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Letter from Alexander Kennedy to John McNab, 20 May 1807.
HBCA, B.239/b/74, pp. 41-42.
From Mr Kennedy Inland Master
Moose Lake May 20th 1807
Sir
This will accompany a packet of letters from above which twice forwarded to cross Lake during the winter and for want of perseverance in the bearers had the mortification to have them as often returned, as the Season now admits of a conveyance by water I take the earliest opportunity of dispatching them to Oxford House by the home guards (Messinakeeshick & Mistickathenue) who have winter’d here, and am in hopes they will reach you before the arrival of Mr Bird at Steel River as when I last heard from him he express’d a wish to that effect.
I am sorry to inform you that the bearers are very much disappointed in their expectations at this place[.] they have in short done mere nothing[,] given away the Goods they took on credits at York, been entirely dependant on me for Ammunition, Tobacco &c during the winter & are in consequence more wretched for want of Cloathing [sic]. I have barely supplied them with ammunition to take them to Oxford House where I have persuaded them to return & they are in hopes of getting a supply there to enable them to do something before they visit York[.] a list of what I have received from them on your Accounts (being the whole of their hunts to a triffle [sic]) is here inclosed [sic]
I have passed a tolerable winter in regard to living, plenty of fish & some meat & in respect to Trade better than I expected in the fall from such a poor place one thing and another say 700 Made Beaver[.] my Neighbours were not so powerful either in men or Goods as they were last year and I can assure you that since the fall they have not made a pack. I leave here according to Mr Fidler [sic] directions two men during the Summer & if ammunition could be got I doubt not but a good number of Swan Skins might be procured as there will be a good many Indians here & I think no opposition for want of ammunition & Brandy[.] I have been obliged to tent among the Indians for this month past to preserve the few skins they killed untill [sic] I could get a supply from Cumberland but their [sic] will not admit of a sufficiency during the summer, I received Yesterday what can be spared and I hope it will nearly serve untill [sic] a supply can be got from below, as I am just on the eve of embarking for Cumberland House & in hopes of meeting you at Steel river I have only time to add that
I am Sir
Your Most Obedient Humble Servant
Alexander Kennedy
