YALE UNIVERSITY
LIBRARY

DIARY OF GOV. SIMCOE'S JOURNKY FROM IIUMHER
BAY TO MATCHETACHE HAY, 1793,
| The writer of the following interesting account of the above journey was the late lion. Alex
ander Macdonell, ono of the best Unuwn ofthe early citizens of Toronto, lie was born in 1762,
at Fort Augustus, Invernesshire, Scotland, and was the son of Capt. Allan Macdonell, who with
his fainily and other relatives emigrated in 1773 to the MohawU Valley, in the then lirilish
Province of Mew Voile. When the Revolutionary war broke out in 1776, the Loyalist Scottish
settlement, to which the Macdonells belonged was disarmed, aud (.'apt. Allan Macdonell was,
wiih others, imprisoned as a hostage for the neutrality of his kinsmen and neighbors. Sir John
[ohnstou and a number of the other settlers on the Mohawk, in May 1 776, started to traverse
the wilderness lying between them and Montreal, anil in nineteen days reached their destination
after undergoing the greatest haukhips. Of these Loyalist pioneers young Alexander Mac
donell was one. lie soon afterwards, at the age of sixteen, enlisted as a cadet in the "Royal
Highland Immigrants," subsequently numbered the 841I1 Regiment. After several years of active
service he was transferred to " liuller's Rangers," and as 11 member of this famous corps he
took part in many stirring military episodes. After the conclusion ol the war, Capt. Allan
Macdonell and his family received giants of land in Canada, then the Province of Quebec, and
they resided near Quebec city until the father's death, which took place shortly afler thoir arrival.
Mis. Macdonell and her family moved to Kingston, and afterwards to Newark, now Niagara,
when it became the capital of the new Province of Upper Canada. Governor Simcoe, who had
himself been a lirilish officer in the Revolutionary war, and had in that capacity become ac
quainted with Alexander Macdonell, appuinted the latter Sheriff of the Home District, which
included both Newark and York. As a trustworthy member of the Governor's suite he accom
panied him on the trip described in the diary subjoined. Sheriff Macdonell represented the
Glengarry district for some time in the Legislative Assembly of Upper Canada, and was at one
lime Speaker of the House. When the war of 1812-14 broke out he was appointed Deputy
Paymaster-General, with ihe military rank of Colonel, while his cousin and protege, John Mac
donell of Glengarry, joined the staff uf Cencial liroek, with whose remains his, and his alone,
lie interred under the monument on Queenston Heights. Cui. Alexander Macdonell was taken
prisoner al the capture of Niagara in May, 1813, and was detained till Ille close ol the war at
Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where his father had been kept a prisoner in 1776, as narrated above.
Afler his return to Canada he held various public positions, and was in 1831 created a member
of the Legislative Council of Upper Canada. An active and earnest member of the Roman
Catholic church, he rendered great assistance to his cousin, liishop Macdonell, in building up
that religious community in this Province. In 1818 he erected ihe slill prominent residence on
Ihe Northwest corner of John and Adelaide Btreets, and at his hospitable table most of the
eminent men in the Province were at one time or another entertained, lie was tall and com
manding in figure, but quiet aud somewhat reserved in manner, and could talk fluently in the
Gaelic, French, and Indian tongues. Colonel Macdonell died in his own residence in 1842,
leaving behind him five sons, one of whom, Mr. Alexander Macdonell, now Clerk of Process at
Osgoode Hall, has long been the careful custodian of the diary here printed for the first time.
The Historical Section of the Canadian Institute has passed a resolution thanking Mr. Mac
donell for permission to print the diary, anil respectfully requesting him to have it placed for
permanent preservation in one or other of the public libraries in Toronto.]
1793. September 24th.— Lieutenant Pilkington of the R. E., Lieutenant
Darling of the 5th Regiment, Lieutenant Givena of the 2nd Ranger*, und

DIAUV Ol' GOVHUNOIt SI Ml (IIC.

W. Aitkcn, D.P.S., witli two Lake LaClaie and two Matchctache Bay
Indians, embarked in a battcau, and went that night to Mr. St. John's, on
the River Humber.
25th. — Got up at daybreak to prepare matters for our journey. His
Excellency, Lieutenant-Governor Simcoe, joined us from York. We
shortly afterwards were ready and entered the woods, keeping our course
about N.N.W., crossed a long pine ridge. About one o'clock, dined upon
a small river which empties itself into the Humber, and, to make the loads
lighter, took the bones out of the pork. After dinner, re-loaded our horses
and pursued our journey. About four o'clock, it beginning to rain, we
encamped on the side of the Humber, at the west extremity of the 3rd con
cession. We here got some wild grapes and a quantity of crawfish.
26th. — At eight o'clock continued our journey. In tlie early part of
the day, went over a pine ridge ; but from ten till six in the evening, when
we encamped, went through excellent land for grain or grass, the trees
uncommonly large and tall, especially the pine. Crossed two small creeks
which emptied themselves into the Humber, on one of which (Drunken
Creek) we dined, and encamped on the second. The land through which
we passed is chiefly wooded with maple, bass, beech, pine and cedar.
During this day's march we passed the encampment of an Indian trader,
who was on his way to his wintering ground on Lake LaClaie.
27th. — Proceeded on early in the morning. Shortly after leaving our
fires went through a ridge of very fine pine, which appeared to be bounded
by a deep ravine to the north. After crossing in an oblique direction the
pine ridge, went over excellent land, black rich mould; timber, maple,
beech, black birch, and bass. Crossed a ravine and ascended a small
eminence of indifferent land. This height terminated in a point, and a
gradual descent to the River Humber, which we crossed. We dined here,
and remained two hours to refresh ourselves and horses. While at dinner,
two men with two horses, who left the end of the carrying place in the
morning, met us. They were going to bring forward the trader which we
passed the preceding day, and his goods. After dinner proceeded on.
Went over very uneven ground, the soil in some places indifferent, but in
general not bud land. Saw some very fine yellow pine and black birch.
About six o'clock came to the end of the carrying place and encamped.
Here found Mr. Cuthbertson, Indian trader, and owner of hut we passed
the day before, encamped.
28th. — After breakfast, Messrs. Givens and Aitken, with two Indians
and two white men, went up the river for three canoes which had been
previously provided for the Governor, and I went with three rangers to
9

erect a stage near tho river to put the perk, &c, on when brought down
from the encampment. Having accomplished this, upon our return wo cut
a few trees to make a bridge upon a bad pass in tho swamp. Returned to
camp about two o'clock, and shortly afterwards to tho stago with seven of
the rangers, all with packs which we put upon tho stage. We here met
Messrs. Givons and Aitken, having returned with tho canoes. The whole
then returned to camp only mo, who remained to take care of tho baggage.
In about two hours the whole cnnie down, and wo immediately embarked
into fivo canoes, viz., tho Governor, Mr. Aitken, an Indian, and two
rangers in ono ; Messrs. Pilkinjrton and Darling, with thoir two servants in
the second ; Mr. Givcns and two Indians in a third; an Indian and two
rangers with me in the fourth ; and Mr. Aitken's surveying party in the
fifth. We drugged our canoes till we came to the river, over a part of the
swamp where it would lie impossible to walk without thoir support, it being
a quagmire, the skin or surface of which was very thin, Proceeded
about a milo and a half or two miles along the river, which in this short
distance has several turns. Went about a quarter of a mile up a smaller
river which empties itself into the former, and encamped. Soon after
making our fires, tho Great Tail and his family (Messessagues), who were
encamped further up the river, came to visit their Great Father, the Gover.
nor, to whom they presented a pair of ducks, some beaver's meat, and a
beavor's tail. His Excellency gave them somo rum and tobacco.
29th. — Embarked into our canoes in the same manner as the preceding
day, paddled down the river, which is a dead water, bordered on each side
with quagmires similar to the one we hauled our canoes over. About two
hours after leaving camp, Mr. Givens came into my canoe and the Indian
went into his ; but our canoo made much water and we could not keep up
with the others ; we shortly after got the Indian back again. At twenty
minutes after one we entered Lake LaClaie, now Lake Simcoe, so called in
memory of Captain Simcoe of the R. N. At the entrance of the lake we
Baw two canoes, who upon seeing us paddled off to their village, which was
upon a point, about four miles off, to apprise them of the Governor's arrival.
We paddled on towards the point and passed the village close in shore.
The Indians who were by this timo assembled, firod a feu de joie to com
pliment His Excellency, which wo answered with three cheers, and then
doubled the point, and put un shore in a small sandy bay to dine. Soon
after our landing tho Indians came in a body to wait on the Governor, to
whom they presented a beaver blanket, which he declined taking then, 'but
promised to take it upon his return from Matchetacho Bay. They were all
more or less drunk arid made rather an unintelligible speech. They got
liquor from four Canadians who had been sent from Matchetache Bay by

DIARY OF QOVURNOIt SIMOON. 4
Cowan, an Indian trador, to buy corn. His Excellency was sorry that he
could not see Keonees, tho chief of tho villago, with whom he was acquaint
ed, as he was dangerously ill. We left our smallest canoe hero, and got
one Indian in lieu of tho two Indians belonging to tho villago, who preferred
remaining to proceeding on tho journey. Alter dinnor wo rc-ombarked,
and the wind being fair, hoisted sail, and about dark put on shore and
encamped in a cedar grove about six miles from the village.
30th. — Left our encampment about ton o'clock. Mr. Givens was taken
into the Governor's canoe, and in his place one of the rangers put into mine.
Sailed on with a strong breeze about six miles, and it blowing too fresh
to cross Kempenfelt Bay, put in at Point Endeavour, whore we remained
till two o'clock, and dined. After dinner, the wind moderating a little,
we again hoisted sail and crossed tbe bay, which is between seven and eight
miles deep and four and five wide. We had scarcely got over when the
wind blew hard ahead, and it beginning to rain we encamped in a pleasa t
spot on the side of the lake.
October 1st. — Embarked about eight o'clock, and having a contrary wind.
had to paddle against a head swell, which impeded our going much, and
frequently dashed water into our canoes. Put in for a few minutes to
take the bearings at a bluff point about six miles from our last encampment.
This being accomplished we coasted close in shore for some time and, the
wind abating, made for an island near the head of the lake, and landed
there about two o'clock, and dined. This island, now Francis's Island is
pleasantly situated, having a fine prospect of the lake. The Indians usee}
to raise corn upon it, but have not for some time. It is quite covered with
long grass. About two o'clock we embarked, and shortly after leaving the
island entered a small straight, near the far extremity of which we saw
two Indians in a canoe paddling across. So soon as the Indian in the
Governor's canoe perceived them he gave the death hallow ; the strange
Indians made for land, and we, seeing the wigwam, followed. So soon as
our Indian got near enough to be heard he made a melancholy detail of
the number of deaths that had lately happened among the Lake Simcoe
Indians, and closed his speech with saying " that the end of the world was
at hand, Indians would be no more." An old Indian, owner of the wig
wam, gave a similar unpleasant account of tho groat sickness in his neigh
bourhood also, and added that he expected his eldest son would soon
change his climate, and that nothing but his being unwell prevented his
going to his wintering ground. His Excellency made this family a small
present, and we parted. Soon after leaving them, the wind turning fair,
we hoisted sail. At this place the lake widens, and is interspersed with
small islands, on some of which the Indians had planted corn, turnips and

squashes. About sunset got to the head of the lake, entered the river Mat-
chetacho, and encamped.
2nd. — Proceeded down the rivor, and in tho spaco of two hours had to
carry our canoes, &«., over two portages. A short distance below the first
carrying place the Black River empties itself into the Matchetache, and
changes tho colour of that river from clear to a dusky brown, which it does
not vary until it enters tho bay of the same name, upon Lake Huron.
Below the second carrying place the river widens, and at about a distance
of six or seven miles from it we crossed a small lake about six miles in
circumference. Put on shore and dined upon a point where we got various
kinds of berries. Mr. Pilkington's canoe and mine being leaky were
hauled out of the water and gummed well. After dinner pushed off, and
about sunset came to a third carrying place, where, after hauling up our
canoes, we encamped. This place is said to be much infested with rattle
snakes ; it certainly has much the appearance of it, being almost a solid
rock, with a few scrubby pines and oaks growing on it. John Vincall, of
the rangers, cut one of his toes almost off here. To the left of the carrying
place is a handsome fall, and below that an impetuous rapid.
3rd. — Had the canoes, &c, carried across early in the morning, and after
breakfast proceeded down the river. Went through several rapids and
crossed two more carrying places. At 2 o'clock arrived at, and had every
thing carried over a fifth portage. The scene of this place is pleasing and
romantick ; the portage is a solid, level rock with a few small pines and oak
growing out of the rents. The falls rush, as may be easily conceived to be
the case, from an immense body of water, having a great dese* nt, and being
condensed between two rocks, at not more than fifteen feet asunder.
After dinner continued our journey, and soon after crossed a sixth portage.
Shortly after re-embarking it began to rain, and we encamped upon a small
island about two miles below the last mentioned carrying place.
4th — Loaded our canoes early in the morning and embarked. The wind
being fair, hoisted sail, and in about three or four hours arrived at a seventh
and the last carrying place. Having crossed our canoes, &c, and again
re-embarking, at 11 o'clock we entered Matchetache Bay. The Indians
being apprised, by an express across the country from Oakland Point, of
the Governor's being near at hand, were assembled upon a point a short
distance from the last carrying place. Upon seeing thein we made towards
them. When we got within a few yards of the shore they complimented
His Excellency with -a feu de joie, which we answered with three cheers
and immediately landed. After all the Indians had shook hands with the
Governor, the chief presented bim with two dozen ducks. His Excellency
thanked him, and told him he would be happy to see him and his band

I>IAIIY OP OOVKKNOK RIMC'OK. 6
in tho evening at Mr. Cowan's, on tho opposite side of the bay. Re-em
barked, and sailed across in little moro than an hour ; it blew so fresh
before wo arrived that wo woro obliged to lower our sails. Upon landing,
unloaded nnd hauled up our canoes, enoampod in tho woods a small distanco
from tho lako, and about half a milo from Mr. Cowan's house, or rather
fort, for it is a square stookado ; his houso is in one, his store opposite to
it in another, an out-houso for potatoes, oorn, &c, in a third, and tho gate
in the fourth. He does not allow tho Indians to get drunk within the
garrison. Soon after we had encamped tho Indians arrived, and the
Governor made each of them a presont of tobacco. About eight o'olook,
Mr. Cowan, who had been out hunting all day, returned. He sent His
Excellency somo ducks, and shortly afterwards camd to pay his respects.
Mr. Cowan is a decent, respectable looking man, and much liked by the
Indians. He was taken'prisoner by the Frenoh at Fort Pitt, during the
war of '58 and '59, when a boy. He has adopted all the customs and
manners of tho Canadians, and speaks much better French than English.
He has been settled at Matchetache upwards of fifteen years without once
going to Lower Canada. He makes an annual trip to Michillimackinao to
meet his supplies there and forward his furs to Montreal. He has in
general six Canadians engaged with him, and is well known to that class
of people by the name of Constant.
5th. — Mr. Cowan having been desired by the Governor the preceding
evening to attend next morning to interpret, arrived after we had break
fasted, and the Indians being met, addressed His Excellency in the usual
manner : " They were happy to see him in good health and thanked him
for taking the trouble of visiting them in their own country, &c." The
Governor replied that he would always be glad to hear of the prosperity
of the Indians, and entreated them to attend to their hunts, and told them
that he wished for nothing moro than seeing them and his children, the
whites, live in harmony together, and mutually assist each other. He
promised them a keg of rum which should be delivered to them the day
of his departure from the bay, and told the chief he would send him from
York a silver medal and a flag, the usual badges of distinction whioh this
chief had not as yet received. They then shook hands and went off well
satisfied. I must here observe that the Lake Simcoe Indians were much
mortified at the Governor not taking the beaver blanket when offered to
him. This they communicated to the Matchetache Indians by the express
which went overland ; and they simply replied that their father did right
not to take it, that they should have made his bed upon his arrival at York
(as they did), and not waited for his arrival in their village. The Matche
tache Indians had made his bed at York by presenting a beaver blanket.

Soon after the departure of the Indians, His Excellency, Mr. Cowan, and
the gentlemen of his party embarked in one of Cowan's large canoes,
worked by five Canadians, (leaving the rangers, &c, at the encampment)
intending to visit Penetanguashin, a place supposed to be a good harbour
for vessels. The wind blew so fresh that we could not effect our purpose,
especially as we hud a wide traverse to make. We, however, landed upon
an island called by Mr. Cowan, " Place la Traverse." We got to a point
opposite to it, and had an ample view of. it, and from its appearance and
the account Mr. Cowan gave of the depth of water, I believe His Excellency
was satisfied with its sufficiency for the reception of vessels of eighty or
ninety tons. To judge from the wood, the land about it seemed to be very
good. It lays about six miles within Matchetache Bay, and nearly nine
miles from Mr. Cowans'. We walked a mile and a half or two miles further,
and had a fine view of Lake Huron, then returned to the canoe and dined.
After dinner reembarked, the wind beieg fair, hoisted sail and arrived at
our encampment about an hour after sunset.
6th.— Between nine and ten o'clock loft our encampment, launched our
canoes, and set off on our return home. Put in at the point where we had
met the Indians on the morning of the 4th instant, and His Excellency
gave them the keg of rum agreeable to his promise. After some little
ceremony on their part in wishing us favorable weather and a clear day, &c,
we pushed off from shore, upon which they saluted as they did the day we
arrived in the bay, and we answered as before with three cheers. Paddled
on and soon arrived at the carrying place ; brought everything across and
without halting pursued our journey, went about five or six miles further
on, and landed upon an island. One of our Indians getting sick, Mr. Givens,
with a white man and the other two Indians, returned to the point to bring
back the sick man and get another in his place ; but before they got down,
the Indians on the point had paid their devoirs so very attentively to the
rum keg that thoy had not the use of their limbs or reason. Finding that
none would come with him, and expostulation being vain, he put the sick
man on shore, pushed off, and joined us in the evening. Finding it too
late to proceed after Mr. Givens' return we encamped where we were.
7th. — Got everything on board before sunrise. In consequence of our
losing an Indian the preceding day, the one that was in my canoe was
removed to the Governor's, ami one of the rangers sent in to mine in lieu.
Paddled up the river and got over two carrying places, upon the second of
which we breakfasted, the same on which we dined on the 3rd. After
breakfast His Excellency and the gentlemen of the party crossed to the
opposite side of the river to view a fall which could not be seen from that
we were upon. Having satisfied our curiosity we reorossed, embarked

IMARV OP dOVUllNOIt MIMCOIO. 3
into our different canoes, nnd pushed off Crossed two moro carrying
places, upon tho second of which we encamped about sunsot, the one upon
which avo slept tho night of the 2nd.
8th. — Some of the canoes being leaky woro hero gummed, after which wo
got on board, paddled pretty hard, crossed the two remaining carrying
places, and half an hour before sunset got to the head of the lake, and
encamped on the spot wo had occupied on tho 1st.
9th. — Embarked after breakfast, and having puddled against a hoad
wind and swell arrived at Francis' Island at twelve o'clock. His Excel
lency did intend going from this island round the opposite side of the lake
to what we had come, but finding only four days' provisions remaining,
and not knowing what time it would take us by so doing, he judged it
more expedient to return by tho way we had come ; therefore, after dinner
got on board, crossed to tho main land and before sunset encamped where
we had slept on the 30th of September.
10th. — Got into our canoes before sunrise, being fearful that we would
have the wind ahead and wishing to cross Kempenfelt Bay before it blew
too hard. Our apprehensions were confirmed. The wind began to rise,
but we luckily got over tho bay before the lake was too rough. Put on
shore and breakfasted at Endeavour Point. Re-embarked and coasted along
shore. At one o'clock put in, and dined about two miles' distance from the
village. Having dined and got on board we paddled on and soon came
abreast of the village. The Indians tired a feu de joie, and we gave
three cheers. Got round the point, put on shoro in a small bay, hauled our
canoes on shore and encamped in the rear of the village. While we were
making up the fires and preparing everything for tho night, His Excellency
humanely went to pay a visit to Keenees, tho chief, who, as I have already
mentioned, was dangerously ill when wo passed on our way to Matchetache
Bay, but on his getting to his wigwam he was informed that he
had been dead for some days. A man possessed of less sensi
bility and feelings than tho Governor would have been shocked on this
occasion, but his were plainly painted on his countenance upon his return
to camp. About six o'clock a number of squaws came to visit the Governor.
Two of them carried the images of their deceased husbands, dolls about two
feet long decorated with silver broaches, feathers, paint, &c, if a chief, as
was the case with one of theso (Keenees), his medal ia hung to his neck,
the face painted black. His Excellency gave thein some knives and look
ing-glasses, and shortly after they retired. At 8 o'clock the Indians came
in a body, and being seated around the fire each got a dram and a piece ot
tobacco, after which the chief got up, thanked their Great Father, and
presented him with the beaver blanket, which he spread under him. He

then snid : "You white men pray; wo poor Indians do not know want
it is, but we hope you will entreat the (J rent Spirit to remove the sick
ness from amongst us." To which the Governor replied that they should
certainly be remembered in the prayers of tho whites. Ho then ordered
them a kcj^ of rum, and they went away perfectly happy, and highly
pleased that the blanket was accepted, and that thoy had made their
Father's bed.
11th. — About!) o'clock left our encampment, embarkod, and soon got
out ofthe lake, puddled up tho river about throo miles, und then got into
another river, and about two o'clock got to tho landing place at the red
pine fort. His Excellency finding that .John Vincall, tho man who cut his
toe on the '2nd, could not walk, desired Mr. Givens, his servant, and me
to remain with hini, und that upon his arrival at York he would send a
horse to meet us at the old carrying place, for the man to ride; therefore
after dividing our little stock of provision and dining together wo parted ;
tho Governor and the rest of the party going to York by a new route,
Givens, McEwen, Vincall, and myself remaining. It beginning to rain
we encamped there that night.
12th — Got into our canoo before sunrise, paddled down the river till
between 8 and 9 o'clock, then put on shore to eat breakfast, which having
done, re-embarked and made the best of our way to the place where we had
encamped on the night of the 28th of September, which we reached about
sunset. Saw many ducks, but so wild that we could not got within shot of
them ; killed only one mud hen.
1 3th — Mr. Givens aud his servant wont out very early in tho morning to
hunt ducks. Vincall and I remained behind to pound and boil Indian corn
for our breakfast They returned about two o'clock with two ducks only,
About half an hour before sunset Mr. Givens and I wont up the river to
get some birch bark to make torches with to spear fish. On our way up
firod repeatedly at ducks without any success ; killed one but could not find
it. Having put on shore about two miles up the river and got a sufficiency
of bark returned to our encampment at, 8 o'clock.
14th— Got up at day break, and while preparing to go to hunt found
that wo had but two quarts of corn, and a small piece of pork remaining.
Mr. Givens and 1 therefore resolved to go back to the Indian village, to get
some supplies. After eating about a pint uf corn and a small piece of pork
embarked into our canoe, and shortly after leaving camp, the wind being
fair, hoisted hail. We wore very soon after forced to lower it, as it blew
too fresh ; cut off about two feet of the mast, reefed the sail, and hoisted it
again. Wo shortly after met the Great Tail and his family in two canoes

DIAUY OP OOVKllNOlt SIMCOE. 10
going to their wintering ground. Wo gave him some powder and shot ; ho
gave us two ducks, and promised to take caro of our men until we returned.
Sailed on, and near the entrance of the lake we mot two canoes with two
Indians in each. Got eight ducks from them for powder, shot, and a
looking glass. Hauled the canoe on shore, made a fire, and gum'd her.
Having made her as tight as wo could, we again pushed off, hoisted sail
and, passing the village, landed in the bay where we dined on the 29th
September. Hauled the canoe on shore, turned her upside down, and
made a fire. It being late when we arrived we had not time to get much
wood, had scarcely sufficient to broil two ducks for supper. It beginning
to rain, and the wind shifting suddenly about, we were forced to carry
our canoe, &c, to the opposite side of the fire, and turned our backs to
the lake. Crept under the canoe, and pa-sed a very uncomfortable night.
15th. — Early in the morning three squaws came down to gum our canoe,
and the Indians bartered as much corn with us as we wanted. It blew so
hard that we could not possibly set out on our return, and it being too cold
to remain on the beach went further into the woods to encamp. We
lamented much not being able to return to our men, the more so as they
had but a scanty allowance of provisions when we left them, although we
took none from them. About two o'clock we broiled a couple of ducks,
and breakfasted. Shortly after two squaws came down to our fire with
more corn to sell. We told them we had enough to bring us home and
wanted no more, that we were chiefs, not traders. We gave them a few
broaches and some ribbon, and desired them to carry their corn home.
In the evening two more came on a similar errand, and we made the
same, reply as to the former two. They brought us a sufficiency of fire
wood, for which we gave each a ribbon. They then left us, and we had no
more offers of corn to barter. Being sleepy Ave went early to bed, but
were both too unwell to get any rest.
16th. — Got up at daylight, tho* still very sick, but, seeing the necessity
of returning to our men, launched our canoe, put everything on board, and
pushed off to go to Mr. Cutbbertson's (an Indian trader), on the opposite
side of the lake. Putting the canoe in the water was a disagreeable task,
as it had frozen hard the night before and was then so cold that the water
froze upon our paddles, About half way over to the trader's Mr. Givens
got so very sick that he could not paddle, and as I was also umvell and
not able to work now, Ave were a considerable time in getting across.
Upon our arrival Mr. Cuthbertson received us very hospitably. He gave
us chocolate for breakfast which revived us. Finding that in our then
situation we could not bring the canoe up by ourselves we hired an. Indian,
and Mr. Cuthbertson let us have one of his men to help us. Having got a

11
gallon of spirits from him we started. Soon after embarking we found tho
eunoe still leaked, therefore put on shore at the Indian village hauleu
her up and gummed her. We saw there only one old squaw and a boy
all the rest having gone off that morning to their wintering ground ancl
they were soon to follow. At 12 o'clock left the village. When we
came to the forks of the river we saw an eugle sitting on a muskrat
house. The Indian in the bow fired, but in vain, being only loaded with
duck shot. At eight o'clock we reached our encampment, and tho we were
apprehensive that our men had suffered during our absence we found upon
enquiry that they had fared much better than we had, the Great lail
having supplied them with duck and Indian corn.
17th.-A little after sunrise Mr. Outhbertson's man and the Indian
parted with us. We gave them our canoe to bring them back. Soon
after the Great Tail (who bad encamped on the opposite side ot the river)
paid us a visit, and brought us four duck. We thanked bim for the
¦care he had taken of the men in our absence, and told bim that it would
please their and our father at York, as he wished for nothing more than
such mutual good offices between tbe Whites and Indians. This being
the sixth day since we parted with the Governor, and the day by him
appointed for our crossing to the beginning of tbe portage, we provided
corn for two days, borrowed a canoe from the Great Tail, and embarked.
We soon reached the stage which we had erected on the 28th, and in
two trips carried everything up fr> our old encampment, When we
returned to the stage the second time Ave there met two of the Great
Tail's sons, who came to bring three more duck and bring back the ctwioe
Ave had borroAved. We gave the boys a few yards of ribbon each, and
had given their father at parting in tbe morning all the powder and shot
that we could spare. They were satisfied and we were pleased. Soon
after encamping and putting on the fire a kettle full of Indian corn and
a few ducks for our supper, Sergeant Mailey and another man of the
Rangers, guided by one of the three Indians who went with His Excel
lency (the other two remained behind them a short distance) arrived from
York with a horse for the lame man. The Governor was pleased to send
us by them brandy, wine, tea, sugar, pork, and bread. We made a hearty
supper, and concluding the evening with a can of grog to his health, went
to bed.18th. — The horse being missed two of the men were 6ent in search of
him, but returned unsuccessful. The Indian was then sent and in a very
short time found him. Packed everything up; made our packs, and
when ready to start tbe two remaining Indians arrived. Parted with
them at eleven o'clock and marched on. At four o'clock arrived at

DIAtlY OP OOVKItNOU SIMCOIfi. 12
the Humber, crossed it and encamped, tho horse boing too much fatigued
to proceed, having had a forced march tho preceding day.
10th — Tho' it rained all tho night boforo, sot out at daylight. At
12 o'clock halted at tho crook whero avo met the trader's teuton tho 20th,
and breakfasted. At ono o'clock continued our journoy and at three
came to the spot whero we had oncamped on tho 25th, stopped for about
a quarter of an hour, then pushed on and arrived at St. John's a littlo
past four in the ovoning, and slept there that night.
20th. — Left St. John's after breakfast, and arrived at the camp tu York
at ten o'clock, having boon absent 27 days, without any accident happen
ing, excepting Vincall cutting his toe,