McLeod, Norman. Journal, Alexandria, 1800-1801. An electronic transcription. MFTP #0028

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Monday 5th January 1801[.] A Stormy day, Cold & Snowing[.] I Sent Plante and four more off for Meat[.] Continued to Snow & drift all day[.]

Teusday 6th[.] Not so cold as yesterday[.] Snow'd since yesterday about four Inches deep, but this is a fine clear day[.] [T]he people came home with upwards of three Cows, I got the Chimney in the Hall mended by the old Blacksmith, and old Chauvin[.]

Wednessday 7th[.] A cold serene day[.] [T]he people went off for Meat & I Sent Girardin with my dogs, along with them[.] Blew very hard in the evening from the South East & very cold[.] Old Chauvin & the old Blacksmith were hauling wood home all day for the fire.

Thursday 8th[.] Rather Milder than yesterday[.] A Band of Crees & Assiniboins (8 men) came from the Montaigne du Tondre, the Batard Anglois the principall Man, they Seem to have a good dea[l] of Grease[.] 2 Iroquois, of those that came into the Red River with Mr McDonell came along with them, they have been at their Camp this long time past, as well as the Iroquois who are for the XY having found no Beaver, they are now come here to ask my advice what to do[.] Collin came back with very little else than fresh meat[.] [T]he men who were for meat came home, they tell me the Hunters See very few Buffaloe now, the most of them having passed, downward[.]

Friday 9th[.] All the Indians traded, their Grease & few Skins[.] I Sent five Sledges to the Hunters & told them to tell the Hunters to go after the Buffaloe[.] This day is very mild & Rhimy.

Saturday 10th[.] A very fine day[.] All the Indians went off, except the Boeuf Blanc & the Iroquois[,] the later traded a few Kitts & Wolves for Rum to carry with them to Buy horses as they mean to come back imediately, with all their Baggage, & go to River à la Biche, where I have advised them to go[.] I bought a Horse to day, from the Boeuf blanc which I think a great deal too dear but as I never wish an action of mine, concealed I here mark what I paid for him, as I purchased him for the Co a large Keg, 2/3d of a fm. H.B. Stds. a Carrot of Tobacco, & a piece of gartering, a price that I have not exceeded for any two horses, since I have been in this Department, he is a Strong, able beast I mean him for my own riding as the one I have rode these three years (my own private property) is quite worn out, & for Aught I know is dead at Swan River, having sent him there when I came back from Fort Dauphin. In the evening three young men came here from a pound that's five day's march off, they say they are come for people to go & trade with them[.]

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