Friday 24^th[.] Cont^d[.] I forgot to mention last Thursday that Cadien, Boucher, Gallarneau and Marciel had the Prey of fresh Meat viz^t 20^lb fresh Meat each for as long as they work at the Canoes[.]

Saturday 25^th[.] Jolie, S^t André, Lattinville and Laviolette went to Live at Mamaoui – they had a net between them[.] The Packs were pressed and the Canoes almost finished[.] Gave 3¾ flaggons of rum to the Men[.] It used to be the Custom here to give the Men a Dram after delivering their Cord wood and on their arrival from their fisheries and I read in Journals of other Posts of giving Drams to the Men for every triffling Job[.] But I follow M^r M^cLeods Method of giving it all in a Lump which I think pleases more than giving it to them by drops and Drams[.] I must however observe that the Custom of giving Drams to Men on arrival with Letters, from the Indians &c. is still followed for People who bring us news from all Quarters deserve more attention than fellows who arrive with their Bellies full of fish to tell us a parcel of Lies and on no other Account than to tease us for hooks nets & Lines[.]

Sunday 26^th[.] Very warm Day[.]

Monday 27^th[.] Cold Day[.] Snowing and blowing Continually[.] Gave Paspartous 9 fathoms Net to set at the Pointe au Chien under the Ice the same as S^t Germain did last spring[.] I told Courtois several times to set a Net under the Ice at the Isle Brulé[.] He always Swore he would but the Net is yet in the House and the fish in the water[.] The truth is Courtois was in want of some Ammunition and it was better to give fair promises than a flat refusal in order to get what he wanted[.] This day as I was Carrying wood into the Counting House I was not a little surprised to see old Marciel running in after me to offer his Services and to express his astonishment that I did not call some of the Men to make me a fire[.] This is the first Istance of the Kind I have seen since I have been in this Country – how often have I made a fire this winter before Lambert without once being helped by him? & how often have I seen M^r M^cLeod My Brother & several others working with their own hands before a parcel of Canadians who would not deign to lend a hand unless push[ed] to do it[.] Indeed to speak freely of them I look upon them to be all very Stupid Animals and if Marciel shewed himself so officious this evening it was owing to his want of a Capot and Ammunition[.]

Tuesday 28^th[.] Having given Courtois several broad Hints of his Motives in promising to set a Net Several times without performing it he got ashamed and set one under the Ice this Morning in which he took 22 P^s this evening[.] The weather excessive Cold[.]

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