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| Read original Return to Troubles at Brandon House |
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January 1812, dispute with William Yorston
Brandon House post journal.
HBCA, B.22/a/18b, fos. 7d-9.
1812 January
Sunday 5 Another revolution was near taking place at Brandon House in consequence of a dispute between myself & Yorston. It appeared to me that Yorston wished to throw obstacles in the way of my sending to the Missouri after I had determined on sending them, and as he was appointed as one, himself, to go, he thought to have got the trip put off without seeming to have denyed his duty. In consequence after receiving some insulting language from him, I gave him a slap or two in the face which he endeavoured to return, but I avoided or parried off. After the first scuffle I insisted on his positively telling me whether he was determined on going to the Missouri or not, that I might take my measures in case he refused his duty. he told me I had prevented him from going by disabling him. I told him that was not a direct answer and insisted on his directly answering me the question I asked or I would turn him out doors. he said he would not give me a more satisfactory answer nor would he go out doors till he pleased himself upon which I run to the next Room and found a pair of tongues which I took up and threatened him two or three times to walk out and go into the Mens house where he should remain on half allowance till Spring & if he did not I would break his head – he sat as obstinate as a mule upon which I pitched him a crack on the arm with the tongs, he then started up and tried to wrestle the tonges [sic] from me after attempting to strike me. Thomas Favel came in and wrested the tongs from us which while he was doing Yorston got hold of my legs and pulled me down. he then got on the top of me with knees & elbows – I insisted on his letting me get up and have fair play but he pounded away for eight or ten minutes twisting the handkerchief round my neck at the same time till I was almost strangled – I called to several of the men to come and take the scoundrel of [sic] from me till I got up but they all run away saying they would have nothing to do with it. Its [sic] true I could expect little support from the rascals who served Mr Heney so ill last winter notwithstanding some of them had made very fair promises last Summer before I returned to Brandon House with them but necessity obliged me to call for help to where none could be provided. Yorston after being tired let me get up at last and whilst I ran to my room for arms to enforce obedience Yorston ran out and went over to NW Fort to beg of Mr Wills my neighbour to come over & pacify me as he told him I was wild and he was afraid I should hurt him. Mr Wills came over & acted the part of a mediator well, for he calmed my passions a good deal. I begged of him not to give any shelter to any rascals that might come over to him & claim protection. he told me he would not unless I turned them out naked or unprovided for subsisting themselves when humanity would oblige him to give them a mouthful of something to eat. I offered him a Bill for a Hundred Guineas if he would assist me in putting Yorston in Irons[.] he told me it would not be a pecuniary consideration that would induce him to assist in any thing of the kind but he doubted whether I could be justified in doing so or he in assisting and finally he gave me to understand that his assistance should not be wanting providing I was obliged to come to extremities with my people & that I called on him for assistance but he thought it would be the best way for me to wile over the winter as quietly as possible and I could have the men in my power in the Spring to do as I pleased with. during Yorstons stay at the NWt House his things were put into the Mens House from where he sent in word that he was still willing to go to the Missouri providing I wanted him. As I had advanced some things to the American who was to pay me in Beaver – and none willing to go with him unless Yorston accompanied them – I was obliged to sacrifice my own private feelings to the Company’s Interest by sending Yorston who is the only person here that knows the road well and is acquainted with the Language of the natives. I must do justice here to Mr John McKay who having come from Pabina a few Days ago on a visit here, volunteered his Service to go to the Missouri providing he got anyone to go with him…
Wednesday 8 Sent of [sic] Yorston & three men to the Missouri with a small advanture of goods in Company with Mr Wills’s people to trade there. Our people took four Horses with Sleds and as many Dogs sleds to take back their returns…
Wednesday 15th The Cooper as yesterday. A man hauling firewood the weather so Cold & wood so far off that he can scarce keep the fires going. about 12 am. my two men returned from Swan River & brought Letters from Misters Garrioch & Cook – together with a packet which was forwarded from Y[ork] F[actory] last fall. I am sorry at not having received it sooner as had it arrived here in time I should have been able to have forwarded Letters to Oxford House which is now too late to meet the appointment of the Chief. Mr Garrioch complains for want of men at Swan River and what is worse – the few that he has got are very refractory. it appears the infection is spreading that began or rather broke out here last year and untill [sic] some steps are taken effectually to crush that spirit of disobedience and contempt of men, it will not cease…
