26

Friday 13^th – March 1801[.] A charming day, the Indians set off[.] [W]e saw a Swan to day passing over the Fort from East to west[.] Dannis, B^te Roy & old Parant are Squaring timber for the ice house[.] [T]he Snow unfortunately for us melts very fast, I am very apprehensive the people cannot make an other Trip to Swan River, which would be a bad job for us.

Saturday 14^th[.] As fine a day as yesterday[.] I Sent off the Fort Dauphin men long before day light, I Sent by them a Keg of H.W. and a little Strouds and Gartering &c[.] I wrote a very long letter to Michel & one to M^r Ferguson[.] I hired Boisverd for four years[,] I advanced him for 60 livres in Goods as an encouragement to him[.] M^r Sutherland from the Elbow, with 2 of his men came here[.] I fancy he is come to get the wolves I intend bartering with him[,] he brought a Gun he intends to Sell for wolves[.] I made him drink the best part of two qts. of wine which Sett his head a reelling & he Surely talked the compleatest jargon of Stupidity & nonesence, that ever ignorance, & meanness dictated. M^r Harmon & Ettiene Ducharm arrived late at night from Swan River, who tell me the Snow is absolutely quite gone the other Side of M^r Perigne's Fort[.]

Sunday 15^th[.] A beautifull day[.] [T]he rest of my people came here today from Swan River, some with broken Sledges others with lame Dogs & Some with no dogs at all, having left them en chemin[.] [I]t certainly is the finest day I ever experienced in this Country, at this Season, the little Birds sing, Eagles, & Swans fly about & even Butterflies, & Musquitoes are already to be Seen.

Monday 16^th[.] Rather colder than yesterday or the four preceding days[.] La France & Cadien went off home (to Perigne's) they took a Taureau each on their Sledges; M^r Sutherland & his men Sett off home[.] I let him have 80 wolves, if wolves they can be called, for they are pretty nearly as void of hair as he is of Sence, or Sentiment, let that be as it will he [too]k them, & Seemed glad to have them, I made him a present of my leather Cap & a Pewter Spoon. Ten Crees arrived here in the afternoon[,] they have very little of any thing, they are our two hunters, Falcon's fatherinlaw old Pass au Traverse & Son with Petit Sonnant &c. I gave them each a pint of Liquor & told them if they wished to drink more they Should trade it, they did so all night[.]

[25]