Rearview
Orkney
| Read original Return to Kennedy negotiates a raise |
Transcript
Letter from Alexander Kennedy to John McNab, 7 June 1806.
HBCA, B.239/b/73, pp. 47-50.
York Factory 2nd September 1805
Sir,
From Mr Kennedy Master at C.H.
Cumberland House 7th June 1806
Sir
I had the pleasure of receiving your favour of last Fall at this place where I have passed a tolerable winter in respect to provisions having been pretty successful in fishing and not in want of meat at times the moose being plentiful round us all winter & the great quantity of snow made it easy to hunt them particularly in the Spring of the year.
I suppose there never was a stronger opposition here & so few on our side to oppose them as we experienced only four men at this House in the Winter & three of that I may say young hands at least their [sic] was not one that could run out a trip to an Indian but John Ballendine so that I was obliged to run out myself twice in the course of the winter.
I was obliged to relinquish the Moose Lake where the Canadians winter’d & from the few Indians at that place I believe made pretty good returns – could I have detained the men sent up in the Fall I could have been able to have sent there but I was obliged to send them up above at Mr Birds express command before he left this place.
George Flett with four men wintered up the Sturgeon River where he was constantly harassed by the Canadians; his returns about 270 Beaver here from nearly an equal number of Indians I got about 1400 skins which when you consider I hope you will do me the justice to believe it was not thro’ want of attention or alacrity that made me remain at Cumberland, for I thought it was my duty to be wherever the most was to be gained.
The trade from this place will not be found far short of last year, when 500 Beaver was procured at the Moose Lake and I hope it will be found to be got at a moderate Expence [sic] considering the disadvantages I laboured under.
I have done all in my power to make the Indians prepare the Swan skins according to your directions but they are so indolent & careless that rather than skin them for ½ a beaver they will not bear the trouble – A few will be found in C.H. packages which were killed about the House & skinned according to directions, as sample for the Indians to follow.
I here with send a Copy of Cumberland House account with the packages of furs. As my third Contract will expire in 1807 which I have duely served at low wages I hope it will not now be thought presumptive in me in humbly requesting their Honors to grant me £ 40 for 3 years following & as I appeal to your Candour for a recommendation hoping my conduct hitherto will not be found less deserving than others in my station.
Wishing you a pleasant summer and good returns from all Quarters.
I remain
Sir
Your very Humble & Much
Obliged Servant
Alexander Kennedy
