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Letter from Alexander Kennedy to John McNab, 4 August 1805. HBCA, B.239/b/71, pp. 56-57, fos. 28d-29.
From Alexander Kennedy, Master at Cumberland
Cumberland House August 4th 1805
Sir,
I arrived here with Mr Fidler the 2nd Instant after a tolerable passage of fourteen Days from Oxford House & early tomorrow the Canoe embarks again for York with the small Trade procured here in the summer as Mr Howse will inform you.
Two Days below this we fell in with the low Country Indians that winter’d at Moose Lake last year together with several others that has come up this summer from North River, they are tenting with the French Bungees with whom they say they are going to pass the winter some where beyond the Baskquea we try’d to persuade them to go down to Trout River so that they might be entirely out of the way of the Canadians but could not prevail on more than two who made a very fair promise.
The Indians belonging to this House has been followed by the Canadians all Summer who for want of men at this place has got the greatest part of their Trade & there is every appearance of being a strong opposition in the Winter however I hope when Mr Bird arrives he will put it into my power to have some little chance with them as without Men that can run about in the winter all my efforts will be of little avail. I here must at least be two Settlements from this place one with the low Country Indians and another with the principle part of our own Indians who talk of wintering at a place call’d the Candle Lake where I propose going myself if agreeable to Mr Bird.
James Sandison arrived from above a few Days before we did but did not bring down a Skin of the Summer Trade tho I hear there was some procured at the upper House nor did he bring down more provisions than will be necessary for the use of the Craft which has to go to their wintering ground the want of which will be much felt at Cumberland.
If a few small Blankets could be spared in the Fall they will be much wanted here or a piece of blue or red duffel as from the small quantity that are coming up Mr Bird will not be able to supply this place.
With wishing you good news from England and a prosperous Winter.
I remain
Sir
Your very Humble
& Most Obedient Servant
Alexander Kennedy
