Volume 1

4l6
MISERABLE CONDITION OF THIS POST.
and change of linen was very acceptable, as I had worn
the same shirt since leaving Panbian river, and it was not
entirely free from vermin, notwithstanding daily efforts to
destroy them. I went to sleep in clean blankets on a soft
feather bed, and only those who have experienced like
hardships can form any idea of my delightful repose.
Sunday, Aug. loth. A curious circumstance occurred
last night. One of the Indians had sold a horse, and when
we arrived was about to return to his camp with the payment.
During the bustle and confusion of unloading our
horses and storing the property this fellow slipped
into the
yard with his comrades, whose horses were tied near ours,
and in saddling theirs did the same with one of ours that
had just arrived. The gates being locked one of them went
to the Assiniboine interpreter Desmarais, and desired him to
open the gate. This he did ;
the fellow rode away unnoticed
with his comrades, whooping and hallooing, still half
drunk, and the theft was not discovered till
this morning.
This establishment is now in a miserable condition ; they
have neither flesh nor fish— nothing but some old musty
beat meat, and no grease. They have had but 14 animals,
including cabbrie, since the departure of the canoes in May
last, and a few bags of pemmican—a mere trifle for so many
mouths—say 3 clerks, i interpreter, 3 laboring men, and 47
women and children, or 54 people entitled to regular rations.
The men are now employed in making hay for the winter
for such horses as are stabled to do the necessary work at
the fort, hauling firewood, etc. But the great quantity of
water in the meadows renders their progress slow and
tedious. They have to mow knee-deep in the water, whilst
another man follows with a cart and carries the grass to the
high grounds, where it is spread out to dry. There has
been no trade whatever this summer. The Indians are
starving all over the country, no buffalo being found within
their limits. There are a few freemen about this place, who
have actually disposed of their women and clothing to the
H. B. Co.'s people in barter for beat meat. The remainder