|
| |||||
|
|
| Journal Thomsons River November 1842 [Journal kept by Chief Trader John Tod]
Weather rather stormy_ From want of a horse guard we have much trouble in Keeping our horses together Rain_ Men at work as before Frame of the store is now up, but I doubt if it will be finished before Jany '43 Mild weather_ On the afternoon the YF Express with M.r Anderson & four Young hands arrived from Colvile all well. M.r Anderson getting his horses collected in order to start tomorrow Exchanged Lacourse for one of the Young hands Simon whom M.r Anderson recommends as handy with the Axe Michel Ogden also proceeds to N. Caledonia with M.r A_ Altho' the horses were collected at an early hour it was long past midday before they were ready to start at length however they set forward M.r Anderson & his family. Debois, Marrineau & four young hands and M. Ogden_ rather cold Heavy gales during the night_ The men resumed work as usual at the buildings, but they are so awkward & so very Slow that I doubt much if they will finish the Store & dwelling House this winter Clear sun shine & rather warm for the season_ Clear frosty night_ work as before A hard frost during the night which has set all the small Lakes fast_ The walls of the Store are not yet up_ two men sawing for the roof & flooring_ ice formed on shores of the river. Plenty of wild fowl, but are not hunted_ work as before Very cold with a bleak north wind_ got a small piece of ground cleared by Indians opposite side the river adjoining to the new Fort, for potatoes next year. Overcast wind North_ The men, with exception of Ignace who appears to have caught the fever & ague, resumed work as usual at the Store_ Self set off to visit the Indians at the upper Lake A Gale from the N.W. with a threatening appearance of cold weather Intensely cold for the season_ encamped at the Mounty, but the night was so very cold we could not sleep_ Large flakes of ice floating down the river_ Returned to the Fort rather disappointed with my trip. the weather was so severe that I turned back from this end of the Lake without seeing the Ind.ns I had expected to meet_ The north branch is now covered with floating ice, and there is considerable difficulty in crossing with canoes, but from the earliness of the season it will no doubt clear out Weather more moderate_ Men employed sawing planks for the Store_ Indians who are encamped in our immediate vicinity are all attacked with sore or rather swelled throats_ The river chock full of drifting ice & the Indians report that it is taken above All is quiet_ nothing worthy of remark Weather cloudy & mild_ Men recommenced work as follows_ four sawing plank and one laying the lower floor of the Store_ A few Indians from Cotoos arrd with some fresh venison_ Cloudy as yesterday_ work as before Nothing particular_ Killed an old lame horse for beef to the men_ Four Indians collecting fire wood for us, rather a difficult task, as that article is now extremely scarce Work on the opposite side proceeds as before_ Ice still floating down the river Work as before_ Indians making daily applications for medicine & all complaining of swelled throats The men with the two saws have finished both floors for the Store The day mild and all is quiet_ Two men Sawing clap boards & the other three employed at the floors & walls of the Store_ A storm of wind S.W. with rain, hail & snow during the preceding night_ Work as Yesterday_ Clear weather_ A Son of LaPrads who is with the Ind.ns is said to be at the point of death with a disease too prevalent in this quarter_ Thompson River Post |
 |
||
 |
Copyright © Royal
BC Museum |
|