same men who wintered with me at Lac la Mort, and arrived at Riviére la
Pique, which runs into Lake Superior: this river is very crooked for
about seven miles, and extremely deep; it abounds with fish,
particularly pike, from which it takes its name.[74] On our landing, we
found a large band of Chippeways, and some of the Rat nation, who
immediately prepared a feast for us of dried meat, fish, &c. Among them
was an Indian named _Ogashy_, or the horse; he was reckoned, even by his
own tribe, a bad Indian, which put me on my guard during my encampment
there. I traded for their skins and furs, and gave them some rum, with
which they had a frolic, which lasted for three days and nights; on this
occasion five men were killed, and one woman dreadfully burnt. When the
fumes of the liquor had evaporated, they began, as usual, to reflect on
the folly of their conduct, and all except _Ogashy_ expressed great
concern; he seemed rather to be pleased at the mischief which had
happened, and before my departure, I was informed that he intended to
destroy me, and plunder the property. To frustrate his villainous
intention, I kept him in good humour, and made {105} him sleep in my
hut, a compliment he seemed highly pleased with, and which I believe for
the time diverted him from his purpose; and though by no means fond of
his company, I judged it most prudent to have my enemy in sight. In the
morning I gave him a glass of rum, and promised him a two-gallon keg to
carry off the ground, which, as the Indians express themselves, drove
the bad spirit from his heart. When my men had prepared every thing for
embarkation, I gave the chief of the band the liquor, and a single
bottle of rum more than I promised to _Ogashy_, unknown to the rest, in
which I had infused a considerable quantity of laudanum. Unsuspicious of
what I had done, he put the bottle to his mouth, and shaking me by the
hand, said to me, “_Kee talinimanco negee_,” or, “your health, friend,”
and immediately took a hearty draught which soon stupified and lulled
him into a profound sleep, in which, I was afterwards informed, he
remained twelve hours, depriving him of the power of doing harm, and
that soon after, an Indian who had an antipathy against him, and only
sought an opportunity of gratifying his resentment, tomahawked him. His
eldest son burnt him, and fixed his bones on a high pole, as he was the
head chief of the tribe.
We proceeded on our voyage, and arrived at a short carrying place,
called Portage la Rame, where we encamped for nine days, being wind
bound; here we found a number of Indians in the same situation.
As soon as Lake Superior was passable with safety, we continued our
journey through strong and dangerous rapids, which kept us continually
in the water, and very sensibly affected our limbs; on these occasions,
{106} where great exertion is necessary, all distinction is laid aside,
and it is _tel maitre, tel valet_, the bourgeois must work as hard as
the engagés, to encourage them to do their duty with more alacrity, and
avoid all cause of complaint.
The wind proving favourable, we proceeded to Cranberry Lake, so called
from the great quantity of cranberries growing in the swamps. We stopped
here two days to refresh ourselves after the great fatigue we had
undergone in struggling against the rapids. Being sufficiently
recovered, and having nothing to detain us, we proceeded to a short
carrying place called _La grande Côte de la Roche_, near the entrance of
the Nipegon River, which is a high ridge of rocks that must be passed to
avoid the great cataract which I mentioned in my former voyage. At this
time we had very little animal food, but fortunately killed three large
bears in the middle of the portage, which supported us several days,
besides which, we reserved some of the meat we had smoked and dried to
carry with us.[75]
From _La grande Côte de la Roche_ we proceeded to _Lac le Nid au
Corbeau_, or Crow’s Nest Lake, which is about two hundred miles in
circumference, and supplied by a number of small rivers; there are also
several islands on it which furnish the Indians with great plenty of
wild fowl: bears are also found here in abundance, and a surprising
number of beaver dams, running in a crooked direction about ten miles.
The Chippeways hunt here, and find a great deal of game.
The reader will observe that in the first voyage I gave an account of
another Crow’s Nest Lake, which is very small, with an island in the
{107} middle with high palm trees: in such an extent of country it is
not surprising that there should be two places of the same name.[76]
During our stay a band of Indians arrived from Lake Arbitibis, who
probably were dissatisfied with the trader they dealt with, and intended
to go to Michillimakinac, but finding that I understood their language,
they bartered with me, and made me a present of meat and fish. An
accident happened here which had nearly proved fatal, and which was of
infinite service to me ever after, by putting me more on my guard in all
transactions with the Savages.
Some of the chiefs being desirous of seeing my Northwest guns, I was
obliged to open a case for their inspection; this I did unwillingly, as
the weather was fine, and I was extremely anxious to get to the
wintering ground before a heavy fall of snow: having shewn them the
guns, they loaded four, and laid them down by the cases, intending to
try them; during the time they were thus employed I was busy in
arranging the goods that had been displaced in getting at them; but as
soon as I was at leisure, I took up one of the guns in a careless
manner, not knowing it was charged, and snapped the lock, which most
unfortunately shot off the ear of one of the chiefs, and I also received
some injury by the powder flying in my face, and almost depriving me of
sight. The discharge was so instantaneous, and appeared so premeditated
that the chief reproached me in very severe terms for the injury I had
done him, and threatened revenge; however, I soon convinced him it was
an accident, and giving him some presents, he consoled himself for the
loss of his ear, which was very large and handsome, and without a single
break, which made it very valuable in his estimation. It was fortunate
{108} I did not kill him, as in all probability we should have been
sacrificed to the resentment of the band.
The Indians pride themselves in having large ears, and extended as wide
as possible, which renders them liable to be pulled off. It is very
common in drunken frolics to lose them; but when they are only torn,
they cut them smooth with a knife, and sew the parts together with a
needle and deers’ sinews, and after sweating in a stove, resume their
usual cheerfulness.
The next day we took our leave, and pursued our journey to _Shecarke
Sakiegan_, or the Skunk’s Lake, which runs with a strong current. In the
fall it abounds with geese and ducks: here we hunted one day, and with
good success. The next morning at break of day we embarked, and had
favourable weather till we arrived at Lake Schabeechevan, or the Weed
Lake. This lake is about one hundred and eighty miles in circumference,
and full of small islands; it abounds with fish, and the swamps are full
of wild rice and cranberries; it is about six days march from Lac la
Mort.
This lake was an unfortunate situation to my employers last year, when
one of their servants, Jaques Santeron, went off with a valuable cargo.
On my arrival, I looked out for the house he had erected, but could not
discern the least trace of it; probably he was so elated that he made a
_feu de joye_ on the prospect of being his own master. At the extremity
of this lake is a fall of water, which runs from a river of the same
name, and has a direct communication with the waters leading from Fort
Albany, within the boundaries of the Hudson’s Bay territories: {109} it
is about thirty days march across nineteen portages and creeks, besides
fourteen rapids, which are a great hindrance to the journey. The Indians
run down the strong currents without the least fear, and seldom meet
with any accident, performing the voyage in one third part of the time
they take in ascending, and without any damage to their canoes, which in
going against the stream are frequently rendered useless, and they are
obliged to make new ones, before they can pursue their voyage; but it is
a most convenient circumstance that they are no where at a loss for
birch bark, and being also very expert, they will make a canoe in three
days sufficiently large to carry three people with necessaries for their
support, and room to stow their furs and skins.[77] On this lake there
are about one hundred and fifty good hunters, who make a great many
packs of beaver, &c. and this was one inducement for settling here,
which was increased by the prospect of a plentiful supply of fish, rice,
and cranberries, which are winter comforts of too great consequence to
be slighted.
Having secured the canoes, and refreshed my men with good soup, I left
them in charge of the goods, and took two Indians to shew me a
convenient place to build a house, which having fixed on, a building was
erected, fifty feet long, and twenty feet wide, divided into two
separate apartments, one for merchandise, and the other for common use.
The rum being concealed in the woods, and every thing properly arranged,
we put the fishing tackle in order; and as the lakes began to freeze
very fast, I divided my men into two parties, one half to be employed in
fishing, the remainder (except one man whom I always kept in the house)
in providing fuel for winter. In about three weeks a sufficient quantity
of wood was piled near the house, and the wood {110} cutters joined the
fishing party: they proved very successful, so that our minds were more
at ease than in the preceding year, not having the dread of famine.
In about ten days a numerous band of Indians arrived with their fall
hunt, none of whom I had ever seen, not having wintered so far inland
before. They seemed well pleased to find a trader settled among them,
and particularly as I spoke the language; but when I informed them that
I was a brother warrior, and shewed the marks of adoption in my flesh,
they were highly delighted. The women were immediately ordered to make
up huts, and prepare a feast; whilst this was doing the Indians came
into my house, one by one, and seating themselves on the floor, began to
smoke, and looked very cheerful. When I had given them tobacco and other
Indian goods, the old chief, whose name was _Mattoyash_, or the Earth,
took me round the neck, and kissed my cheek, then addressed me in the
following words.
“_Meegwoitch kitchee mannitoo, kaygait kee zargetoone an Nishinnorbay
nogome, shashyyar payshik artawway winnin tercushenan, cawween kitchee
morgussey, an Nishinnorbay nogome cawwickar indenendum. Kaygait kitchee
mushkowway geosay haguarmissey waybenan matchee oathty nee zargetoone
Saggonash artawway; winnin kaygait hapadgey kitchee morgussey an
Nishinnorbay; kaygwotch annaboycassey neennerwind mornooch towwarch nee
zargey debwoye kee appay omar, cuppar bebone nepewar appiminiqui
omar._”—“I thank the Master of Life for loving us Indians, and sending
us this day an English trader, who will open his heart to me and my
young men. Take courage, young men, suffer not your hearts to be bound
{111} up, and throw away the bad spirit from you: we all love the
English traders, for we have heard of their pity to Savages; we believe
that they have an open heart, that their veins run clear like the sun.
It is true we Indians have but little sense when drunk, but we hope you
will not think of this, and if you will stay with us, we will hunt with
spirit for you.”
When he had finished his speech they all got up, and taking me by the
right hand, conducted me to their hut; immediately on entering, one of
the warriors placed me on a large beaver robe which was prepared for me,
and put a wampum belt round my neck, singing all the time to the Master
of Life, while myself and the chief were eating. When the feast was
over, I took two of the Indians to my house, and gave them two kegs of
rum, and ten carrots of tobacco, with other articles, for which they
gave me all their peltry. They then began to frolic, which continued
three days and nights: the only accident which happened was to a little
child, whose back was broke by the mother. When they had rested a day
after intoxication, I supplied them with plenty of ammunition for their
winter’s hunt, and they departed perfectly satisfied with their
reception. I cannot help relating the method I was obliged to adopt to
quiet an old Indian woman, who was more troublesome than the rest, and
continually importuned me for liquor.
I infused forty drops of the tincture of cantharides, and the same
quantity of laudanum, into a glass of rum, and when she came to me
soliciting very earnestly for the strong water, I gave her the dose
which was prepared for her: she drank it without hesitation, and being
already much intoxicated, it made her stagger. But this did not satisfy
her, and {112} she still asked for more; I then repeated the dose, which
she also drank, and then fell on the floor. I ordered my Canadian to
carry her out of the house, and lay her carefully near her own wigwaum,
where she remained twelve hours in a deep sleep, to my entire
satisfaction. I have always found laudanum extremely useful; in general
it may be considered an essential article in the commerce with the
Indians, as it proves the only method of overcoming their intoxicated
senses, and making the life of a trader more tolerable, by putting a
stop to their impertinence.
On the 19th of November a band of about forty Indians came in with a few
skins and a great quantity of dried meat, with some bears’ grease, which
I purchased for a little rum, and advised them to carry it along with
them off the ground; they complied with my wishes and embarked perfectly
sober.
It was always my custom to endeavour to persuade them to take away the
rum, though I seldom succeeded. The fatigue of watching them when the
liquor begins to operate is inconceivable, besides the risk of our lives
and property.
After their departure I was left for near a month with only one man, the
rest being employed in fishing and watching the marten traps: in both
pursuits they were successful, but particularly in the former, having
brought home near eight thousand, trout, pike, pickerill, and white
fish, which we hung up as usual to freeze. When the severe weather sets
in every man has his allowance served out twice a day, and this rule is
constantly adhered to even though the stock be very considerable.
{113} In the beginning of December a new married couple arrived, and
having given them a little rum, they got very merry; and perceiving the
woman was in great good humour, I desired her to sing a love-song, which
she consented to with cheerfulness.
THE SONG
“_Debwoye, nee zargay ween aighter, payshik oathty, seizeebockquoit
shenargussey me tarbiscoach nepeech cassawicka nepoo, moszack
pemartus, seizeebockquoit meteek._”
“It is true I love him only whose heart is like the sweet sap that runs
from the sugar-tree, and is brother to the aspin leaf, that always lives
and shivers.”
I thanked her for her song, and giving the husband a bottle of
_scuttaywabo_,[78] left them together to enjoy their hearts’ delight;
and as there was not sufficient to intoxicate them, I was not afraid of
a jealous fit. I always bore in mind the circumstance at Lac la Mort,
and my fortunate escape. In the morning they departed, paying me well
for my presents with some beaver, bear, and otter skins.
A few days after an Indian arrived, with his two wives and three
children; they immediately came into my house, and sat down by the fire.
I thought I discovered deceit in his countenance, and watched him very
narrowly. I asked him what success he had met with in his hunt? He told
me he believed the Master of Life was angry with him, for he had fired
at several animals, and expended all his ammunition, without doing
execution. This was a figurative mode of expression, {114} and convinced
me that he was lazy, and could not get credit for what he wanted: he
added, that his family had been without provisions some days, and hoped
I would cheer their hearts, and be a friend to them. I then ordered a
large kettle to be put on the fire, and boiled some fish, which they ate
of very heartily, particularly the women and children.
I questioned him concerning his hunting grounds: he told me he was from
Hudson’s Bay, and had come so far, hearing some traders were settled at
Skunk’s Lake, and as he knew there were plenty of animals, he expected
to get a great many skins. This I was convinced was false, and I
immediately considered him as a straggler, or he certainly would not
have travelled so far, unless he had done something to displease the
servants at the Company’s forts, and could not obtain credit. Looking at
me very earnestly, he asked me to trust him a gun, blanket, and
ammunition; but I refused him: this displeased him; and going out of the
house, one of them called him, the other followed him out, and said
something to him in a low tone of voice: this appeared to me like a
confederacy, and put me on my guard. In a few minutes he returned, and
renewed his solicitations; saying, “Are you afraid to trust me forty
skins? I will pay you in the spring.”—I told him I never gave credit to
any but good hunters, and I was sure he was an idle straggler, who lived
without industry, and advised him to return to his own tribe, and
solicit their assistance who knew him better than I did. So severe a
check to his application (and which I was afterwards sorry for) seemed
to rouze the bad spirit in his heart, and he left me under the influence
of the _Matchee Mannitoo_, and went down to his canoe, seeming to be in
deep discourse with his wives.
{115} My man observing them, watched them very narrowly, and saw the
Indian endeavouring to file off the end of his gun, to make it
convenient to conceal under his blanket; having shortened and loaded it,
he returned with it hid under his dress. This transaction being a
convincing proof of his diabolical intention, I directed my man to stand
on one side of the door, and I took my post on the other, waiting his
entrance into the house. Just as he passed the threshold, I knocked him
down with a billet of wood, and taking his short gun from him, beat him
so much that we were obliged to carry him down to his canoe, where his
family were waiting for him, and ordered them all off the ground,
threatening that in case of refusal his canoe should be instantly broken
to pieces, and his family turned adrift. The squaws and children
appeared very much distressed, and with great reluctance obeyed my
orders. Thus I got rid of an unprincipled set; and, as will soon appear,
escaped a danger which was certainly intended to involve me and my men
in utter ruin.
A few days after their departure, an Indian arrived and informed me that
Mr. Joseph la Forme, a brother trader who was settled at Lac le Sel, was
killed by a Savage, and described his person. I had no doubt but he was
the same man who attempted to destroy me. I communicated every
circumstance of his conduct, and the revenge I took on the occasion. The
Indian congratulated me on my happy escape, as he was known to be a bad
man by all the tribe, having killed his brother and one of his wives
last fall, which was the reason that the band he belonged to would not
suffer him to stay among them. As I was anxious to know the particulars,
I desired him to relate them. He told me that he was informed by a
Savage whom he accidentally met, and {116} to whom the murderer had
revealed the particulars, that the Indian being disappointed in his
design against me, pursued his journey with the bad spirit in his heart,
and arrived at Joseph La Forme’s house, which he entered, and asked for
rum and tobacco, which was given him; but observing he had not any thing
to trade with, La Forme was suspicious of him: whilst he was smoking he
asked for credit, but was refused, and told that he was not only a bad
hunter, but that he had a heart of lead. This imprudent reproach
incensed him, and observing no one in the house but the trader, (the men
being fishing) he watched a convenient opportunity, and when La Forme
stooped to light his pipe, shot him through the head, plundered the
house of a few things, and went off.
On this information I dispatched six Indians, with a trusty Canadian, to
endeavour to secure the property, in which they fortunately succeeded,
and brought away all the peltry, merchandise, &c. and the deceased
trader’s men, whom I engaged in my service. About six weeks after, one
of the tribe whom he had formerly offended, and who had heard of this
recent act of villainy, after repeated reproaches for his baseness,
tomahawked him, cut off his head, and brought it to my house to shew my
Indians.
The unhappy fate of Joseph La Forme affords a melancholy example of the
precarious situation of all Indian traders; and furnishes a useful
lesson of instruction to those who may in future be engaged in commerce
with the Savages—that it is frequently more prudent to conceal
resentment than to gratify it.
{117} _We are reduced to great Hardships for want of
Provisions;—relieved by the fortunate Arrival of some Indians.—Narrative
of a most shocking Transaction perpetrated by one Janvier, belonging to
a Mr. Fulton, a Trader—Mr. Fulton takes Means to induce a Confession,
and punishes him accordingly.—Visit from a Trader belonging to the
Hudson’s Bay Company—some Observations concerning that Trade, and the
Conduct of the Company towards their Servants._
The latter end of January, 1779, a band of the Rat Nation arrived,
belonging to _Shekarkistergoan_, or the Skunk’s-head Lake, which is
between Lake Nipegon and Lake Manontoye. They brought me provisions and
furs, which I bartered for; giving them rum, as usual, of which they
drank freely without doing any mischief. After their departure we were
short of provisions, having a larger household to provide for, by taking
La Forme’s men into my service. We were reduced to a few fish and some
wild rice, or _menomon_ (which are kept in _muccucks_, or bark boxes),
to support myself and seventeen men; the allowance to each being only a
handful of rice and a small fish, about 2lb. weight, which is boiled
together and makes pleasant soup. I have often been surprised that
fish-broth is not more generally used, as it is certainly very
palatable; but I am not sufficiently informed in medical knowledge to
speak either of its wholesomeness or nutritive qualities. Sturgeon broth
is delicious, and leaves a pleasing taste on the tongue; but as it
rather increases the appetite for food, {118} as I have experienced, it
should not be taken but when there is plenty of meat to be got. This
fish is very common in Albany, and is sold at 1d. per lb. York currency.
The flesh is called Albany beef.
The frost continuing very severe, and no appearance of Indians to supply
our wants, we were obliged to take off the hair from the bear skins, and
roast the hide, which tastes like pork. This, with some _tripe de roche_
boiled, was all our nourishment.[79]
_Tripe de roche_, or _hawercoon_, is a weed that grows to the rocks, of
a spongy nature, and very unwholesome, causing violent pains in the
bowels, and frequently occasions a flux. I am informed the traders in
the Northwest, have often experienced this disorder; and some of them,
in very severe weather, have been compelled to eat it for fourteen days
successively, which weakened them exceedingly. When the disorder does
not terminate in a flux, it occasions a violent vomiting, and sometimes
spitting of blood, with acute spasms in the bowels.
After suffering great hardships, I advised my men to make marten traps,
and set them in the woods as they did last winter at Lac la Mort, which
supplied us occasionally, but very short of our real wants. At last a
band of Indians arrived with ten slay load of meat and furs, which
relieved us, and gave us fresh spirits. My men discovered them at a
distance, and, though much enfeebled by severe hunger, put on their snow
shoes to meet them.