the N several CR Indians among them - brought upwards of 600 MB - 2 Geese Rec'd."

Apr. 25
" Tuesday Indians paid their debts - Tradesmen at their respective duties - the others clearing the plantation."

Apr. 26
" Wednesday Several Indians took summer debts and others Ammunition for the Goose hunt and part went away."

Apr. 27
" Thursday Mr Cook and an Indian came from the N Goose tent for necefsaries all the Indians went away."

Apr. 28
" Friday Early this morning Mr Cook Don'd Malcom and an Indian went with necefsaries for the N Goose tent - Several Geese flew to the N."

Apr. 29
" Saturday Cold weather - no Geese to be seen."

Apr. 30
" Sunday Divine Service Snow & drift as in Jan."

May 1 1809
" Monday Sharp weather snow & drift continues - 4 men repairing the deer hedge - 1 with the boat builder - 2 at the pitsaw - 1 with the Smith - 2 at the Still Cooper at Inland rund'ts - Taylor Indian Coats the others packing Inland trad'g goods and tying old Iron hoops in bundles to be sent home - 5 Indian youths came from the N with a fresh deer. they brought also a few furs from the wife of a good hunter who with his old son left her & remaing 3 child'n last Jan. in order to trap Martins &c as they have not been seen or heard of since they fear some accident had happened or that they have been Starved to death."

May 2
" Tuesday Tuo Ind. 12 Geese from the N Goose tent - none flying about the Factory."

May 3
" Wednesday Ind. left the marsh to hunt Geese at 10 Sh'g Creek - no succefs."

May 4
" Thursday finished the distillation and nearly completed the Inland packages of trading goods."

May 5
" Friday Much rain fell during the day in the eveng Snow & drift - began the Inland packages of flour, Oat'l &c - 8 Geese fm Ind."

May 6
" Saturday An Indian came doun the river with 8 Geese."

May 7
" Sunday Divine Service."

May 8
" Monday Boatbuilder finished the boat and began caulking her bottom - the others at the various factory duties."

May 9
" Tuesday The 2 Ind. ment'd the 1st Inst. came in and paid their debts a pleasing circumstance and a joyful return to their disponding family."

May 10
" Wednesday On packing Bacon for Inland we find the whole that came from Europe in a bad state of preservation Yellow as Marigolds of course rancid and unfit for use a most serious concern to us & lofs to your Honors."

May 11
" Thursday Four Ind. came with 40 Geese from the River and went away immediately."

May 12
" Friday Ind. brought 12 Geese from the marsh - say very few are flying and that their families are hungry."

May 13
" Saturday An Ind brought 7 Geese from up the river."

May 14
" Sunday Divine Service - 20 Geese from the Marsh."

May 15
" Monday Tradesmen at their several duties the others clearing the plantations drains &c."

May 16
" Tuesday Very fine weather a few Geese from the marsh - On opening a keg of white paint (125 lb pr Invoice) poured a quantity of Oil and water off the surface of the White lead, the latter so thin as not do half the service it ought. Rec'd a Keg of Stone colour instead of Stone Ochre. these iniquitous actions disappoint us and injures your honors Service."

May 17
" Wednesday pleasant weather continues 20 Geese from the marsh - Mr Sinclair and 2 Ind. arrived from Oxford House - all well there."

May 18
" Thursday River Ice gave way opposite the factory and went quietly out to sea - 4 Indians in 2 Canoes came doun the river for supplies of ammunition to several families they left 5 days ago. they say they have made good hunts and can pay all their debts."

May 19
" Friday Much rain fell during the day 60 Geese from the Marsh - Inlands went away - Sam'l Isbester, Taylor, very ill."

May 20
" Saturday Heavy snow and drift all day People at various jobs in doors - the Taylor in a dangerous state."

May 21
" Sunday Eight canoes of Indians came doun the river and paid their debts near 400 MB. Sam'l Isbester past hopes of recovery."

May 22
" Monday Ind. came from the marsh and agreed to go with the boats - Sam'l Isbester died this evening."

May 23
" Tuesday Placed all the Inland cargo in Launch house. we wait for Indian afsistance only, for dispatching the Boats with Inland Cargo - interred the remains of Sam'l Isbester."

May 24
" Wednesday Indians came from the marsh to afsist the Boats on Inland expedition - 30 Geese Indians say they never saw so few flying."

May 25
" Thursday Launched the boats and moored tuo in 10 Shillg Creek. all hands preparing for the journey to Hill river."

May 26
" Friday Early in the morn'g loaded the boats and with the afternoon tide Mr Bunn (in charge of cargoes) 19 Europeans & 15 Indians in 3 boats set out for Hill river with trading goods &c for Inland."

May 27
" Saturday All the Indians went away the families of these afsisting in the craft are waiting their relations return, a few fish from 10 Shillg Creek."

May 28
" Sunday Three of the E hunters came they have filled all the casks (7 Hhds) and say the deer are appearing in that quarter."

May 29
" Monday The Indians of yesterday returned to their families Mr Tate 3 men and an Indian in 2 Canoes arrived from Merrys House with a good trade, says he met the boats last night going on well."

May 30
" Tuesday Tuo Canoes of Indians came doun the river with good trades and Jos. Hall with several of the E Goose Hunters came with Geese &c. they have made a good hunt there."

May 31
" Wednesday Packed Mr Tates furs. Ind. brought 90 Geese from the E ward - 3 Ind. came from the N ward and nearly paid their debts 120 B."

June 1 1809
" Thursday Indians of yesterday went away - 8 Canoes came doun the river with good trades and in the Afternoon Mr Cook arrived from Inland."

" By Mr Cook"

June 2
" Friday The Trial Boat 6 men and & 15 Indians arrived from Hill river with plank for platforms. the other 13 Men are rafting timber, boards, &c, cut during winter. - The Gov. accompanied by Mr Sinclair & 5 men set out in a small boat for Hill river House - the three Sons of Mr Cook were this day entered to School under Mr Geddes their Names Jerry, Charles, & Richard."

June 3
" Saturday Several Indians left the Factory - the men employed in various duties."

June 4
" Sunday a few Indians took winter debts and intend leaving the Factory to morrow. Mr Cook and Don'd Malcom came from N ern Goose tent they have filled 10 Hhds of Geese."

June 5
" Monday Several Indians went to the E ward Mr Jn McNab Jun. with 10 NRiver men & 2 Indians and 3 Canoes arrived in the evening."

June 6
" Tuesday Jos. Hall and a Boats crew of Indians went for the Geese at E Tent."

June 7
" Wednesday a Number of Indians left the Factory."

June 8
" Thursday Tuo Boats arrived with 12 Rafts of Timber Plank &c from the head of Steel river."

June 9
" Friday Jos. Hall arrived with the Geese all hands carrying Timber, plank, &c up the bank - loaded the boats with the evening tide."

June 10
" Saturday Tuo Boats set out with goods for Hill river House - 3 Indians from the N ward brought a few deer skins."

June 11
" Sunday Indians going and coming to the Factory - J Harper 4 men and an Indian arrived from the NRiver Settlements - 14 bundles of furs."

June 12
" Monday Packed the furs of yesterday. Wm Manson & 14 men set out to raft firewood - In the afternoon 7 Canoes of Indians came in nearly paid their debts upwards of 400 MBeaver."

June 13
" Tuesday Men variously employed."

June 14
" Wednesday Mr Jn McNab Jun. with 3 Indians set out for the interior settlements in NRiver - several Indians went away."

June 15
" Thursday finished packing the NRiver outfits - all the Ind. went away - in the eveng 3 Canoes of Indians came in with good trades."

June 16
" Friday a Boat arrived from Hill River with 30 Bundles of furs."

June 17
" Saturday Men preparing for NRiver, MH, and Hill river - Carpenters at platform."

June 18
" Sunday Indians preparing to go away."

June 19
" Monday Early this morng 4 Canoes 16 men set off for NRiver Settlements. Mr Tate & 3 men in a Canoe embarked for Merrys House and 13 men for Hill river with Inland Goods - Indians came from the E ward for summer debts."

June 20
" Tuesday Indians killed 2 deer opposite to the Factory. many Indians went away."

June 21
" Wednesday a Canoe of Indians brought a fine winters Hunt. Mr Fidler accompanied by Lauchlan Leith and 2 Indians arrived from Cumberland House by the NRiver track - 2 Indians from the E ward brought a fine quan'y of deers Tongues."

June 22
" Thursday All the Indians went away. Carpenters busy at the platforms."

June 23
" Friday Invalids about the Factory setting fishing nets."

June 24
" Saturday Heavy rain. Pumping the Cellars &c. Mr McNab arrived in the evening in a Churchill Boat and 4 men."

June 25
" Sunday Last night I arrived here found Mr Cook and all well. Mr Fidler waiting for his Boat and men to Convey him to Churchill."

June 26
" Monday With the tide Mr Cook a European & 3 Indians set out for Inland."

June 27
" Tuesday Mr Fidler and 4 men set out for Churchill - 10 men preparing for Hill river House. Jos. Heywood and Wm Cursetter (discharged from York) join Mr Fidlers crew and of course will be entered in the Churchill List of Servants."

June 28
" Wednesday Early this morng 10 men in 2 Boats set out for Hill River House with Inland Cargoe. Several Indians went away for the summer and an Indian & a Boy set out with a packet for Severn - in the eveng 6 Indians came in hungry from the N River - no deer."

June 29
" Thursday Indians came from the N hungry - a third succefsive summer of want - no deer as usual causes a heavy expenditure of Oatmeal."

June 30
" Friday Indians went away and others came in to take debt for the winter to set out for Inland in quest of food as they have been starving about the Factory for Several summers past."

July 1 1809
" Saturday Several Indians took debt - others came in hungry. Manson & 4 men came from the Woods he left an Invalid behind."

July 2
" Sunday Three Canoes of Indians went away for the winter - several others took debt - Manson & men returned to the woods."

July 3
" Monday Four Canoes of Indians went away for the winter. Carpenters finished the Platform. breadth 12 feet, length 164 yds, laid with 3 Inch boards."

July 4
" Boat builder making Pine Oars to serve instead of Ash ones from Europe - House Carpenter renewing the lainch House platforms, these, Dibble and Invalid, and old W Irvine Cowkeeper constitute the factory crew."

July 5
" Wednesday In the forenoon the men of the 28th Ult. returned from Hill river House in the Trial and a Batteau with 218 bundles of furs. by advice from Mefs Bird & Bunn businefs is going on well."

July 6
" Thursday Magnus Rendall & 8 men in a Boat set out for the Geese at NRiver Tent. Smith at Iron work for Mr Bird. packed several Articles requested Inland."

July 7
" Friday Blows a Gale SEly detains the men who went away yesterday. opened all the Inland furs and packed part for Europe fish daily from nets at 10 Shillg Creek."

July 8
" Saturday Gale continues heavy rain at times the Trial and several small boats drove from their Moorings."

July 9
" Sunday Gale moderated Wooders came home they attempted coming yesterday in vain 7 men preparing for Hill river to morrow leaving 2 Invalids at the Factory."

July 10
" Monday Early this morning Shipped all the Inland consignments on board the York & 7 men and 2 Indian youths set out for Hill River House - soon after the Boat from NRiver Goose Tent Arrived with Geese &c safe - in the Afternoon Mr Tho McNab and men arrived in a Boat & Canoe with 20 Bundles furs 1200 MB from Succor Lake Since the 1st May last he made an excursion through the Lakes in the interior Visited an Albany Settl't - 5 men - and a Canad'n station - 2 men - during summer his provisions runng short he was obliged to return instead of proceeding to Winnepeg Lake as intended the Canadian used him (and 3 men) with much civility told him Mr Swain wintered on a Lake not far from his House that he the Canadian had another post during winter with a detachment of his men & got a good trade - this House (empty) Tho. pafsed by on his route."

July 11
" Tuesday Wm Manson and 6 men set out to raft firewood. Cooper at Inland Rundlets House Carpenter making Martin boxes."

July 12
" Wednesday Packed the Articles required for Mr T McNabs station."

July 13
" Thursday Carpenter repaired the Inland Boat - packed most of the Small furs."

July 14
" Friday The Inlanders preparing for their journey. river uncommonly full of water - Rec'd a fresh deer & a few young Geese from Indians."

July 15
" Saturday This morng with the tide Mr T McNab and 5 men in a Boat and small Canoe set out for their Winters residence at Succor Lake. Jos. Hall laid a Buoy preparatory to setting the outer beacon."

July 16
" Sunday Ind. brought fish from 10 Shillg Creek."

July 17
" Monday Mr Bunn and the men of the 10th Inst. arrived from HRiver House in 2 Boats with 121 Bundles of furs they left 9 at the House and several other Articles one man left in charge thereof - 16 rafts of firewood brought home."

July 18
" Tuesday Opened the Inland furs and packed part for Europe. Mr Tate and one man arrived from Merrys House - 4 men set out in a Batteau for the Articles left at HRiver House - 8 rafts of firewood brought home. an Indian family took debt and went away for the winter several Indians came from the E ward with deer skins and a little dry venison."

July 19
" Wednesday a Number of Indians came home from the N ward brought a few deer Skins they left their families hungry."

July 20
" Thursday Sent 2 men with 8 of the Indians of Yesterday round the Point of Marsh in 2 Batt.'s with the remainder of NRiver outfit of trading Goods to meet the Canoes coming with furs, exchange cargoes and return to the Factory with the latter as fast as pofsible - all the Indians went away - most of the furs packed except the Wolves."

July 21
" Friday Indians brought fish from 10 Shillg creek and 2 Canoes of Indians went up the river to look for deer."

July 22
" Saturday William Manson & Wooders came home with 6 rafts of firewood. they left 4 behind."

July 23
" Sunday The men of the 18th Inst. returned with the remainder of the Inland furs."

July 24
" Monday Three men went to cut grafs and tuo to gather it Eight at the Prefses Packing Wolves. Indians from the E brought a little dry Venison. the Indians of the 28th Ult. returned with Letters from Severn."

July 25
" Tuesday Ind. from the E brought a few deer skins."

July 26
" Wednesday Indians went away. finished the packages of Wolves. we now wait for the NRiver furs for Completing the Invoice set the Inner Beacon."

July 27
" Thursday Indians brought venison & ducks - 7 men brought home a boat load of grafs and with Indian aid spread it on the plantation."

July 28
" Friday People brought home another boat load of Grafs and spread it on the plantation set the outer Beacon and laid the Buoys for the Ship."

July 29
" Saturday The mowers and Haymakers came home - the men and Indians of the 20th Ult. brought the furs from NRiver part is still left behind."

July 30
" Sunday Indians brought a Canoe load of Venison doun the river - Mowers & Hay makers went to their tent."

July 31
" Monday People brought home tuo Boat loads of Grafs and spread it on the plantation. Mowers came home - Tuo men brought a packet from CR and the Articles requested from thence."

Aug. 1 1809
" Tuesday Ten men in 2 Boats collecting and bringing Stones for the Ship. Carpenters and Coopers laying the launch. Smith at Iron work for that purpose. completed packing the homeward bound Cargo and marked ready for Shipping."

Aug. 2
" Wednesday Mefs Bird and Sinclair in 2 Canoes 7 men arrived from Oxford House. the various arrangements Inland as appointed at Hill river House being previously settled and the parties dispatched to Mr Birds particular request last June to come doun at Ship time I afsented - a Number of men whose times are expired have agreed and signed contracts accordingly though fully sensible of the necefsity of their oun services none are agreed on terms disproportionate to your Honors Compliance as in Wm Harpers case in Ans'r? of 1809 to servants resolves. no bounty to a single individual has been mentioned and none is expected - every station occupied last year will be filled the ensuing one. an event I little expected last Aug. when not a single labourer was received from Europe - Tuo Indians went to CR with the return'g packeter. they are to wait for Eutopean news there and if our packet is landed to convey it as speedily as pofsible."

Aug. 3
" Thursday People bringing Stones for the Ship laying the launch &c."

Aug. 4
" Friday Finished the launch and got a sufficiency of Stones for ballasting the Ship."

Aug. 5
" Saturday Heavy rain people at work within doors."

Aug. 6
" Sunday a few fish from Indians."

Aug. 7
" Monday All hands carrying firewood up the bank and piling it on the plantation."

Aug. 8
" Tuesday People employed as yesterday."

Aug. 9
" Wednesday All hands stacked the Hay Long Boat ready for sea. 2 Indians brought tuo fresh deer doun the river. signs of more above."

Aug. 10
" Thursday All hands carrying firewood up the bank - The Severn Brig appeared in the offing Mefs Tate & Cook went up the river to hunt deer. Brig Came to an anchor off the Launch Mr Thomas came on Shore - sent 2 men and 5 Indians in a Boat for Venison from Mefs Cook and Tate."

Apr. 11
" Friday Rec'd the Severn Homeward bound Cargo 2 Canoe loads of Venison from Mr Tate."

Aug. 12
" Saturday Tuo Canoes came doun the river (by tuo Ind.) load'd with Venison J. McNab & 4 Ind. arrived from Split Lake. One of the Severn Sailors fell overboard and was drouned."

Aug. 13
" Sunday Indians went away. searched in vain for the body of the sailor drouned yesterday."

Aug. 14
" Monday All hands carrying firewood up the bank. Mefs Cook and Tate returned with the men and Indians - 14 Deer on board the Boat they say the deer are all gone to the S ward."

Aug. 15
" Tuesday Got all the firewood up the bank."

Aug. 16
" Wednesday Mr Tho McNab and 3 Indians in 2 Canoes arrived from Inland brought 80 MBeav. traded since he went to his house."

Aug. 17
" Thursday Five men went a crofs the NRiver to build a small House at Goose tent and be in readinefs for convey'g the Europ'n Packet if land'd at Churchill - 10 men in 2 Canoes arrived from the NRiver Settlement with several packages of furs."

Aug. 18
" Friday People brought home a Boat load of Grafs - drew the lime kiln."

Aug. 19
" Saturday heavy rain all day Mowers came home."

Aug. 20
" Sunday Ind. brought a boat load of venison from the NRiver (12 Deer)"

Aug. 21
" Monday Twelve men went to raft Timber, firewood &c 5 building a small House at 10 Sh'g Creek - a son & dau'r of John Harpurs entered in school."

Aug. 22
" Tuesday Mr Cook & 7 men arrived fm the NR settlements."

Aug. 23
" Wednesday Five men brought Crooks pr Boat builder."

Aug. 24
" Thursday Bricklayer and 6 men building an Oven and Chimney for a new Cook room."

Aug. 25
" Friday Ind. brought a Boat load of Deer from the N Ward - Mr Tomison & 6 men in 3 Canoes arrived from Cumberland House - good new from the interior - Wooders brought 5 rafts of timber &c."

Aug. 26
" Saturday People bring'g Stones for the Ship & other duties."

Aug. 27
" Sunday Several Ind. came with Deerskins &c."

Aug. 28
" Monday All hands carrying Timber, Stockades, &c up the bank."

Aug. 29
" Tuesday People bringing stones for the Ship. making nets building the cook room chimney &c."

Aug. 30
" Wednesday Six men went to cut and collect grafs on Hay Island."

Aug. 31
" Thursday Ind. came from the N with Deerskins and a little dry venison - upwards of 70 men to feed daily makes us seriously wish for the Ships Arrival."

Sept. 1 1809
" Friday Ind. brought a Packet from Severn cont'g Letters from our S ern friends in the Bay."

Sept. 2
" Saturday Good succefs from the fishing nets."

Sept. 3
" Sunday The men of the 17th Ult. arrived with the Packeters from Churchill who brings your Honors Packet."

Sept. 4
" Monday Six men at the new Cook room the others at various duties and preparing for Inland."

Sept. 5
" Tuesday Ten men collecting Bricks from Magazine at the old Factory and bringing them to the building - coched? the Hay."

Sept. 6
" Wednesday The ship appeared the offing Mefs Bird & Sinclair offered their services to go in the Barge for the Servants Orkney Letters, not being sent by the packeters from Churchill and is the only delay to Inland expeditions. Adverse winds and thick snowy weather prevents the ship getting into 5 fm Hole & Gentlemens return."

Sept. 7
" Thursday much snow fell last night - hard frost this morning. The ship twice attempted to reach 5 fm Hole in vain. Gent. not returned gives uneasinefs."

Sept. 8
" Friday The Ship brought up in 5 fm Hole. Mr Auld and Gent. came on shore - sent doun the Long boat."

Sept. 9
" Saturday The Long boats came with Cargo and Mefs Isham and Calder landed."

Sept. 10
" Sunday Brig and Long boats delivered Cargo."

Sept. 11
" Monday Mefs Bird, Pruden, & Tate set out for their respective stations - Brig and Boats went for the Ship."

Sept. 12
" Tuesday Mr Tomison and Jn McNab Jun. set out for Succor Lake with 2 men in a Canoe - Long Boats delivered Cargo & retur'd to the Ship."

Sept. 13
" Wednesday Mefs Sinclair and Isham & 4 men in 2 Canoes set out for Inland - Ind. brought 3 fresh Deer. Vefsels brought all the Cargo from the Ship."

Sept. 14
" Thursday Put the Severn Cargo on board the Brig. 5 men in a Canoe set out for the NRiver departments. now closing the packet conclude this Journal with sincerest wishes for prospirity to your Honors Concerns.
I remain
Honorable Sirs
Your faithful Humble Servant
John McNab."

[a page or two later]

" Mr McNabs Inland Journal"

---

June 2 1809
" Friday With the tide set out for Hill River in Company with Mr Sinclair in a small boat conducted by 3 Eutopeans and 2 Indians - in the evening occupied our nocturnal residence of last year."

June 3
" Saturday Set out early and in the evening put up below the middle woods."

June 4
" Sunday Started early - heavy rain obliged us to put up for the night 10 miles below Steel river - summer here is much further advanced than at this time last year - early flowers in full blofsom, and no vermin to molest us - "nunc formosifsimus annus"."

June 5
" Monday At 3 AM got under way and in the evening pitched tents half way up Steel river rather too near a Cluster of Anthills, where we saw " Paroula magni formica laboris Ore trahit quodcunque poteat". in the forenoon met John McNab Jun. & 10 men in 3 Canoes from the NRiver Settlements proceeding for the factory meaning them to make two trips (instead of one as usual) they have come thus soon doun."

June 6
" Tuesday Started early and at noon reached the House in Hill river found Mr Bunn well and every thing in order there met Wm Manson in the forenoon with 12 Rafts of Timber, Boards &c cut a little below this House during winter."

June 7
" Early this morng my 3 European Conductors set out in a Boat for the Factory and Mr Sinclair with 4 Ind. in 2 Canoes proceeded for Oxford House."

June 11
" Sunday This morng 3 Canoes 12 men arrived from OH with 43 bundles of furs. the early winter prevented James Halcro from reaching his winters residence till near Xmafs and was unfavorable to the fall hunting of the Indians there."

June 14
" At 9 AM the York Boat and a Batteau arrived from the Factory conducted by Magnes Rendall and 14 men - unloaded the Craft & Stowed by the Cargo."

June 15
" Early this morning the men of yesterday proceeded for the factory in a Batteau with 30 Bundles of furs."

June 18
" Sunday In the evening Mefs Bird & Kennedy in 2 Canoes manned with 8 men arrived from Inland brought 15 bundles of furs - Trades from SR considerably better than last year - the early winter preventing Mr Kennedys arrival at Swan River (occasioned by Mr Fidlers departure) till winter set in. gave his opponents the opportunity of withdrawing and their number of men enabled them to deter the Indians from visiting our stations so often as they themselves wished - Mr Kennedys resolution and active exertions neverthelefs enabled him to procure a trade little lefs than from the same quarter last year."

June 22
" In the evening 6 Canoes & a Batt. (Churchill) arrived fm OH with 108 Bundles of furs and Mr Fidlers private Property - Crews 27 men - getting every thing in readinefs for proceeding doun to the Factory - I leave Mr Bird here to regulate the men & Canoes - it is pleasing to find few men desire to go home."

June 23
" In the morng set out for the factory on board the CR Batteau. Put up for the night 6 miles below the mouth of Steel River."

June 24
" Heavy rain most part of this day - in the Afternoon arrived at the Factory, found Mr Cook and all well there - Mr Fidler arrived 3 days ago and waits for the Batteau and men to Convey him to Churchill."



B.239/a/115

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