McKenzie, James. Journal, 1799-1800. An electronic transcription. MFTP #0016

kill any villain who may pass him again in the night[.] The English Chiefs Nephew and another Montagner arrived[.]

Tuesday 9th[.] Persuaded the Petit Rognon to go to Lac Clair and wrote a letter by him to Mr Porter which He believes to be a recommendatory one[.] Gave him 3 phials rum gratis and 17 on Credit. He went off well pleased[.] The two Montagners who arrived yesterday went off & promised to go for Salt[.] Kewigiwache deserted this morning but we do not Know where[.] La Viollette Set a piece of a Net[.]

Wednesday 10th[.] This morning we missed Perronne & three of his men[.] He was yesterday shooting plovers – I suppose as hunger makes Old women trot so it does Perronne who is of the number[.] Sent St Germain after him but he returned in the night without seeing him or any vestige of him[.] As I was passing their House I found Kewigiwache's Canoe which I would have taken for Kewigiwache's Credits but it is not worth 2 Skins[.] I spoke of taking it from them which made Old Parrin, Perronne's Successor, Speak to me very insolently[.] This provoked me and induced me to give him a few blows across the lips which stopt his mouth, threw him on his back, and made him bleed[.]

Thursday 11th[.] About 12 O'Clock Kewigiwache arrived[.] He informs us that Perronne debauched him to go as Conductor to Cumberland House for which he made him a Chief, and that going up at the trois Petits Portages he made Several wise reflections on the Consequence of this understanding, returned all the trappings of a Chief, which he Knew did not belong to a man of his Understanding, to the right Owner and bid His worship adieu inspite of all his entreaties to persuad him to perform his engagement[.] Received Kewigiwache according to his Merit and heartily forgave him his former bad on account of his last good behavior[.] We are now let into Perronne's design and Our future Care will be to frustrate it[.]

Friday 12th[.] Kewigiwache went off in order to find the Bras Cassé who is the Athabasca River with 4 or 5 of his relations as I am afraid that Perronne may leave us again unknown to us & may Debauch a more resolute Guide among the Crees than Kewigiwache[.] I sent the bras Cassé a small Keg of rum and ½ fm Tobacco in order to Cause him to go to Lac Claire out of the way[.] I look upon it to be of the utmost consequence to keep him from getting a Guide – and this can

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