Fidler, Peter at Ile a la Crosse

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Peter Fidler at Ile-a-la-Crosse

HBC men at Ile a La Crosse in September 1810

Peter Fidler's journal from Ile-a-la-Crosse (Sask.) in 1810-1811.

Peter Fidler

Andrew Flett

Joseph HeywoodJohn Loutit

William Sinclair

Edward MowatJames Isbister

William Hourie

The HBC is opposed by the NWC [Black and Ogden] who have 30 men.

HBCA microfilm numbers:

Reel 1M63 Doc. Ref. No. B.89/a/2

http://www.somecanadianhistory.ca/bad%20neighbours.html

Ile a la Crosse Journal Peter FidlerJune 9 1810

" at 8 AM Sent 12 men in 2 Batteaux to go to Churchill Factory with the few furs Mr.

Sutherland & self have traded here & at The Methy Lake where he wintered. he remainshere to Settle at Green Lake to try if the Southern Indians who inhabit That place will be

more manly than the Northern Indians - who are so very much afraid of the Canadiansfrom the constant ill usage & beatings They receive from them if they wish to trade withus - as they very much wish to do if left to their own free choice - on account of the better

treatment & more goods they trade from us at the same price. I remain here all Summer

to be able if pofsible to induce some of the Northern Indians to trade with us." Gave Charge of the Boats to David Garson a very careful man & sent with him 2 Galls

Brandy, 50 Ball, 6 lbs? Shot, 10 gun flints & 2 fathoms of Tobacco in case he sees any

Natives on The road to Trade with. Mr. Sutherland self & 5 men at present remain at Islea la Crofse House, one hour after our people embarked Mr John Macgillivray in a light

Canoe with 8 Men arrived here at Canadian House from the Little Slave Lake down

Beaver river - at 10 AM the Athapescow Light Canoe arrived here with 8 Men and Mefs

Duncan McTavish Pierre Rochblaue? & John Thompson all Proprietors of the CanadianCompany."

June 10" Early this morning They all embarked for the Grand Portage, now dignified with the

name of Fort William. Mr. John McDonnel my opponent here this Winter accompanied

them - An Indian Man came slyly over to our House as none are allowed to come openly& publicly & told us that there were 13 Hunting Southern Indians at the Green Lake

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constantly residing there besides several expected there from the Saskatchewan River. we

go there in expectation of Receiving some of the Credits due our Houses there. That they

change situations often times to avoid paying"

June 11

" Mr. Sutherland and self cut our little Boat in two to lengthen it 4 feet as at present it istoo short to be of use for us to go up to settle at the Green Lake with as we have no Canoe

adapted to that purpose & the Canadians will not allow the Northern Indians to sell us

any on no account whatever. 2 Men looking out for good Pines that we may get the Barkoff them to cover all our Buildings - The rest at work in the garden."

June 12

" Finished taking out roots from the Garden & digging it. The 2 men returned havingfound no Trees for Bark to cover our Houses with. must now go to examine in another

quarter."

June 13" Sewed Turnip seed of various kinds in the Garden & set many plants. also dug a trench

along the west side of our Garden to keep the water from running into it after heavy rains- Mr. James Keith with 9 women & 6 Children went away in two Canoes. They are to

summer at the Green Lake. 24 Women with their families here & at the Green Lake of

the Canadians. Made an Oar & put our Large Boat down to the waters edge to go & fetchPine Bark from the Egg Lake to cover our Houses with as at present being covered with

earth only They leak much in heavy rain."

June 14" Heavy rain all Day & our House much uncommoded by water running thro the roof."

June 15 1810" Sent 5 men with the Boat up This Lake for Pine Bark. They returned in the evening

with only 30 pieces. a Canadian Man & his woman accompanied our Men in an Indian

Canoe to keep any Indians from having any Trade or even communication with as thevery sight of a Canadian will effectively frighten them from speaking or even coming

near us. Self & Mr Sutherland nearly finished lengthening the Little Boat built by the

Carpenter this Spring."

June 16

" Sent the men towards Egg Lake for Pine Bark. They returned back in the evening too

strong a wind to proceed forwards."

June 17

" In the Evening a Canadian Man & 9 women went away in the Evening in a Canoetowards Egg Lake for Bark."

June 18

" Sent all hands away for Bark in the Boat to Egg Lake. Caulked & Pitched the Little

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Boat and anchored her out in the Lake. 21 Canoes (loaded) arrived here of the Canadians

from the Athapescow Country with two Clerks to overlook Them. Mefs Clark &

McDougal. They had their usual impudence to overhaul our Nets at the point in sight ofthe House and pretty near us"

June 19" Wrote a note to the Canadian Master Mr Robert Henry wishing him to allow his

Blacksmith to repair us 3 Axes & 3 Hoes as we have neither Smith nor tools - he returned

for answer he was already Employed on their own businefs."

June 20

" Made a Door for the North Garden. Bad Leaf, Ned? & another Canadian free Men

arrived at the French House in a Canoe from Cold Lake. They say that our people leftWhite mud House in the Saskatchewan River 27 May for York Factory - Indians there all

very troublesome making & threatening War."

June 21 1810" Traded from Ned? a free Canadian a Tent of 10 Skins, 9 minks, 1 otter, 2 Cats & 2 Bear

Skins all for Tobacco as none to be got at the Saskatchewan River. at 7 PM 11 LoadedCanoes of Canadians with two Clerks Mefs Black & Faris? arrived here from the

Athapescow Country. A Canadian man came privately over to me & gave me the

following information. That They with McTavish in the Light Canoe left the AthapescowLake 2d June. They were 9 Days on the Methy Portage owing to rainy weather - 32

Canoes have 24 Packs each of 85 lbs all Beaver Skins nearly - all the Cats, wolves,

wolarens etc left in the Country as They had not a sufficiency of men to carry Them

down to the Grand Portage and leave a few behind to take care of their Settlements anduntraded Goods. one Canoe has 15 Packs making in all 783 packs being rather more than

last year exclusive of the number of Packs of other furs left in the Country -

" 5 Canoes wint'd beyond The Rocky Mountain up Peace river amongst The CarrierIndians and get from Thence 75 Packs. This is rather a new businefs in Trading with

Those Distant Tribes & promises to be advantagous? notwithstanding the vast distance &

very bad road thro the Mountains. Six of their Canoes are from The Slave Lake & thefurs purchased in Mckenzies river & Bears Lake - The Southern Indians at the

Athapescow Lake now make a great deal of Dry Provisions sufficient to serve all the

Canadian Canoes out from Thence to Chamberland? House as formerly when Three

Companies were there very little was to be had from them such a competition & theNatives getting every thing so much cheaper Than now There is but one House.

Our men came home with 236 pieces of Pine Bark for roofing - a Canadian man & his

wife constantly attending them to prevent any Indians from having any connections withus we cannot stir any distance from the House but what we are constantly followed by the

Rascals."

June 22

" Sent all hands away to take 1000 pieces of Pine Bark to cover our buildings with. All

the Canadian Canoes embarked for the Rainy Lake - also the 3 freemen who are going

acrofs into the Saskatchewan middle of next month - Wrote & sent by them a few lines

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acquainting him of our going to settle the Green Lake soon & for him to send us the exact

amount of all the Indians & Free Canadian Credits who are likely to visit this place that

they may be received for the Company & to prevent Their cheating us which they are tooapt to do. 4 Canoes of Northern Indians or Jepowyans went to the Canadians House -

Some radish up - Potatoes up 3 days ago."

June 23 1810

" The Indians who went to the Canadian House yesterday all went away - at Dusk in the

evening one of them came sly ly here walking Thro a wide swamp arm pit deep- beingafraid to come here openly for fear of The Canadians, he comes for a little Credit for 4

men, he says that the Canadians locked them all up last night to prevent Their coming

over to our House which they all very much wished. gave him but a very little Credit. He

went away in the same sly way as he came, being greatly terrified for fear of seeing aCanadian."

June 30

" Saturday. our men came with 310 pieces of Bark. Cadot a Canadian & his wife alwayskeep in our mens Company to keep Indians from having any dealings with us - Mr.

Sutherland & self ?? Plank for the Lower floor in my room."

July 1

" as the wind was fair sent all our Men away for more Bark - A Canadian man & boyaccomp'd as usual our men."

July 2 1810

" at 11 AM Mr. Robert Henry the Canadian Master, James Black a Clerk, Jebou theBlacksmith & la waile marked out a place for a house only 10 feet Distant from our

Stockades to the North of our House - Henry tells us that it is by law they can build

within 10 feet of a House. Mr. Sutherland & self forbad their building so very near in thename of the Hudsons Bay Company but they persevered & cleared a place for a House

and also marked off about 50 or 60 yards square with sticks about 10 feet apart marked

NW Ft and a tracking line tyed to them all. Their House before is not above 150 ydsdistant from ours & on the South side us and now they are building on the ? side so very

near us for the express purpose to prevent a single Native from entering our Doors. They

stand at nothing to get every thing the Indians kill. nor do I now expect a single native

will be able to give us any thing privately as none will be suffered to enter our Doors -What a most unpleasant Thing to prevent the Natives from coming to Trade with us

openly - as they all in General wish to do - as they always receive from us a better

treatment & more Goods considerably for their Peltries than the Canadians will givethem."

July 3 1810" French hawling Logs to build their Watch House here with - all ready squared so They

seem to have had this plan in contemplation some time back in short. I have been

privately informed That McDonnell wrote to the Athapescow in Feb'y last to bring Mr.

Black from thence to remain here, a person the best calculated I ever knew, to do any

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unjustifiable action- he is the same person who at the Athapescow in the winter & spring

1806 would not rest in the night, but kept nightly a constant watch to keep all Indians

from coming to our house & who danced, sang & beat on our Dwelling House & alarmed& Disturbed every one within. The Canadians being? so numerous to the Hudson Bay

Companys Servants they stick at nothing to promote their own Interests howsoever

repugnant to right. he is a person very fitting to be made an example of in terror to othersof them - as They say as they are the strongest side they will do as they chuse - as both

Law & Justice they laugh at. My Journal of 1806 at the Athapescow Lake mentions

several atrocities commited by him & his colleagues? They are determined to drive usaway from this place by harrafsing us & our people - so Henry told us yesterday - Men

came home with Pine Bark."

July 5 1810" Mr Black goes about our house at almost all hours in the night hallowing Loud on

purpose to disturb us exactly as he did at the Athapescow Lake"

July 6 1810" all our Men came home with the last of the Pine Bark. 1270 Pieces in all & Andrew

Kirknefs woman, on some dispute with her Husband went over to the French House."

July 7 1810

" Self & Mr. Sutherland went over to the Canadian House to get Andrew Kirknefswoman to return again to him.- but she had been so much threatened by the Canadians

that she was afraid to return as they told her that they would cut off her ears if she leaves

them.- so she told him."

July 9

" Received a note from Mr Henry telling us we had no right to set nets towards where

theirs are its being the best place. They want to monopolize every thing - when accordingto the invaluable custom of Hudsons Bay that any person has a right to set any Net or

Nets provided they be distant from those standing the whole length of one net"

July 11

" Wednesday. at Midnight Mr. Black shrieked twice very loud & disturbed every one of

us within- he comes as near our Dwelling House as our Stockades will allow him. on

Saturday spoke to Henry about his not allowing any of his people to shriek & disturb usin the night - which he promised we should not - Sent a note to Mr Henry desiring him

not to suffer any of his Servants to disturb us in the Night & received from him one

calling it a frivolous thing - All hands putting on Pine Bark on the roof of the House &finished nearly 2/3 of it. Henry sent us word to take up all our Nets - tho they are above 1

1/2 net length from any of theirs."

July 12

" Mr. Black hallowed twice very loud, one at the East Gate & then at the West Gate -

finished roofing the dwelling house with Pine Bark."

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July 13 1810

" At 11 2/3 PM Mr. Black came to our East Gate & called loud 'You ought to keep your

doors shut' - he then pafsed close along our Stockades to the West Gate & called ' Shutyour Doors & keep out the Muskettoes' and afterwards 'If any one wishes to wrangle with

me come out here I am'. Then gave two loud whoops & went away. Finished covering the

Boat & fish House with Bark - we have about 320 pieces remaining."

July 16

" One man digging a Trench from the corner of our Stockades down to the Lake to set upStockades to prevent Mr Black & the Canadians from having a free pafsage close by our

East Gate - Three? getting Stockades - Mr Black planted 2 NW marks one on each side of

our West Track about 12 feet from our Stockades & about 4 yards on each side of the

Track."

July 18 1810

" 4 Men put up 96 Stockades from the corner of our Stockades down to the Lake to

prevent the Canadians from pafsing close to our East & front Gates. the Canadians cut aTrack from their Watch house here toward their big House within 10 feet of our

Stockades, a thing never known before to cut so near one another & right over ourDunghill - at 11PM Mr. Black went round our Stockades we set This Day & came up to

our front Gates & hallowed loud & began cutting wood close at our Gates and alarmed &

disturbed every body.- Joseph Heywood & Mr. Sutherland went out to desire him to keepquiet & let us sleep- he told them he would do as he liked & that he was fixed here for the

exprefs purpose to prevent any Native whatever from entering our House & that they

should pafs over his Belly before a single one should enter it.- He challenged all & said

he would disturb us whenever he thought proper by hallowing, firing Guns & by & by weshould hear him Dance & sing & every thing that he knew could disturb us."

July 21 1810" at Midnight Mr Black hallowed several times loud & cut wood on purpose to disturb us

at the West Gates - Canadians widening the Track at the West side of our Stockades. Mr

Henry & Black put up each posted on a seperate board copies of the ?? warrants made byMr Auld for the Apprehension of various Canadian Proprietors & Clerks for sundry high

Crimes committed by them on Persons & property of the Hudson Bay Company - issued

at Deers Lake 1809 & given to Mr Henry? Ten are put up in Derision & defiance of every

Law & Justice & to make us believe that they don't mind the least about any thing of theKind of either apprehension or Punishment waiting them - They are so numerous in

respect of us that the Strongest with them is every thing - Its a great pity some example

could be made to convince them to the contrary as in consequence the Interest of theHBC suffers exceedingly."

July 22" at 9 1/2 AM Sent Mr Sutherland with Wm Findley & James Leeny? in the Little Boat to

build at the Green Lake - half an hour after they had gone Mr Black came to our East

Gates & missed the Boat. when he and all the Men at the Canadian House set off in

search of them except Mr Henry - we cannot be allowed to go any where without being

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followed by them."

July 23" In the Evening Mr Black & others of the Canadians returned having found our People

& left one to escort them on purpose to keep Indians from coming near us as it is well

known that the sight of a Canadian will so frighten the Natives as to be frightened ofspeaking to us."

July 26" French covered their new built Watch house here 14 feet square with Pine Bark & burnt

the rubbish about it. Last night Andrew Kirknefs went to the Canadian house. he goes

there slyly, altho I have frequently forbad him as perhaps he tells things he knows - They

have he says drawn out a Contract for him to sign some time ago but that he will not gothere."

July 29 1810

" 3 Jepowyans in a Canoe went to the French House - We are so well guarded that not asingle one durst venture near us & They well know that they will at the least get a very

severe beating. In the Evening they returned"

July 30 1810

" Early this morning Mr. Black hallowed loud on account we suppose of the Indiansarriving yesterday"

July 31 1810

" Last night Mr. Black hallowed long & loud at the Front Gates & remained there a longwhile."

Aug. 4" Between 4 & 5 oClock this morning Andrew Kirknefs went away privately & took

every thing belonging to him to the French House. he has had a Contract drawn out these

3 weeks but I believe not syned till late at 30 L per annum - The Canadians keeping hisWoman is the cause of his going there - as they do every thing They can to distrefs us. at

6 am the french began to cut down every tree & willow close along the West & South

side of our Garden - that it is not pofsible for any one was he ever so much inclined to

enter our house unperceived - with the continual Watch they keep - In the afternoon Theyput down a Launch within 10 feet of our Stockades - Put into our House one of our

Fishing Batteaux as we are all constantly afraid that the Canadians will send them adrift."

Aug. 6

" As Andrew Kirknefs is now gone away who was our fisherman on which our

subsistance depend only two young inexperienced hands with me ? Know nothing of netmending or setting My Woman undertakes it till our Boats arrive from Churchill factory

which we expect will be about one month from hence. at night a Southern Indian went to

the french House."

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Aug. 11

" French set 3 Nets 3 Days ago at Landmans point & only got one Succor Per Day from

them. They set them here now as Indians are expected to pafs soon that they may go tothem whenever we go to ours to hinder us from speaking to them."

Aug. 13" Mr Blacks watch house being I believe now ready compleat he moved his Bedding &

things into it & I imagine slept in it the first time - Strong wind ? ? our Nets this 2 Days

past. The 2 men at home dayly? plastering the Buildings against winter & working in theGarden. & finished laying the floors in my room & partition etc.

Aug. 14

" A large Canoe with 6 Jepowyan Men went to the Canadian House"

Aug. 18

" Finished making an oven - 3 Days work for us"

Aug. 20

" 2 Jepowyans in one Canoe went to the French House - in the Evening they returned.Also another Indian & his wife went to French house in a Canoe & a Candian & his wife

accompanied them"

Aug. 23

" Joseph Heywood at the Nets saw 2 Indian lads going to the French House with meat -

They told him they would all be in about 10 Days hence"

Aug. 24

" Mr Black every time both morning & evening comes down to our Track perhaps

thinking that our Men yesterday had got some meat from the 2 Indians that he saw"

Aug. 25

" Last night from 9 1/2 to 11 Mr Black hallowing very loud several times close to ourhouse - Missed this morning 2 Nets dragged for them but found none."

August 26 1810

" Last night at 10 1/2 Mr. Black hallowed loud several times & then fired a Shot close toour House which awoke & alarmed us all. In the afternoon he snapped a Short Gun at

Charley [Fidler's son] pointed straight for him Thro the South window in his Watch

house and not above 12 yards from where the boy was - who was carrying into our yard abillet of Firewood."

Aug. 27" Dragged for our Nets all day & could not find them"

Aug 28 1810

" Last night Mr. Black Danced & Jumped & hallowed several times near his Launch end

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to make our Dogs bark much & to disturb us. Six Canoes of southern Indians went to the

French House - Mr Black came down to our fishing Canoe when the Man come ashore to

see what he had got in it. Set 3 Nets near Old House point as few are now to be caught atLandmans point where we have had them mostly all summer"

Aug 30 1810" One net we had standing at Landmans point was cut away in the night at one End, but

fortunately we found it again by dragging. Sent over the rope to let Mr. Henry see it had

been cut by some of his people - Ever since we missed our 2 Nets about a week ago MrBlack has constantly been down to see if we had got them. as we now have not any doubt

but he had cut them both away at both ends & they have drifted away & lost. They will

not allow a Single Indian to bring us the least provisions - we have then only our Nets to

depend on for a livelyhood & those being cut adrift makes our case desperate - surely anexample should be made to deter others from doing the Like - where our Nets are is the

way all Indians pafs - & The Canadians Imagine we might fall in the way of some of

them when visiting them & They cut them away that we might change the situation more

out of the way as all the Indians are expected to come to the House soon. all the ? of theSummer they would not allow us to set a Net near Old House because there fish was

more plentiful & no Indians expected in to the Houses - now the Inds are expected theyare determined to drive us where they would not allow us to be before - at 9 1/2 AM

Mefs McTavish McGillivray & Fraser arrived in a Light Canoe & 8 men from Grand

Portage - They are all going to the Athapescow Country - In the Evening McTavish & allthe French officers had a long stay in Mr Blacks watch House - Dragged a long time for

our 2 lost Nets being quite Calm but could not find them - Mr. Black calling out at Night

as usual tho rather lower - altho he made our dogs bark much."

Aug. 31

" Got this morning 32 Tickameg - The only good luck we have had since a little after our

Boats departure down to CR. we are now under the necefsity of setting all our Netswithout Buoys - & drag for Them when we visit them- which tears them a good deal but

we have now no other alternative - None of the Canadians are suffered to come near us

with any News, They are all strictly watched by Mr. Black - They will come & stand atour Gates but not one durst venture in & they threaten to make them loose their wages -

This we had from one we accidently met in the Woods."

Sept. 1 1810" In the nyht a Canadian lyht Canoe arrived here with a Master & at 8 AM 12 Loaded

Canoes - Not a single Canadian is allowed to visit us to give us the least European or

other news - 3 Irroqu'i? came into our House but soon went away by Blacks order - whopafsed thro our yard. Three Canadian Clerks came 3 several times to our Gates & stood

some time but would or durst not come in for fear of their Masters. 5 Canoes came to the

House remained here & went away again. They are all at Landmans Point 25 LoadedCanoes which is all that belongs to the Athapescow Quarter."

Sept.2

" Sunday. Every Sunday when the weather is fine it is the constant custom in the Interior

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to hoist the flagg. Mr Black & 3 other Clerks from their Watch House Door close to our

Stockades fired 5 shots either at our flagg or vane, or on purpose if pofsible to cut the

Line which hoists the flag - In the evening a Canadian & his wife with an Indian? camefrom the Green Lake. Early this morning all the Athapescow Loaded Canoes proceeded

on their voyage."

Sept. 3

" at 11 AM all the Canadian Gentlemen for the Athapescow department Embarked in 3

Canoes - Took our 2 Nets up at the point. one end of one of them had been moved morethan 60 yards & with difficulty the Men found it."

Sept. 4

" At 6 1/2 PM Mr John McDonnel my late neighbour & Mr Stewart arrived in a lightCanoe from the Grand Portage. They are to Winter at the lesser Slave Lake in the place of

John McGillivray - Not a single Canadian is permitted to come near us at the House - we

only converse now & then with one we find in the Woods & they even are afraid to tell

us by their Masters directions where they pafsed our Boats coming here from ChurchillFactory - who they must have pafsed on the road - 2 Canoes of Jepowyans went from the

French house suppose they must have came in the nyht."

Sept. 6

" at 2 PM 4 Canoes Loaded arrived at the french House from the Grand Portage - Theygo up to Lesser Slave Lake - They are putting in order 2 more in order to lighten the rest

going up Beaver River which is very shoal towards the upper part."

Sept. 7" In the Evening the free Canadian wife & son pafsed our House in a Canoe for berries-

Mr Black immediately went after them & forced them to return Directly - They are

particularly afraid of our speaking to any body & keep all they can out of our way. Isincerely hope they have taken our Pilot from the Boats either going down or returning -

as only David Garsons Woman knows any thing of the road that is in company. at 7 PM 7

Canoes for Lesser Slave Lake embarked with Mefs McDonnell & Stewart & 27 men."

Sept. 10

" I am & has been these Days past very badly with a severe pain in my right shoulder -

Set the 2 Men to cut firewood for winters use. 4 Canoes of Southern & 4 of NorthernIndians went to the Canadian House."

Sept. 11" I am rather better"

Sept 12" Killed 2 Ducks near the house our men heard the Shots & ran home from the Woods,

thinking the Canadians were shooting me - we expect every bad thing from them as they

tell us we have no right to Trade in This Country - In the Evening the 4 Canoes of

Southern Indians went away & our Men at the Nets spoke to them but being still in sight

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of the Canadian house They were afraid to make our people any reply Tho nearly a Mile

from it - at 11 AM a Canadian man & Woman & one Indian came down from Green

Lake with a large Canoe loaded with meat - at 11 1/2 PM Mr Duncan Campbell & 6 mencame in a large Canoe from the Grand Portage. Mr. Black is now badly so that we are

allowed to rest at night."

Sept. 13

" One Canoe of Jepowyans went to the Canadian House - Our 2 Men besides examining

the Nets morning & evening - cuts firewood- The Woman daily employed keeping themin order."

Sept. 14

" Andrew Kirknefs told Joseph Heywood that the Canadians who came here 12th Inst.pafsed our men at the Knee Lake & joyful to learn they are all safe - after the great dread

and anxcity we have had for fear of the Canadians doing them some hidden mischief or

taking away their Pilots? . one Canoe went to the French Ho. of Indians."

Sept. 15

" at 2 1/2 PM Cartier the French Guide & 5 canoes arrived here"

Sept. 16

" at 6 AM we had the very agreeable pleasure of seeing our 2 Boats & 11 Men return safefrom C.R.. They have brot very little Goods with them, principally necefsaries. When our

Men pafsed the Frog Portage McTavish frightened our pilot away & it was two Days

detention to them before They got her again - without her our Men could not have come

forwards - These Canadians now stand at nothing however much against reason &Justice."

Sept. 17" Packed up every thing ready to send to the Green Lake where Mr Sutherland has built

this Summer. I wished D. Garson to take charge of a House at Whitefish Lake where

Jepowyans are to winter but he absolutely refused as he said that they were afraid to visitour House last winter at Methy Lake were Mr Sutherland ? wintered & would now be

still more so as being ? ? Nothing can be got from these Indians but by main strength with

the Canadians which by their superior number we have no chance with. with the

principals they set upon. Yesterday Mr Blacks things were carried away from the WatchHouse here to their own house. he is very badly. Burrasa & his wife remain in it -

Yesterday 2 Canoes of Canadians 9 Men & 2 women went away for Green Lake."

HBC men at Ile a La Crosse in Sept. 1810 (lists written in the margin)

Peter Fidler

Andrew FlettJoseph Heywood

John Loutit

William Sinclair

Edward Mowat

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James Isbister

William Houry

"Men at Green Lake"

"Mr. R. Sutherland

David GarsonWm Findley

James Leeny

Hugh Crofse?Wm Lesly?

Geo. Longscail?

Wm Inkster

Tho. Isbister"

Sept. 18

" Sent away at 7 1/2 PM last night Joseph Heywood and Wm Sinclair in a small Canoe

privately toward Egg Lake to be in the way of Indians coming towards the House? toendeavour to get something from them - at 8 1/2 PM our 2 Men returned having seen

nobody - at 11 AM David Garson & 5 Men went for Green Lake with Trading Goods etcin one Boat. On Sunday Andrew Kirknefs took away privately a Dog belonging to Wm

Flett one of our Men here last winter - but now remains in the lower Country - The men

helving their axes ready to cut our Winters firewood before the frost sets in - AndrewFlett took our Nets to repair & attend all winter - my woman having kept ? in order ever

since Andrew Kirknefs ran away"

Sept. 20" Finished plastering the walls of our Dwelling House. Andrew Flett our Net man saw 2

Jepowyans beyond the point but they were afraid to speak to him or give him any Meat

they had tho out of syht of the House. but being near it was so very much afraid of beingseen by the Canadians near any of us - what a Melancholy thing that all the Indians

should be so very much intimidated by the Canadians to the utter hurt of the Hudsons

Bay Companys Interest - we being so few in Comparison of our rascally opponents wehave no chance - altho the Indians much wishes to Trade with us could we be able to

protect them from the Ill treatment of the Canadians"

Sept. 21" at 10 AM Mr Robert Henry who has been Master here all summer Embarked in one?

Canoe & 6 men - he is to Winter at the Athapescow Lake House along with Mr

McTavish - Men (Canadians) now to winter here are Mr John Duncan Campbell, MrOgden, Mr Black, both Clerks & Cartier the Old guide who has been Master of a Trading

House many Years, besides 22 Common Men - making 26 in all against our 8 - one

Canoe of Jepowyans went to the French House."

Sept. 23

" In the Evening 9 Canoes of Indians went to the French House - a Canoe of Canadians

from their House went to meet them when they came in syht"

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Sept. 24

" Canadians watching closely at their watch House here to prevent any Indians coming orour going away privately to meet them. at 9 AM 6 more Canoes of Jepowyans went to the

French House. Immediately on their arrival They are all shut up within their Stockades

and not one allowed to go out but a Canadian accompanies him that none myht get to ourHouse. altho several of them had Credits from us last Spring. These are the most

distrefsing & uneasy times I have ever experienced in the Country on account of such

conduct in the Canadians not allowing a Single Native to visit us."

Sept. 26

" all the Indians went away. I crofsed over the point & spoke to 3 Men. they say that they

all very much wished to come over to our house but were afraid of the Canadians beatingthem. They are going to hunt beyond Swan Lake & Clear Water river. two days ago a

Canoe with 4 Canadians went away & returned this day with it full of Dry provisions.

The 24th in the Evening sent away 2 Men to be in the road of Indians coming to the

house with Trading Goods to Trade any thing they could."

Sept. 29" at Dark our 2 Men returned having seen no Indians."

Oct. 2" 5 Canoes of Jepowyans went away towards the Athapescow. In the Evening sent away

2 Men in a small Canoe slyly in the Dark as usual to be in the road of Indians as we think

several are yet uncome in - 4 Canoes of Crees or Southern Indians & 1 Northern went to

the French House."

Oct. 3

" Just before Sun set Daze a Canadian half breed fired a Shot at Charley which struck thewater not 2 yards from him, Wm. Houry saw it also - The Boy Charley is now very ? in

speaking to an Indian he should happen to meet with, that they do every thing to frighten

him - if they really mean no more than frightening. Several Canoes of Indians went awaybut not a single one allowed to come to our House."

Oct 4 1810

" Sent over the Boy Charley & Wm Houry to ask Mr Campbell about the shot last night -he as might be expected of him knew nothing about the shot- Daze said that he did not

know it was loaded with Ball - 14 Canoes of Jepowyans went to French House and at 8

PM our 2 Men returned not having seen any body as they said of Those now arrived - butonly those who went away Lately - from when they Traded a few trifles of Dry

provisions & some Snow shoe netting - The Indians are all much exasperated against the

Canadians for not allowing them to visit us as they are threatened to be hung if theyshould have any Dealings with us."

Oct. 5

" all the Indians went away & 3 Canadians were fixed at the point to keep them from

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speaking to our fisherman who was there at his Nets - He offered them fish but the

Canadians would not suffer them to take any or speak to our Man."

Oct. 7

" 4 Canoes of Jepowyans went to French House & 2 returned accompanied with a

Canadian. at 5 1/2 PM the other 2 Canoes of Jepowyans returned & at the same time our2 fishing Canoes came around? the point with 2 men each. being at the Nets The

Canadians supposing one to be an Indian Canoe coming here Mr Black & ogden

immediately came over to our Gates & stood there - I suppose that if it had been anIndian they would have endeavoured to take every thing from him - I immediately sent

away Joseph Heywood & Wm Sinclair in a small Canoe to the 2 Canoes just gone away

to learn where they are to winter - Immediately the 2 Clerks returned & sent of 2 men in a

Canoe in pursuit of our Men as hard as they could Paddle - our Men came up nearly withthe Indians & offered them some Tobacco & asked them where they were to Hunt all

winter, but they were afraid either to take the Tobacco or even return an Answer as the

Canadians were in syht coming fast up."

Oct. 8

" at Sun rise this morning 13 Canadians came over here with axes & cut down all thewillows in front of our House That there cannot be a pofsibility of an Ind coming Sly ly

to us. they even came to our Gates & cut down the Poles we have for Drying our fishing

Nets on - & one of the Men cut one of our Corner Stockades at the Garden two or threestrokes with an ax. They seem & even tells us that they are absolutely determined to

Drive usall away from this Quarter where the furs are plentiful & of the Best Kind."

Oct. 9" 5 Canoes of Those who went away lately came to the French House but did not take

any thing out. I believe they are some of them ill with the disorder brot now in by the

Canadians same as 1808 when numbers of the Natives Died. Mr Black came to our Eastor front Gates & staired hard over them several times - The Inds went away that came in

the morning"

Oct. 12

" Some Indians went away from the French House last night - Sent Charley & Joseph

Heywood in a Canoe This morning after to speak to them but they returned, could not

find them - just on their return They were overtaken by 2 Canadians who had been sentafter them. They all came back together - In the evening put 6 Stockades further out at the

end of those we set in July. The water in the Lake having since then fallen much - Mr

Black & Campbell pafsed that way 2 Days ago. Just when we had finished putting themup Mr Black & Ogden went over there & the Latter came into our Garden & walked thro

it & over the Stockades near their Watch house - previous to this Mr Campbell was in the

Watch house & when he thought we had near finished them he sent a Man from theWatch house to fetch Mr Black & Ogden. They remained at our Front Gates near 10

minutes armed with Pistles & Daggers - when Ogden was in our Garden Campbell called

out ' have you got your Hanger'."

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Oct. 13

" very heavy snow all day - gave the Men all their winter Shoes & Mittens"

Oct. 14 1810

" In the night or early this morning some of the Canadians had maliciously sawn in two

the ribband which supports the Stockades put up on Friday & thrown 10 Stockades downinto the Lake being 4 more than we had put up- In the afternoon found that the Canadians

had taken away 3 piles of cut firewood - wrote over another Note concerning it -

Campbell told our Man that we must not again put up the Stockades just cut down"

Oct. 15

" one of our Men found that the Canadians had taken away another pile of our cut

firewood - Set 4 Men at work to put up the Stockades cut down by the Canadians"

Oct. 19 1810

" Mr. Black & ogden come close to our Launch where we take our fish ashore at night-

which is very insulting as they say nothing but comes in a very Bravado manner."

Oct. 22" Mr Black & Ogden daily in the Evening, come to where we land our fish - this day they

came up to our Gates & stood there upwards of 10 minutes waiting our Fisherman

coming ashore. They had their Daggers on - I don't know why they come over everynight when our fisherman returns from the Nets. in the Day they were both over &

remained about our front Gates with a gun each"

Oct. 24 1810" Mr. Black & ogden walked acrofs Our Yard in at the West & out at the East Gate

armed. The latter carrying a chair the other opened our oven door & looked in- This is

done to insult & harras us as everything They can imagine hurting to our feelings Theydo- knowing that the orkneymen are so timorous That they will allow Themselves to be

imposed on in any manner- one alone against such numbers can do nothing."

Oct. 25 1810

" Mr. Black & ogden came to our Gates this morning & in the Evening they both came

into our Yard at the East Gates to pafs thro it- Mr. Black with a loaded Gun & 2 Pistols &

Ogden with his Dagger which they seldom carry but when They mean to insult us- I metthem in the Yard & asked Mr. Black the reason why they pafsed thro our Yard, a thing

never done before- till lately- he said he would make a common practice on account of

our putting down the Stockades- I told them to return the same way they came & thatthey should not pafs thro our yard in the Insulting Manner They intended- I told one of

our men to shut the West Gates- which was at last done- they perservered in pafsing

when I struck Mr. Black with a stick two or 3 times- Ogden immediately drew his Dagger& cut 2 large holes in the side & back of my Coat & pricked my body but no further- Mr.

Black then took up part of the stick I had broken over him & struck me on the Thumb

close at the upper end of the Nail & smashed it to pieces- Ogden also struck me twice

with a stick- All our men looking on the whole time without giving me any assistance-

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Mr. Black & ogden then followed me into my room with their Guns & Dagger & abused

me very much whilst my Thumb was drefsing- They then went & opened the West Gate

& went away saying that we all should lead a very miserable & unhappy winter."

Oct. 26 1810

" Got no sleep with the pain in my Broken Thumb it being made quite flatt & obliged tohave it in a sling that arm being the left. Mr Black & Ogden came & stood at our East

Gates this morning & between 12 & 1 oClock They came again all well armed with 3

Canadians & cut down 4 Stockades we had put up in the Summer & threw them into theLake - Myself & Andrew Flett the only man home went & told them at their peril not to

cut them down. They replied they did not care a Dam for the Hudson Bay Company - Mr

Campbell stood looking on near his own House - The Old NW Company for several

years during the opposition enclosed both sides the front of their House with Stockadesdown far into the Lake"

Oct. 27

" Mr Campbell & Black came near our East Gates stood some time & returned & in theEvening Black & Ogden came opposite our Gates where our fish are brought ashore.

Snow nearly all gone & few Ducks are to be seen - The men daily employed cutting ourwinters Stock of Firewood"

Oct. 28" Mr Ogden pafsed close by our front Gate & then the Gap they cut in our Stockades -

We have now cut 161 chords of firewood"

Oct. 31" Ice set in far from the Shore - 2 Men hawling home firewood with 5 Dogs - they have

nearly 1/2 mile to fetch it."

Nov. 1

" Took up 2 Nets from under the Ice, one still down - also set 2 Nets under the Ice at the

Old House Quarter & as our Men came home a Canadian came from their House & toldus to take them up again without his exactly knowing were they were set"

Nov. 2 1810

" A Canadian told us to take up our Nets or They would cut them to pieces - They set 2Nets near them where they had none before"

Nov. 5" Took up our 2 Nets we set under the Ice first & Mr Campbell having no twine to line a

net with sent over after what has lately pafsed - & as they are quite destitute of that article

let them have wherewith to do one Net being 5 1/2 Cuts of Coarse Twine."

Nov. 10

" Obliged to take 2 more of our Nets up set under the Ice as one of them was entangled

with a french one they set too near us - they impose upon us in every manner they can."

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Nov. 12

" Setting more nets we now have 6 Down."

Nov. 18

" at 11 AM yersterday the Indian Man returned in Company with one Canadian & 3 Dogsin an? Slegh - at Noon This Day sent Joseph Heywood & William Sinclair after the Track

of the Indian - gave them 20 lbs Pemmican for Provisions as we don't know where they

are Tenting - They took 1 1/2 yds Cloth & 1 fm Tobacco - They are sent purposely toknow what Indians are there & to tell them to lay something by for us in the Track we go

down to the Factory in the Spring - as the Canadians will not allow a Single Native to

visit us - nor even any of their own People Men or Women. our only hope is by sending

to the Indian Tents in Winter - at 3 PM the Canadian Man who accompanied the Indianyesterday returned with a Slegh of meat & a Tent who our 2 Men are gone in search of -

An hour after Mr Black Poulet & Chartier with a Dog & Slegh - went the way our men

are - I suppose gone after them."

Nov. 19

" Between 12 & 1 oClock This morning our 2 Men came home - They had put up about12 Miles from the House, got their supper & lain down to sleep - in order to pursue their

Journey tomorrow forwards - to find out the Indians - where soon after Mr Black & The 2

Canadians came up the Strongest & greatest Blackguards at their House - Mr Black toldour Men to get up immediately & return back with them to the House, or that they would

pofsitively break their Legs - he called out where was the Brandy as his Men wanted a

Dram - They told him they had none - he examined every thing they had & took from

them their 2 Guns one of which he fired off - The Flint had fallen out of the other & took& tyed them upon Their own Slegh - & drove our 2 Men home before them & threatened

them in the most awful & horrid manner, That if any of us went without our Doors after

an Indian they most certainly would break their legs - Mr Black went in search of Tracksthis morning & came into my room on his return & abused & said every bad thing he

could, That if I sent a Man after any Indians whatever This winter he would kill me - he

then went into The Mens House & told them all that if any of them went after an Indianhe would with The Canadians break their Legs - & that Mr Campbell had given these

orders - I told the same two Men to go again after the Indians to see - but they both

absolutely refused - Andrew Flett fell down on the Ice this morning & hurt his hip - he

besides the other 2 above are the only men here who can speak to an Indian - So thisunprecedented Conduct of the Canadians will prevent our getting any Skins from the

Indians - Mr Black most solemnly swears that the Hudson Bay company shall not get a

single Skin at the Isle a la Crofse - & that this is the resolve of their Company - They areparticularly exasperated against me as I am the only Person in our Concern who knew?

all their Northern Parts?- The two Guns they took from our Men the Canadians still keep

- nor shall we receive them if offered - one of the Guns belonged to myself & the other toWm Sinclair who I have promised to pay him for out of my own pocket if the Chief at the

Factory does not make him an equivalent on the Companies account - 20 Shillings is

what the Man says it cost him - all our people are now very much frightened, that they

are even afraid to stir about - the Canadians being near 4 to one of us - & the evil

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principals they act upon

" I told Mr Black when in my room that after Breakfast I should send away again the 2

Men - he & Ogden came to their Watch House Here armed with Pistols & Daggers toMurder the Men if they went away - they remained there a long while - but none of our

Men would go - so that we can expect nothing. The 2 Canadians in Company with Mr

Black said nothing to our Men except Chartier who said that they had orders from MrCampbell to give them? a very severe beating & to break their Legs if our Men

perservered in going on - Black & Ogden after waiting a good while in their Little House

& not knowing whether or not our Men was away again - They came into our Menshouse to see all were at home - I used every persuasive? word to induce our Men to go

again after the Indians & they would not listen - I also Insisted on their going but with the

same effect - Black & Ogden came in Armed with their Daggers & Pistols but said

nothing about the Indians as they saw every body home - we are in a situation that wecannot benefit the company the least & we all pafs a most miserable life - our 2 Men

having every thing to Carry? in their Back, Provisions, Bedding etc. could not well keep

up with Mr Black & the 2 Canadians. he frequently called out & abused our Men That

they did go no faster"

Nov. 20"Between twelve & one oClock this morning Mr Black fired 6 shots close to our House

& hallowed three times & alarmed every one in the house - Mr Black this morning as

soon as he could well see very closely examining the Tracks to see if any of our Men hadgone away in the night - Asked Andrew Flett if he would be able to go to the Indians but

he said that he was really afraid of his life to go after the much awful threatening from

Black - ? all the rest of the Men are the same - A Canadian from the Watch House went

in to our Mens house purposely to see if all our Men were home - he told our Men to goover for the 2 Guns they forcibly took from our Men but I would not allow them -

Andrew Flett told me that when Mr Black had broke my thumb when I went into the

house, thinking perhaps I was gone for some weapon - he stood in our door with his Gunready cocked & he said that he would shoot me in the House if I offered to resist."

Nov. 21" In the afternoon Mr Black& Ogden came into our Mens house armed with Daggers &

Pistols then came into my room & told me to take up our Nets. They being too near

theirs, or else they would cut them to pieces - I told them it was the Custom of the

Canadians which they well know that a Nets length distant (60fm) was always allowed &that if our Nets were within that distance we would take them up - Sent three men away

to measure the distance between their Nets & ours and found 64 fathoms which is more

than the allowed distance or the length of a Net - however as they myht not have the leastreason on our part of any encroachment we took up 3 & put down 2 more in a new place

nearly 3/4 mile from where they stood. our other 3 Nets are above 2 Net lengths from any

of the French Nets - They wish to starve us - They tell us they can do it by taking up orDestroying our Nets & also prevent us from having any firewood - Mr Black told Joseph

Heywood to go over to their House & fetch the Guns & he would not which vexed him -

our fine Bitch is now very full of Pups Black kicked her in the Belly very hard on

purpose to kill them. he stands at nothing. he told our Men that Law & Justice he did not

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mind - so many bad actions they have done to us & no notice being taken of it in England

still further encourages them to ? deeper in every unjustifiable action. at 9 1/2 PM Mr

Black & Ogden were at our East Gates calling out very loud to disturb us"

Nov. 22

" Thursday- My Thumb in a mending way - Last Thursday festered much - still obligedto carry the arm always in a sling since the accident - Mr Black & a Canadian minutely

examining all the Tracks about to know if Any had lately pafsed."

Dec. 2

" A Canadian Man & Boy with 4 Dogs & a Slegh came to the French House. we suppose

from the Green Lake - Took my arm out of the sling altho very far from being healed -

nor can? I ever expect it will be thoroughly well again like the other Thumb."

Dec. 11

" Learnt from a Canadian Woman that Mr Black is gone to Green Lake on Friday? last to

act there as he has here to keep Indians from coming to our Houses"

Dec. 15" Only 3 Nets now down - we have had before always 6 down since the beginning of Last

Month. We have in Stock about 3600 Tickameg, besides some few Perch & Pike &

Succers."

Dec. 17

" Sent away Wm Sinclair & Wm Houry to Green Lake with 3 Dogs & a Slegh - to wait

there till our European Letter come there from the Saskatchewan River that we soonexpect"

Dec. 19 1810" Thermometer -51 out Doors -27 in my bed place near the fire & +38 in our Cellar."

Dec. 24" At 7PM Wm Sinclair & Wm Houry returned from Green Lake with my Letters from

England for these last 2 years - also sundry Letters from my Country Correspondents.

They were 18 Days from Hudson House to Green Lake owing to the unaquaintednefs of

the Pilot - Mr Sutherland expected down here about next Sunday - our Men brot fromhim 20 lbs beat meat 30 lbs Fatt & 20 lbs Dry meat"

Dec. 27" 2 Canadians arrived here with the Packet from Deers? Lake & Rapid? river."

Dec. 30" Sunday at 6 PM Mr Sutherland came here from Green Lake with Wm Findley - They

have been 5 Days coming down - Mr Black & Poulet accompanied them. no Indians of

consequence have been in since Summer. he traded 29th Aug upwards of 1200 lbs of Dry

provisions. that when the Canadians came up in the fall they pitched a Tent close to his

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House for the exprefs purpose of keeping any Indians from bringing any thing to his

House. keeping a Watch in it Nyht & Day - so the Canadians seem determined thro all

these Nothern Parts to carry & have every thing by Main force as they are much morenumerous than us. Oh how the Indians wishes to see us able to protect them from the

Canadians that they could trade ? with us. In the Summer the Canadians at Green Lake

were no more numerous than ourselves, seeing this was the reason of their Trading somuch Provisions as they always get much more good from us for the same article than the

Canadians will give them"

Jan. 3 1811

" Mr Black & Ogden came over here quite unexpectedly (in a civil manner) with a verbal

mefsage from Mr Campbell saying if we would send one man to the Saskatchewan River

with Letters he would send another in Company & also furnish a Guide. as we wish tosend these I accepted the offer. he sent word to let him have a Small Kettle for his Mans

Journey there & he would give me the Value I charged for it in Beaver Skins - Let him

have one No. 12 size"

Jan. 8

" at 7 1/2 AM Mr Sutherland returned to his House at Green Lake with Wm Findley.Andrew Flett accompanied them, he is the person to go acrofs land to the Saskatchewan

River - Two men from the Canadian House accompanied our Men to Green Lake one of

which is going acrofs with him. Wrote to Mr Bird the following letter & hid it sewed upin the Inside of the Mans Waistcoat between the lining & outside - That the Canadians

myht not find it as we cannot trust them - and wrote a few lines & gave him that was to

be produced in case they searched him or demanded the Letter.

"Isle a la Crofse

January 8 1811

Sir" ? Your letter from Cumberland House of June last concerning your supplying us here in

Pimmican etc. came to hand in September - and as the cause for a similar repitition seems

no longer to exist I shall forbear dwelling on the contents of it" The Packet containing our European Letters for the last two years was brot safe here &

received on Christmas eve from Mr Pruden at Hudson House

" As we are directed to relinquish this place in the spring as nothing can be done - Ten

bags of Pimmican is all that will necefsary for you to send over land to Cold Lake for us -we shall have people there to receive it 10th May, who will at the same time take up for

your Department 16 or 18 assorted pieces of Trading Goods of 80 lbs each - besides 5

men who are to go down to YF by way of Cumberland House according to Mr Auldsdesire

wishing you good trade in your Quarter & I am Sir your humble servt

P. Fidler"

" Burassah a Canadian who lives in the Watch House here came into our House to get

some advice & medicines as he has a bad swelling in his Knee - supplied him with both -

This Man accompanied our Men up Beaver River last May & gave them several

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seasonable supplies of provisions? which Deserves something - he now told me that the

Packet brot Letters from Deers Lake & Rapid River just after Christmas had 3 European

Letters for Mr Campbell That he had brot from his Friends in Europe & sent up to DeersLake by our People which rather surprizes me that Mr Auld should do any thing of the

kind - Our Men gone to the Green Lake have 6 Dogs & 3 Sleghs - one to be left with Mr

Bird at the Saskatchewan . The Pimmican that we was to have sent up for up to the ColdLake last fall - luckely judging? right - we saved a long Journey as none were sent there

for us as we understand it was not to send?"

Jan. 10

" Mr Black pafsed close by our Front Gates in his Snowshoes."

Jan. 16" These many weeks past we have had almost daily one or two men Hunting Partridges or

Snaring rabbits & This Day Mr Black followed James Isbister hunting & asked him if

any more were with him he ran? ? to the Lake edge? to see if any Indians were coming

supposing our Men was in search of Indians. two Canadians came into our Mens Houseto see that all were home - 3 Partridges"

Jan. 17 1811

" Mr Black & Ogden after our Men hunting Partridges we cannot now stir from our

House about any thing but they follow us"

Jan. 18

" Mr Black & Ogden met James Isbister who was out hunting Partridges and asked him

what he was seeking - he told them he was hunting Partridge - Mr Black told him he mustnot nor any one else stir from our House as we kept them constantly running after us &

he told him that if he found him again on such an errand? he would do so & so with him

threatening. - Things are come to a fine pafs when we cannot be allowed to stir about anything outdoors - & calls aloud for a compleat stop being put to such conduct of the

Canadians"

Jan. 19

" Sent James Isbister again on Partridge Hunting. he is to examine & see the Tracks &

Perhaps fall in with some Indians & get some Skins from them - this is the real cause of

his being with others kept [from] stirring? about. - Mr. Black & ogden lay by waiting himat Landmans point till he pafsed there- when he came there they both started up & Mr.

Black went to our Man & knocked him Down by striking him in the face - he then

jumped & trampled on his Gun down into the snow either to break it or to get it wet toprevent it from going off & Mr Black told him if he ever caught him again from the

House he would break his arm - the man came home crying & told as above - sent a note

over to Campbell about it but as usual got no satisfactory answer - only promising finethings as usual - without either meaning or performing them"

Jan. 20

" at 9 1/2 AM Mr Black came out at the Bay & walked strayht up to our East Gates where

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I was standing & John Loutit & Wm Houry near. he asked me why I had sent over the

Note to Mr Campbell yesterday - he said he would do as he chose for any Man & that we

should not be allowed to send any man from the House but what should be greatly beat &maimed that death should be preferable to the lingering existance they should have -

Wrote over a Note to Campbell to learn whether that was his orders Mr Black had just

told us - & desiring him to send me an answer by the Bearer of mine, Wm Houry - hetold him he would send his answer over sometime in the day - a little after Mefs Ogden &

Cartier came over which I put immediately into writing Campbells answer as delivered

by them and sent over to him that he myght be able to plead ignorance of or Deny whathe had told them to tell me. I sent it over by John Loutit who delivered it into Mr

Campbells own hand - The import of what Mr Ogden told me was that we would be

allowed safely to send our Men about or hunting etc. provided I would consent that they

should not interfere with any Indians they myht meet with. This I would not consent to -& he further said that Campbells orders were that he should give positive orders to all his

Men that our Men should be beaten & maimed if they had any dealings with Indians or

even went on hunting Partridges or Snaring rabbits should have their arms & legs broken

- so that now we cannot safely send our Men from the House on hunting Partridges orsnare rabbits - all our Men were present when Mr Ogden delivered Mr Campbells

message"

Jan. 21

" at 10 oClock last night Mr Black & Ogden came to our house when we were all in bed.sometime before they went behind our Dwelling house till they came opposite my

window & fired 4 shots & hallowed loud several times & Mr Black called out ' The

Honorable Hudson Bay Company' - 'Gapeau the Hudson Bay Company'. Then sang very

loud part of an Indian Song then returned by the back of the House & fired two shotsmore & hallowed & again called out ' The Honorable Hudson Bay Company ' - they then

pafsed to the West Gates beat hard upon it & banged & struck Their Daggers deep into it

in five places - calling out & sometimes singing an Indian song. they then fired four shotsmore and shook out some plastering in the Mens house. Wm Sinclair thought they fired

Balls - They said a great deal more & that they had the law in their own hands & that the

Isle a la Crofse Law was what they should be ruled by & calling us to come out. we hadall been in bed 2 Hours before & fast asleep. our dogs barking ? when they came

awakened us - In consequence of the threats Mr Campbell told yesterday & the usage

James Isbister received from Mr Black when out? hunting Partridges on Saturday the

men are afraid to go out any where near where Indians tracks are - only one Man JosephHeywood at his Rabbit Snares quite out of the way of any Indians

Jan. 22 1811" Between 11 & 12 OClock at night Mr. Black & ogden came to our House and abused &

threatened us all in the most awful manner- that they had taken up all our Rabbit snares

That we should not be permitted to get any more Rabbits or Partridges & that should anyof our Men go to the snares or a Distance from the House on any pretense whatever Their

shall be bloody work, & that the Bull Dogs (meaning the Blackguard Canadians) had

been chained all winter but was now let loose- that if we did not keep within doors we

should not eat any more fresh fish This winter, & that if I sent any man to Campbell with

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a note of what they had now said They would burn him alive. with a great deal more of

very abusive & insulting Language - This morning ? Joseph Heywood to go to his Snares

as usual he said as well as all the rest of the men that by the atrocities of the Canadiansthey have experienced this Winter & last Summer & the very terrifying Language held

last nyht That they were absolutely afraid of Their Lives to stir from the House & would

not go. so that we are all now reduced to the melancholy necefsity of being confinedwithin our works like a besieged place - only our nets to visit which are on the open Lake

in full view of the Canadian House & not 1 1/2 miles from it"

Jan. 23

" sometime in the nyht some of the Canadians took up our 2 new nets - one our men

thinks they carried ? ? & the other is cut to pieces - The buoy lines were also cut - they

seem determined to starve us as they will not allow an Indian to come to us with anything. & not? allow us to look after a Rabbit or Partridge or go in search of Indians.

Wrote a note to Campbell about it & sent it by the boy Charley as all our men were afraid

to carry it. Campbell answered as usual that he knew nothing about it - he always evades

the question in this manner - they came with me into our yard. They ? in all & took out aLoaded pistol each. I called the men to assist me to turn them out of our yard but all were

afraid to render the least assistance altho these days past there were all determined if theycame into our yard again & give them a good drubbing & put them out not expecting

them again - when come to the push all their former boastings were nothing - Mr Black

very much wishes me to sign an agreement with Mr Campbell that they would allow us togo on hunting Partridges, Rabbits etc. provided I would agree not to have any dealings

with Indians whatever. This I told him I would never consent to let the consequences turn

out ever so bad of my refusing. They both came into my room & Mr Black very much

wished to pick a quarrel with me by saying very offensive things concerning theCompany so distrefsing to hear. we cannot get? rest? Day or Nyht for them - They are

absolutelty bent on driving us from this place as every man of ours here say they would?

not remain here again for any thing whatever as they were constantly afraid of theirLives"

Jan. 24" We only had 2 Nets down which the Canadians has cut away. sent 2 men to drag &

examine well? for one of our nets yesterday - Thinking they perhaps myht have only cut

it loose at both ends & sunk down to the bottom but they returned without finding it -

There are five nets lost or Destroyed of ours since Mr Black came here - Burrassas wifewho lives in the watch House told my woman yesterday that about midnight Mr Black

came into the Little house & told her husband to go with him - he asked where & Mr

Black told him but he replied that he would not go & do such an infamous action as theNets were what we had soley to depend on for our Living - on his refusal Black

threatened him to loose all his wages. he ? & would not go so we suppose that it was

Black himself or very likely Ogden along with him who have destroyed our 2 only netsstanding"

Jan. 25

" Mr Black & Ogden came into our yard - looked at the thermometer and went away

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again without saying any thing - quite in a hasty manner - I asked all our men again if any

one would assist me to put them out if they came in again but not one had the courage to

say yes. They are all so much afraid after the great threatening & the bad actions we haveexperienced"

Jan. 26" sent 4 men to put down 2 old Nets in the same place the others were cut from - I have

waited these 3 days expecting Campbell would send word whether or not we myht

venture to set them as I requested but received no answer"

Jan. 28

" In the afternoon Wm Cragie? & Wm Lesly came here from the Green Lake to remain

here as they are catching very few fish there - no Barren ground Indians have been herefrom the Barren ground - the snow being deep for Horses - only the Beaver river Indians

have been at the House but not a single one durst venture to trade or go into ours by the

Canadians. they are nearly acting in the same high & arbitrary manner there as at this

place. They every day several times walk close around our house there to examine forTracks. a Canadian Man accompanied our 2 men down here from Green Lake as they

will not suffer us to stir about without some accompanying us"

Jan. 31

" This morning some Canadians went to Green Lake"

Feb. 6 1811

" Found the net we lost this day fortnight - all cut in about 20 pieces with the fish in it

rotten that was caught before it was cut away - with the Floats & stones tyed to it - itseems that they had taken it up, cut it to pieces & put it down the hole in a lump and

when the fish rotted it floated a little & the stone & our other net in the same hole caught

it & brot it up to the surface - many of the pieces of the net is not 2 feet long - TheCanadians erected a Tent near their Watch House"

Feb. 7" Two Canadians with 2 Sleges & 3 dogs each went to the French House - suppose they

either came from Green Lake or Rapid River"

Feb. 11" Finished hauling the last of our Dry & Green firewood home - Two Indians & one

Canadian went to the French House"

Feb, 12

" Counted out 3000 Tickameg ready to lay up in the Snow in the Shed to preserve when

warm weather comes to use in the Spring when few are to be caught"

Feb. 13

" Mr Black walked thro our yard this morning with his Snow shoes on. He & Ogden

walked thro in the afternoon looking at the Thermometer both times . finished counting

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all our fish 4940 in all"

Feb. 14" Sent two men over into the woods to saw ? boards. Mr Black attends them all the while

till they came home he supposing that they were in the way of Indians coming"

Feb. 18

" At noon Andrew Flett & a Canadian arrived here with Letters from the Saskatchewan

River. The Indians there I am sorry to hear are hunting very little & no provisions in theHouse. never so scarce a Ind? in that river. David Thompson 8 men & 1 Iroquois ? ? their

Settlement in the Rocky Mountain - The Indians last fall drive all the Canadians back

again when they were so high up with their Canoes at the Eastern edge of the Mountain.

They are gone to endeavour to find a road by the head of the Athapescow River to theNorth of where the Muddy river Indians reside

" Received the following letter from Mr Bird

Edmonton House 1st Feby 1811Sir

Your Man arrived here 27th Inst, & delivered me your letter safe. Your demand ofPimmican is certainly very moderate. yet situated as I am without a pound in my

pofsefsion and w

ithout hopes of being able to procure any Quantity of consequence hereafter I cannotpresume to promise that it shall be sent to you. If pofsible however you shall be supplied.

Our Indians all without exception have made such poor hunts that there cannot be a

pofsibility of our being short of Trading Goods in sending up or with? therefore the

Pieces? you mention you may consult your? own concience only? Want of provisionswill oblige us to leave this as early as the Season will permit. The sooner therefore Your

men are at the Cold Lake the better

I am Siryour humble Servant

James Bird"

Feb. 19

" Mr Campbell & Black came here & told me that they had received a letter syned Mr

Thomas & Auld Directed to the NW Proprietors forgiving all that had pafsed? but I

believe there is a great stock accumulated since it was written to justify proceedingagainst them with the utmost severity - as by so frequently pafsing over them they are

thoroughly of the opinion that no steps will be taken against them to compel them to act

uprightly - They are strongest in numbers & hold? what they pride themselves in - In theEvening the Canadians left their watch house - They are continually walking round our

House to examine for Tracks near? the Great House so there is little reason for them to

remain longer in it at present. a Canadian man & boy went to the Green Lake. TheMuddy River Indians have massacred an American officer & 8 Men near the ? of the

Missouri River last fall & scalped the whole - brot to the Canadian House in the

Saskatchewan River 110 Trenton Bank Notes of Three Dollars each which the Canadian

Master got from them for very little ? Canadian Clerk ? McDonald? in Company with

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about 30 flat? head? Indians fell in with a war party of Muddy River Indians last Summer

in the Rocky Mountains - The flat heads retreated when they first saw the Enemy to a

creek with steep banks where they lay till the others came up - when suddenly all risingup fired & killed 15 Muddy river Ind.? only one fell? of the flat heads - When they who

survived? ? a very precipitate retreat - & them learning that a Canadian were in company

with the Flat heads - was the Cause of this Tribe of Indians driving back the Canadianslast fall - They are particularly objectionable against ? the Canadians or even us from

going to trade with those distant Tribes ? beyond the Rocky Mountains - as they receive

from us Guns Arms & Ammunition which makes them bolder & more Dangerous toattack them when formerly when they had only Bows & Arrows & they are also much

against us from even Trading with them in any necefsary Articles - as they formerly used

to Trade with them at vast profits & then bring those Skins & trade with us. receiving

above 12 times the value for the same Article from us than what they sold it for to theDistant Tribes - & by our going into those parts we cut off the great profits they always

made."

Feb. 21 1811" In the afternoon 2 Jepowyans came in sight- Immediately 3 Canadians ran to meet

them, to take any thing they had- one we saw carrying a hatchet as a weapon- 2 Escortedthe 2 Indians to their House & the other went the way they came, to see if any others are

coming that way, or whether they had hidden any thing- Mr. Black came to the Watch

House then went along the shore & returned- Afterwards he & another man went thro theWood Track within, perhaps expecting some might be coming sly ly thro the woods to

our House- but there is very little chance of that as they watch us so constant & close.

none can escape them."

Feb. 22

" Some of the Canadians remained in their Watch house all night - Then went home at

day light. Mr Black & others there ? all the Tracks in every direction to see but none had?either come in ? since yesterday"

Feb. 23" At Day lyht Mr Black & 5 Canadians in company with the 2 Indians went away towards

the Athapescow with 5 Sleges & 3 Dogs each"

Feb. 25" Packed up 5 bundles of Trading Goods to send to Mr Bird as we are directed to leave

this totally in the Spring. and as the goods are so high up the country it would be a great

pity to carry them down again"

Feb. 27

" Two men made their Sleges ready & loaded each with Trading Goods of variousdescriptions to Ten Pieces of 80 lbs each. Sent also the Boat Sail & covering?"

Feb. 28

" at 6 AM our Men started for Green Lake with what they loaded with yesterday - These

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Goods are to remain there till the river opens of Ice - when this with all that Mr

Sutherland has will be sent together with our dogs to the Cold Lake when we go for

Pimmican - Poulet since Mr Black has gone away to ? constantly going about lookingabout the Tracks - to see if one? either goes one way or another - An hour after our men

went away a Canadian Man with an Empty Slege & three Dogs was dispatched after our

men to accompany them wherever they go - They serve us thus in Summer. its noconsequence whatever way or in what businefs soever we are about they are sure to be

near us generally & a little ahead to get any thing Inds has that are in the Road."

March 1 1811

" Spoke to a Canadian woman, she says that 3 southern Indians came to their House this

morning Starving & for some fish. They are Tenting upper end Canoe river where Their

Canoes were ? up last Fall & going to remain there till open water - the French have gotfrom them only about 70 Skins this Winter."

Mar. 7

" at 9 AM Mr Black & the 5 Canadians came back from Chiooyahs? Tents loaded withprovisions & furs"

Mar. 9

" Gave Burrasah a half Canadian 1 pint Gunpowder 4 lbs of Ball & Shot 6 Flints 1 pint

Salt & 2 Tobacco pipes on account of his very civil treatment to our Men when they wentup Beaver river in the spring in supplying them with Geese Ducks & Buffalo meat when

they were greatly in want of it. he is one of those 3 men who have lately returned from

Indians whom they found 2 Days Journey beyond the Methy Portage & that 2 Jepowyans

came there in a visit - while they were there from the Athapescow who say that all theIndians in that Quarter are nearly Starving & killing very few skins on account as they

say of the very cold Season and them getting so very little for what they do kill from the

Canadians - There being no opposition there."

Mar. 11

" at 6 PM our 5 men returned who went to Green Lake with Trading Goods. They havebrot down with them 250 lbs Fatt & 250 lbs Beat meat - the same Canadian who kept in

Company as they went up returned with them."

Mar. 13" Yesterday 2 Crees with their wifes Drank at the French House all night without the

Stockades yet they were afraid to come over in the Dark notwithstanding their notorious

fondnefs for Liquor - They are so very much ? of the Canadians that it is now this longhabit & firmly fixed in their minds"

Mar. 14" 2 Jepowyans went to the French House - when the Canadians first saw them they ran

out to meet them"

Mar. 15

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" 3 Jepowyans went to the French House - when those came yesterday a Canadian was

immediately sent to their watch house here & Mr Black came afterwards - I suppose they

remained in it all nyht as the dogs barked now? & then?"

Mar. 17

" at 3 PM the Canadians went away in company with the Indians to their Tents for whatSkins & provisions they have - This day we mifsed two piles of firewood of about 2

Sleges each. the Canadians have carried away long after I wrote to Mr Campbell about

their not taking any more of our cut firewood which he promised should not be taken -but his word in relation to us is not worth a Straw"

Mar. 18

" Mr Black continually surrounding our house to examine that nobody comes to us as wego away"

Mar. 20

" Early this morning we missed our best Dog. he was seen at dusk last night in our yard.we suppose the Canadians have stolen him - Sent over Wm Houry to ask Campbell says ?

that many of ? ? ? ? this morning - & if they had him he would let us know when theyreturned but he knew nothing about it"

Mar. 21" Three Canadians with 3 Sleges of 3 Dogs each came home they have been at Indians

Tents for furs & provisions"

Mar. 25" Sent a Man to the Point to fetch home our Dogs - an Indian was going away from the

french House there. Immediately Mr Black ran from the Canadian House to prevent our

Man from speaking to the Indian which he did as the Native durst nor speak to our Man -They have them in such terrible subjection by their numbers and the ? of the Natives"

Mar. 27At 8 Am Mr Ogden & 7 Canadians came home with 9 Sleges of 3 Dogs each loaded with

Skins & Meat - They went away 17th Inst. & has been towards the Methy Portage - how

very mortifying it is to us to see such loads of Furs and Provisions brot home by the

Canadians and our men durst not stir from the House after any Indians for fear of havingTheir legs & arms broken by the Canadians. They have as much threatened to do - &

which they are very Capable of doing by their superior Numbers & the Bad Commanders

they have who will stand at nothing to obtain their ends"

Mar. 29

" Sent Wm Houry over this morning to ask Mr Campbell if our dog was returned, that wemight have him again, he did not see him - Mr Black & Ogden said he was not up (9

1/2AM) altho our man saw the remains of Breakfast on the table & Andrew Kirknefs told

our Man that Campbell had been up some time but had hid himself not wishing to be

asked about the Dog. - one of the Canadian Women told my woman that when we first

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went over he was then in the Guides? House. That Mr Black much wished to catch him

the Evening before but the Dog offered to bite him - when Andrew Kirknefs was told to

entice him since which she says she has not seen him & That 2 Canadians who are yetabout have him not. that Black has killed him - he says that he will soon have our next

best Dog and that if we remain here another Year he will kill the whole - he held up by

the Throat David Garsons little Dog till near Dead - Andrew Kirknefs told Wm Houry inthe morning that he wished again to come into our Service. he saw him also in the

afternoon in the Woods and very much wished him to speak to me to allow him to return

- he says he is heartily tired of being where he is - we are now obliged to Confine all ourDogs in the Garden during the Whole Day & keep a watch & let them out at night into

our yard to keep them from being stolen by the Canadians - This is a sad necefsity that

our Dogs cannot be allowed to run about as usual"

Mar. 30

" Mr Black came & enticed away two of our puppies this morning - luckely I met him in

the Track with them at his heels - I called them & they returned with me - he never

looked behind him after he saw me - had I not have met him we should never have seenthem again"

Mar. 31

" Went over to the Canadian House - but could not get any satisfactory information

concerning our Stolen Dog - always receiving evasive answers. he showed? me the Letterfrom Mefs Auld & Thomas to Mr. ??"

April 1

" Andrew Kirknefs was seen in the woods by one of our Men whom he sent & wished meto go & speak to him - I would not go as he is but an indifferent hand - & perhaps Mr

Campbell wished him to remain here awhile on purpose to hear every thing from our men

he can with regard to our future expectation."

April 2 1811

" 2 Jepowyans went to the French House & some others went there at nyht as they weredrinking all night"

April 3

" Andrew Kirknefs told Wm Houry that if he would be allowed to remain with us hewould tell every particular about our Stolen Dog & many other things - Two Canadian

Men & Women remain in their Watch House here to prevent any of those at their House

from visiting us of those Indians who are now there."

April 4

" At 10 1/2 PM sent away Wm Houry Ja's Isbister Wm Lesly & Wm Sinclair to GreenLake with 8 Dogs & 4 Sledges. The 3 former to go to the Saskatchewan river with

Thomas Isbister & James Leeny - who all 5 are to assist down with the Crafts in that river

to York Factory. Every night the Canadians Inhabit their Watch house here, to watch us

preventing Indians from coming Sly ly to us in the nyht."

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April 5

" In the afternoon 3 Jepowyan Men 11 woman & one Canadian went away towardsBeaver river. 2 Canadians men & boy in the morning went away suppose in quest of our

men who went away last nyht. Last night near bed time 3 Canadians rapped at our West

Gate wanting to come in, gave them no admittance - as we suppose them to be spies"

April 6

" Mr Black came behind our House this morning & looked a considerable time over ourStockades at our Dogs in the Back Garden - At noon he & Ogden came to their Watch

house & beat hard on their windows & made our Dogs bark much - I am afraid that they

mean to poison them as they cannot get them otherwise - we constantly keep them in Day

& Nyht for fear of their being Stolen by the Canadians - Swans first seen this Season"

April 8

" At 8 Am 5 Jepowyan men with 5 Sledges came over the Little portage - when Ogden &

a Canadian ran out to meet them & take pofsefsion of every thing they had and in theafternoon one more came with a Slege - Making wood hinges for outer doors that we may

take the Iron ones away when we go & leave all the Doors shut - Yesterday I spoke toAndrew Kirknefs & told him that at the time of Embarkation I would satisfy him whether

or not he would be allowed to re-enter our Service- he is heartily tired of the Candians

Employ."

April 9

" at 8 AM 2 Canadians & the Indians who came here before returned. Mr Black also

accompanied them. just before he went away he walked quite through our yard in at theEast Gate & out at the West Gate with an Indian with him never stopping or speaking to

anyone."

April 11

" As our Men went to the Nets as usual this morning our best Dog we have lost 3 Weeks

ago came out of the French yard. he is now very poor - a little after Mr Ogden came overwith a made up story that a Cree Indian had brot him back last nyht - we are informed

from better authority That is the Canadian Woman That he was constantly confined in

one of their out houses ever since we lost him"

April 12

" One Man, 2 women & 2 boys Canadians came here from the Green Lake. They brought

down a Horse with them - Their Sleges (3) were loaded apparently with meat."

April 14

" at 9 PM the 2 Canadians returned from the Indians with 2 Sleges. 2 Jepowyan boysaccompanied them - learnt that Mr Black had gone forward? to some other Indians &

That men are to be sent to him"

April 15

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" The two Boys went away with a Slege load of Fish & in the afternoon 2 Canadians

went that way with 2 Sleges 4 Dogs each"

April

Fidler, Peter at Ile a la Crosse

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