Wednesday 29^th April 1800[.] Very Cold day[.] About 1 A.P Dos Louis Bouché and Cadorette arrived from the Forks[.] They left that place 6 days ago – and were obliged to leave Mandeville taking Care of their Baggage at River d'embarras in which there is not a Drop of water[.] 15 of the Men promise to go for it to morrow – Genereux refused alleging he had a sore leg but immediately after he offered his Comrade Courtois to go in his Place[.] I therefore gave two Montagners a fathom of Tobacco for taking Genereux's place and add the Same to his Accompt by way of punishment which I hope will teach him the necessity of doing his duty to his Employers another time in preferrence to pleasing his dear Comrade[.] Received a Letter from M^r Wentzel per Dos dated the 26^th of March. It goes as follows –

"D'ost, whom the Indians who came the 26^th Feb^y accused of having prevented the arrival of the Roche qui reluie's & his Band, arrived here yesterday[.] He denies this Charge with as much vehemence as he alledges his utmost endeavors to the Contrary[.] He left these Stubborn Crees about 8 days march from this place and informs us that an Irroquois of the Little Potties left them but a day before his departure with intention of making all possible speed to bring them a Large Keg of rum for 30 Skins with plenty other Goods proportionably Chape to trade all their furs which amount to about 7 Packs, all Credits due at this place[.] I think it therefore absolutely necessary to set off immediately with 4 Men with some rum & ammunition to prevent these Rascals if possible from trading their Credits or having any other Communication with the Spies of the Little Potties[.] This Measure as it regards the Company's Interest much I trust will not be thought amiss by M^r Finlay and you[.] I Proposed to S^t Germain to go to Wabasca for these Crees in the Month of February when first informed of their design to go to Athabasca by the River au Vieuxard but he would not Consent however he now seems to Know his mistake I am afraid at the Company's cost for it is too late[.] I send you an Acc^t of the Goods remaining here at present[.] The Packs are not made and are about 40 in number[.] About 2 hours march from the Fort Bark was found to make 4 Canoes[.] The Men are gone and I must follow so with respect I remain your most ob^t Servant

Ferdinand Wentzel"

Thursday 30^th[.] The Men set out for River d'embarras[.] Several More went to fish at L'Isle de Campment[.] Very Cold day[.]

Friday 1^st May[.] The Men arrived from River d embarras with Grease Lodges &c. Gave them each a Dram and a Double hand full of pounded Meat[.] Very Cold day[.] N.B. Pearreault, Adam & Vermette left the Forks in a Large Canoe about 17 days ago Without any provisions – they had a Net and 11 Measures of Ammunition to live by – they are now some where about the quatre Fourches unable to come here on account of the Ice which is not yet broke up and Perreault is come for Men, Dogs & Trains to go

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