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September 1800, departure of inland canoes
York Factory post journal.
HBCA, B.239/a/105, fos. 2-3.
24th Wednesday Fine weather. At 6 AM Mr Cook set off in a light canoe for his Settlement up North River, Messrs Fielding, Kennedy and Colen accompanied him to see him safe round the Point of Marsh. Four Canoes that were dispatched with Goods for his Place ten Days since, has been laying a small distance from the Battery detained by bad weather and heavy seas rolling on the Marsh – they were in sight this morning. Men at the Factory busily employed at various Duties. Late in the evening hauled the Sein Net and caught a fine Quantity of Tickomeg fish…
27th Saturday Hauled the Long Boat up upon the Bank and stowed her away properly for the Season, cleaned the Warehouses and pumped out the Cellars. Not a worse place for many miles around could be found to build a Factory on than where this now stands, During the course of the Summer it would require six men Dayly [sic] to keep the Cellars dry.
Messrs Fielding, Kennedy and Colen returned, having seen Mr Cook up Nelson River as far as Gillams Island. Mr Cook sent by them a note informing me that the Canoes belonging to him which was dispatched off sometime since, he found laying Just round the point of Marsh with no desire of going farther, begs me should they return to the Factory to punish them severely. As the weather is fine, I hope they will not give me the trouble, for should they, I will not fail to do my duty, knowing them all to be a troublesome set of Men. Three Canoes arrived brought the Carcasses of ten Deer.
Altho’ the weather is fine, there is a great quantity of Snow on the ground and the point of Marsh is loaded with shelving Ice. Am much affraid [sic] to attempt sending a Boat with Provisions this fall now (it being so late) to Gordon House. It is now too hazardous to undertake, I would willingly if it was prudent, therefore shall give over all thoughts this season of being able…
