15

May 1794

the property of Beaubien and Laviolette […] Fournier took Some breakfast with us[.] While ashore a Storm accompanied by Rain, Thunder & Lightning overtook us[.] Camp'd near Blondishes Fort[.]

Tuesday 20^th[.] Arrived at the Forks Red River about noon, where we found Frederick Schutz & Desmarais from the Pimbina River[.] They informed us that Fournier had Letters for M^r Grant from the Le Sieur & Frederick himself for which he dinead tho' M^r Grant enquired of him[.] Slept at the Forks[.]

Wednesday 21^st[.] A Storm of thunder Lightening & Rain fell[.] Began to shew the men their accounts[.]

Thursday 22^nd[.] Finished Shewing the men their accounts[.] Engaged men and arranged a Canottée of goods of the remains of the Pimbina River to go up the Assinibouan River as far as M^r Grant's winter residence out of which the different Summer Masters are to be supplied as it passes them[.] Had Some Thunder but no rain[.] All hands live upon Sturgeon since we are here[.] That of this River the best in the world as far as I am acquainted[.]

Friday 23^rd[.] Started from the Forks with 19 Canoes & 2 Boats manned with near an 100 men, & Masters[.] Slept a few points Lower than M^r Frobishers Fort[.]

Saturday 24^th[.] Arrived at the Lake at 10 Am. but were Stop'd there the rest of the day by a head wind[.] Cold misty Rain[.]

Sunday 25^th[.] Stop'd by the wind all day in our last nights campment[.]

Monday 26^th[.] Left the entrance of the Red River & embark'd on Lake Winipik at 10 Am the wind having abated[.] Campd at the Grand marais Six Leagues on our way from the entrance of the Red River[.]

Tuesday 27^th[.] Left the Grand Marais at noon. M^r Grant's canoe turn'd into the Bay of the Indian Portage but I went straight for the usual one of Isle a la Biche – And arrived at the Sieur's Fort with a fair wind an hour before sun set[.] [N]either M^r Grant nor the canoes came[.]

Wednesday 28^th[.] A Stormy day[.] I am much concernd for M^r Grant & the vehicles behind for the wind fell & rose by intervals[.] It was calm apparently for two hours & than frightfull gusts of wind came on of a sudden[.] I heard nothing of M^r C. Grant or the Craft[.] M^r Peter Grant is here yet – likewise big Piché from the South[.] M^r Donald M^cKay HB pass'd here say 3 three days before my arrival[.]

Thursday 29^th[.] My Bourgeois arrived in the morning & the two Boats soon after[.]

Friday 30^th[.] The remainder of the Canoes arrived. [A] fine day wind off the Lake[.] Two of the Canoe Spunges were stolen at the Baggages[.]

Saturday 31^st[.] M^r Peter Grant went off for the Grand Portage with three Canoes carrying about 50 packs[.] He left his pimican in our Store but left a man to serve it out[.] [F]ive of our canoes started also[.]

Sunday June 1^st[.] Piché was obliged to push his Boat on account of the Pied de Loutres whom he had fill'd drunk proving too troublesome, most of our Canoes Started also[.] Took an account of what we have here[.]

Monday 2^nd[.] M^r Grant and I set out he to proceed for the grand portage in a half light canoe & me to go out in charge of the Brigade[.] NB. This being a route you are as well acquainted with as myself I shall not trouble you with my voyaging Diary till I get back to the River qu'appelle […] Fort this automne[.]

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