|
| |||||
|
|
| Journal Thomsons River September 1842 [Journal kept by Chieft Trader John Tod. Tod was officially in charge of Alexandria in the New Caledonia District, 1839-1842 outfits.]
Rather cool during the nights, but very hot & calm on the day_ a fine mare Killed by accident, at least so says the Indn who at present acts as guard_ No appearance of M.r Cameron. Weather as hot as ever_ No appearance of either Michele or M.r Cameron_ From reports in circulation amongst the inmates of the Fort I am much inclined to think now that Antoine the horse guard has told us a falshood in respect to the death of the mare and requesting to get off for a few days to see his friends I ordered his discharge forthwith_ M.r Cameron & the two men arrived at day light. Said he had left the raft some distance up the river_ had gone on shore some time during the night (to sleep I presume) while the raft had been alloWednesdayto float down the stream_ after breakfast he went to look for the raft which consisted of sixty pieces of 10 ft long & five posts._ but to no purpose_ it could no where be seen_ it being now evident that the raft must have past the Fort during the night an Indian with a Canoe was sent down to the lake in search of it. he returned about two hours after with information of its being found by an old Indn below as far as Tranquille's river with Kettle, Axe, Cords & all_ Sent M.r Cameron & Lefleure to see what is become of Michel Ogden whose long absence I cannot account for A band of the Courtoo Ind.ns arrived Weather as before_ about 8 O'clock A M M.r Cameron Michel & Lefleure returned but no Mountignie_ he however promised to Michel to be here in two days from this date_ The Courtoo's remain to smoke. Clear & very warm_ No fresh Salmon_ Lefleure, Douliet, Lacourse, Ignace & Swanson Squaring wood. Boudonin attending in the Kitchen. Lolo at Sundry necessary jobs at the Fort. Fallurdo hauling wood Rather cool during the night but on the day the heat is intense_ Men as yesterday_ No appearance of Mountignie, should he not return tomorrow I give him up_ M. Ogden preparing to be off to Okanagan with 26 horses for the propty left there in Sum.er Traded about 1500 Salmon from the Courtoos Thunder during the night, but little or no rain_ Michel Ogden, Lacourse & two Ind.ns (Antoin & Sema) with twenty six horses all well arranged set off this morning for Okanagan_ A few fresh Salmon taken_ Hot & sultry. Visited the Squarers_ 80 pieces squared since the beginning of the week. Ignace's wife in a very weak state of health Gloomy weather with a few light showers A few fresh Salmon got_ Fallerdo on the opposite side the river as usual hauling the squared timber to the spot on which it is intended to erect the Fort but which, from the incapacity of the men, not one of whom can tenon a post, I do not expect to see completed or half completed this year. Rain Rained heavy the greater part of the preceding night, but the day was clear & pleasant_ In the evening the men Squaring arrived for their rations_ All the Indians who have hitherto been encamped at the Fort are now gone to the Lake up the South branch where Salmon abound_ Weather delightful_ The Ind.ns being gone, as mentioned yesterday, no fresh Salmon _ A report has reached us this morning that M.r Ogden in passing Green Lake shot an Ind.n for stealing part of the Priest's baggage, I hope the rascal is dead. Though there may be no truth in it after all_ Cloudy with gales from S.W. Four men squaring_ Fallerdo hauling_ Bondonin in the Kitchen & Lolo as usual at sundry jobs at the house_ Sent M.r Cameron, Fallerdeau & an Indian with Canoe & property up to the Lake to trade Salmon & Potatoes. Cloudy & rather cool with drizzly rain Lolo & the cook breaking in marons_ A bright sun shine_ by an Indian just arrived from Frasers River it appears that M.r Ogdens party, on their way in to N. Caledonia have been exposed to more depredations from the natives_ it is said that both a gun & horse have been stolen from his people_ this affair must have given rise to the false report about shooting an Indn. Cloudy with heavy gusts wind_ M.r Cameron & Fallardeau arrived from the Lake up the South branch with upwards of one thousand Salmon _ but no potatoes_ Weather moderate_ Fallerdeau recommenced hauling timber for the New Fort_ M.r Cameron went up to see how the squarers get on. Cloudy & windy_ Weather as yesterday. River rising Calm, clear & warm_ a party of Indians came in on foot from below Kamloops Lake loaded with Salmon to trade_ The men as before Weather mild, but not so warm as yesterday_ The Ind.ns who came in from the other end of the Lake traded their Salmon _ Fallardeau hauling down the wood for the new Fort from the same place to the Site opposite_ The whole of the timber Squared lately was rafted down this morning by M.r Cameron & the men and shortly after Lefleure & Fallerdeau commenced hauling it up the bank. On examination it was found that more wood (say part of the frame of a Kitchen & poles for the roofs of the whole of the buildings) was still wanting, three men were therefore sent up the river to prepare this last, and two, Lefleure & Fallerdeau, remained to haul down the sleepers which being very heavy wood will require three horses & two men Work as yesterday_ Nothing particular to be mentioned Put Douliet to plaster the old buildings The other men resumed work as before Boisterous weather & rather cool for the season_ Men finished dragging down the sleepers & tomorrow will commence grooving the frame of the Store_ Fine weather_ work as usual A sharp frost last night, but very warm, with a bright sun shine during the day_ Sent M. Ogden one man & two Indians with a Canoe to the lake above to trade potatoes from the natives. Weather as before_ two men with M.r Cameron grooving the frame of the Store_
Thompson River Post |
 |
||
 |
Copyright © Royal
BC Museum |
|