Saturday 18^th[.] The Montagners being much afraid came all into this house to enquire whether we intended to revenge Lafrance's Death upon them or not[.] In order to keep them Here about all Summer I thought it necessary to assure them that none of these who are here now should suffer the least injury on that account while they behave themselves as they ought but if any damn'd Rascal of them desert this Summer with any of the Frenchmens women he & she would both loose their heads were We to give 200 Skins as a reward to Such a would Chuse to Search for them and Cut off their Heads[.] They desired that we would trade no more women on any account[.] Told them that we would do as we thought proper for it was not […] their business to prescribe rules to us[.]

Sunday 19^th[.] A Canoe was finished and another begun[.] Weighed 63 Packs and gave the prey to 3 Men who helped me[.] Trois Pouces and 5 other Montagners went off – they are encampt at the Entrance of Riviere des Rochês[.] Promised trois Pouces 20 Skins gratis on M^r Finlay's arrival – if I gave it to him now he would expend it all before that time and be then in as great want as he is now[.]

Monday 20^th[.] The Men busy about the Canoes[.] I forever preach up to the Men to avoid quarrelling the Indians yet it is impossible to Keep them from it[.] The Old White fish last fall sold Gallarneau 5 Small Canoes which the latter left at the Entrance of River des Rochets where Trois Pouces is encampt and this day sent Lambert, Cantaras & S^t André to fetch them here[.] On their arrival there the Montagners along with 3Pouces seized upon the Canoes and would not allow the frenchmen to take one of them[.] The Cree's By^r in particular threatened to go for his Gun to kill the Frenchmen for daring to take away their own property and they all said it would not be a difficult matter to cut off every one of us for they are more numerous than we[.] The Frenchmen however took their Canoes inspite of them but not before they (the Frenchmen) had taken the Fourreaux of their Guns to fire from which they were prevented by Trois Pouces who did not interfere but to appease them[.] These Cowardly Villains impose too much upon our good nature – I was therefore determined on receiving this news to let them See what they had to fear from our anger when so often and so justly provoked by them[.] Five of us armed ourselves in order

to

[39]