JOURNAL. 
Monday \7th» This was cold' clear day, and we 
all remained in the garrison. A sled was fitted up- 
fov one of the N. W. traders to return in. In the 
evening one of the natives came down and told us 
the bufPaloe were again come to the river. * 
Tuesday ISth. A very cold day. Six of us went 
out to look, for the buffaloe ; but could see nothing but 
some goats. At 9 we returned and found the men 
from the N. W. Company l>ad set out on their returUj 
notwithstanding the severity of the weather. 
Wednesday 19M. This was a more pleasant day 
and we began to set up the pickets. 
The 20th, and 2\st. were quite warm and pleasant, 
and we advanced witli our work. 
Saturday 22nd, The weather continued clear, plea* 
sant and warm. A great number of the natives 
came with corn, beans and mockasins to trade, for 
/which they would take any thing— old shirts, buttons,^ 
awls, knives and the like articles. 
Sunday 23rd, The weather continued pleasant, 
and we proceeded in our operations in setting up the 
pickets. 
Monday 2Aith,. Some snow fell this morning ; about 
10 it cleared up, and the weather became pleasant. 
This evening we finished our fortification. Flour, 
dried apples, pepper andother ardcles were distribu- 
ted in the different masses to enable them to celebrate 
Christmas in a proper and social manner. 
Tuesday 25th. The morning v/aa ushered in by 
two discharges of a swivel, and a round of small arms 
by the whole corps. Captain Clarke then presented 
waters : and have factories, forts, and trading establish- 
ments on the Winnipic, Asslniboin, Sturg^eon, Saskatchi- 
wine. Elk, and most of tlie other great lakes and nvers,. 
■which comn-iunicate with or dlsGhar;Te themselves into 
Hiindsou's Bay, andtlie Nortli sea. It is aaid s()me ch^ ■ 
lias since taken plac^ in the establishnaeiit of the 
West Coiiipany.-. 
