#amwritingbooks — Public Fediverse posts

YORK FACTORY EXPRESS JOURNAL, 1847:
"We started on horseback this morning, accompanied by one of the men of the Fort as Guide. Took dinner at Frog Creek, and went on afterwards until we reached a lake on this side of Dog Rump Creek, where we encamped.
"Friday. The weather is still very pleasant, but unfortunately we have a poor set of horses, and have been able to make but a short distance. Encamped at a small stream not far beyond Egg Lake.
"Saturday. Clear... #HistoricJourney #AmWritingBooks

HBC BRIGADES, 1846 EXPEDITION:
"In this as before implied my endeavours have, I regret to say, proved equally unsuccessful. Precipitous rocks rising 1,000 to 1,500 feet in height rise on both sides and precluding the possibility of all progress by land save, perhaps, by scaling the craggy sides at some rare points less precipitous than the rest. The River that issues from the lakes, and which falls into the main stream about 6 miles below the Lower Fountain... #HistoricJourney #AmWritingBooks

HBC BRIGADES JOURNAL, 1831:
"The Outfit made out. Want of Bark for the canoes is a great obstacle to us at the present moment, for which the Worst of the Canoes could not be done with today, and but 2 Men capable of doing that work properly. 44 pieces will remain in depot here until sent for.
"Wednesday. These impediments retarded us until today, when all being ready the Canoes were loaded with 35 Piece in four of them. The Old Canoe being so bad was loaded.... #HistoricJourney #AmWritingBooks

HBC BRIGADES JOURNAL, 1831:
"I passed the remainder of the day at the House and will join them in the Morning. Our deficiency of Men renders it out of our power to Keep up the Chilcotin Establishment, but Mr. Fisher intends sending occasionally during the Summer, by which means he will secure their hunts, give them some Encouragement to work in the Expectations of having again the Post established, of which they appear to be very desirous. From the General... #HistoricJourney #AmWritingBooks

HBC BRIGADES JOURNAL, 1826:
"Of Salmon I procured a sufficiency which, without any other help, would serve the Brigade to Stuarts Lake #FortStJames, by the means of which they were all supplied with Ammunition for their Fall Hunts, on which they are to go as soon as the Salmon Fishing ceases.
"Friday. At Break of day we Embarked. Found the current exceedingly strong, the river in this part being confined within a very narrow channel. Reached the Stony Islands... #HistoricJourney #AmWritingBooks

HBC BRIGADES JOURNAL, 1826:
"At 2 pm we came up with old Chilquettes Band, which after remaining about an hour, we went on to a third band, where we Encamped. These like the first are all occupied curing Salmon, & have also a few skins. The latter they offered to give me, but as they have all debts at Fort Alexandria, to avoid any confusion in their accounts, I left them their furs to be delivered to the people of that post when they come up with their supplies. #HistoricJourney #AmWritingBooks

HBC BRIGADES JOURNAL, 1826:
"The Current is extremely strong, & our progress proportionately slow. Encamped at the West Road River.
"Thursday. Rained heavily all day. It did not, however, prevent us from proceeding. At nine am we came up with a band of Indians, whom we found employed in curing salmon, of which they already have a considerable quantity. These people, altho' too distant from the Scene of Action to be under any apprehension from the Chilcotins... #HistoricJourney #AmWritingBooks

YORK FACTORY EXPRESS JOURNAL, 1841:
"There is also an observatory of considerable height which commands an extensive view of the adjacent country. All these presentations are by no means unnecessary, as #Edmonton is frequented by bands of Blackfeet, Assiniboines, and other lawless tribes who consider it almost a duty to plunder & even murder a white man when opportunity offers. Mr. Harriott himself, who came to the Country when quite a boy, and is much liked... #HistoricJourney #AmWritingBooks

YORK FACTORY EXPRESS JOURNAL, 1841:
"After a smart ride of four hours we arrived at the tent of a fisherman and his family, situated in a most romantic spot upon the side of a beautiful lake, its waters so clear that I could see from the hill where I stood the bottom of the Lake all over. On enquiring at the Fisherman what success, he informed me that the proceeding night he had killed with the spear one hundred white fish, part of which I desired him to send... #HistoricJourney #AmWritingBooks

HBC BRIGADES JOURNAL, 1826:
"Shortly after our departure from #WallaWalla we met an Express from Mr. C.F. McLoughlin, conveying the intelligence of the Safe arrival of the ship Dryad, Captain Davidson, from England with the Columbia outfit, but for want of Hands, and no proper craft being yet provided for the purpose, her Cargo had not been yet discharged -- a duty which must necessarily fall upon the people of this Brigade, and will occasion a longer stay... #HistoricJourney #AmWritingBooks

YORK FACTORY EXPRESS JOURNAL, 1841:
"The surface of the ground over which we rode at no tardy place was so covered with badger holes that it required the utmost caution to guide our riding horses clear of them: as for the light horses, we allowed them to look out for themselves. After a ride of four days we reached Fort #Spokane, an old establishment, abandoned some years ago, situated upon the banks of the River of that name, in a beautiful spot. On crossing... #HistoricJourney #AmWritingBooks

YORK FACTORY EXPRESS JOURNAL, 1831:
"We left Klyne's House #Jasper today at 4 pm, with twenty loaded horses exclusive of our riding horses. At sunset we encamped on the borders of a beautiful small lake situated between very high mountains. The scenery which presented itself here surpassed everything which I had hitherto seen, and made me regret more than once that I was no landscape painter. From this small lake the person in charge of Klyne's House procures... #HistoricJourney #AmWritingBooks

YORK FACTORY EXPRESS JOURNAL, 1841:
"We certainly stood in great need of fresh horses, for those we had been travelling with were wretched in the extreme; in fact, could we have only mounted Mr. Peter Sinclair as Don Quixotte, and procured an an equally good representative of his man, Sancho, nothing else would have been wanting upon our arrival at Red River, where windmills abound, to have completed a most perfect likeness of that celebrated hero... #MeanMan #HistoricJourney #AmWritingBooks

YORK FACTORY EXPRESS JOURNAL, 1841:
"We were so fortunate as to achieve our obect, and enjoyed with great relish a glass of good cold water than which when a man is really thirsty nothing can be more acceptable.
"Monday. This morning we commenced our journey, as usual very early, and had travelled about twenty miles when our guide once more got bewildered, to my great chagrin, as the despatches I carried for Governor Simpson were already late... #MrSelfImportance #CanadaHistory #AmWritingBooks

YORK FACTORY EXPRESS JOURNAL, 1841:
"About 12 o'clock we arrived at Fort Assiniboine #AB & arranged ourselves to start with Horses for Fort #Edmonton; it had heretofore been the custom for the Columbians to receive provisions at Fort Assiniboine to take them to the next post; but our success as hunters enabled us, instead of receiving provisions, to leave a portion for the people of the Fort, in exchange for which we received some potatoes and dried Buffalo meat. #CanadaHistory #AmWritingBooks

YORK FACTORY EXPRESS JOURNAL, 1841:
"This place is called the Height of Land, the Columbia [Wood] River taking its rise from one of the Lakes and winding its course to the Pacific; the River Athabasca from the other & emptying itself into the Atlantic [Arctic] Ocean. The Lakes as I stated are three, but at the season we passed invisible from the great quantity of snow. We had so far followed the course of the Columbia & had been ascending; we now took that of the Athabasca.... #AmWritingBooks

YORK FACTORY EXPRESS JOURNAL, 1841:
"We were both, however, fortunate enough to escape the mal de racquette, and about 6 o'clock am we gained the top of the mountain & did not certainly feel regret upon the achievement. The guide soon joining us we made a large fire long ere the men arrived almost worn out with their hard journey, which did not however prevent them quozzing each other as usual & many were the tales of misfortune recounted. #BCHistory #ABHistory #HistoricJourney #AmWritingBooks

YORK FACTORY EXPRESS JOURNAL, 1826:
"At 2 pm we arrived at the Shoots #Chutes Falls, where we had to make a Portage of our Boats and Luggage for about 1/4 Miles across a Rocky Point on the North Shore, which occupied us two hours. We found about 70 Indians Encampt upon this Portage, who conducted themselves very peaceably, the men upon our guard so as to resist any aggression. We gave the chief some Tobacco to have a smoke when they ranged their Tribes about them.... #WAHistory #AmWritingBooks

YORK FACTORY EXPRESS JOURNAL, 1826:
"We continued to travel after Dark to avoid the annoyance of being importuned for Tobacco by the Indians, and until we arrived at a Spot where Timber could be procured for our fires, the face of the Country being destitute of Wood, the only supply of that article is the Drift Timber strewn along some parts of the Banks of the Columbia River. We Encampt at 8 pm.
"Saturday. The morning showery. We Embarked at 4 am... #WAHistory #HistoricJourney #AmWritingBooks

YORK FACTORY EXPRESS JOURNAL, 1826:
"The Indians erect stages & have Baskets very ingeniously placed over the Falls, by which means they catch great numbers of Salmon, when leaping the Falls as they ascend the River. A few miles below these falls are the Grand Rapids, formed by projecting Masses of Rock obstructing the course of the River. As we descend we pass a dense population of Indians, encampt in Mat Huts along the Banks of the River, employed fishing... #WAHistory #AmWritingBooks #Books

YORK FACTORY EXPRESS JOURNAL, 1826:
"The Morning Hazy, At 4 am we Embarked when we descended the River for 5 Leagues and then Entered the Lower Arrow Lake, which we continued to descend for the remainder of the Day. Noon fine but cloudy. In the afternoon we had a favourable Breeze from the NE wot which we spread our Oil Cloth, and assisted us a good deal This lake is generally very narrow for so extensive a Sheet of Water, seldom exceeding two Miles. #HistoricJourney #BCHistory #AmWritingBooks

YORK FACTORY EXPRESS JOURNAL, 1826:
"We saw a few Indians in two very curiously constructed Canoes. In the afternoon we run the 2nd Dalles rapids, our Boats shipping a good deal of Water. The Scenery about these rapids is very fine. #RevelstokeBC At 6 pm we Entered the Upper Lake & Encampt upon a low flat at its Entrance, having come about 80 miles during the Day. #ArrowLake
"Wednesday. Commenced with rain which continued until 8 am, accompanied with Strong Breeze... #BCHistory #AmWritingBooks

YORK FACTORY EXPRESS JOURNAL, 1826:
"We commenced our descent of the Columbia, our party being Embarked in three Boats constructed in imitation of Canoes, and consisting of about 33 hands. We now proceed on our Journey with great rapidity, descending the Stream at about 7 to 8 Miles per hour. In some parts along the Banks a low margin of land extends to the Base of the Bounding ridges of Mountains, but generally it is confined by Rocky Cliffs... #HistoricJourney #BCHistory #AmWritingBooks

YORK FACTORY EXPRESS JOURNAL, 1826:
"Rain during the night, the Morning Foggy. Our crews were Employed during the early part of the day arranging our Boats and preparing for our voyage down the Columbia River. Noon fine. Our arrangement being completed, we wished Mr. Finan McDonald & those bound across the Mountains farewell, and Embarked at a quarter past Noon and commenced our Descent of the Columbia, our party being Embarked in Three Boats, and consisting.... #CanadaHistory #AmWritingBooks

YORK FACTORY EXPRESS JOURNAL, 1826:
"Here, at Boat Encampment, the Water Communication commences again, which is certainly an agreeable change in our Mode of traveling. We found Mr. John Warren Dease & Mr. Finan McDonald here, & a few returning Servants & families on their way across the Mountains, who were waiting our arrival so as to return with our Horses to the other Side of the Mountains. The Weather during the day was fine. #HistoricJourney #BritishColumbia #BCHistory #AmWritingBooks

YORK FACTORY EXPRESS JOURNAL, 1826:
"A Thick Fog in the Morning, followed by Clear & Warm during the day. At 9.15 we passed Moose Creek, a small stream falling in on the left or North Bank. I am told it communicates with a Lake of the same name & then by making a few Portages to a chain of small Lakes we get to Beaver River, which communicates with the Athabasca. At 4 pm we passed the ruins of Fort George, an old Establishment situated on the right or North bank... #CanadaHistory #AmWritingBooks

YORK FACTORY EXPRESS JOURNAL, 1826:
"We had a thick fog in the Morning which detained us in our Encampment until 5.15 am. On the Fogs clearing away, we had great heat, which was followed by a severe Thunder Storm and heavy rain. The foliage being refreshed by the rain added much to the beauty of the surrounding scenery. The Majestic & unruffled surface of the North #Saskatchewan River rolling by its various channels formed by clusters of richly Wooded Islands.... #Canada #History #AmWritingBooks

YORK FACTORY EXPRESS JOURNAL, 1826:
"The forest is becoming extensive. The #Saskatchewan River is also extending in Breadth, but its course is occasionally obstructed by Islands. We traveled 29 Miles, principally by Tracking, when we Encampt at 8.30 pm.
"Monday. Hot and sultry weather, at 4 am we Embarked & commenced the labours of the day by Tracking along shore, averaging about 3 Miles per Hour. Noon, close gloomy weather. The Banks now begin to rise in perpendicular Cliffs... #AmWritingBooks

YORK FACTORY EXPRESS JOURNAL, 1848:
"Had a fair wind this morning through the remainder of Knee Lake and also in Logan's Lake. Running rapids all day afterwards. Broke the boat in the first Rapid below Mossy Portage and were delayed there 5 hours repairing it. Went a short distance afterwards and encamped at the Rocky Launcher. Rainy, and a thunder storm in the afternoon. #HistoricHayesRiver
"Thursday. Fine weather. Ran the remainder of the Rapids.... #Canada #History #MBHistory #AmWritingBooks

YORK FACTORY EXPRESS JOURNAL, 1827:
"Remained at #Edmonton arranging our baggage and waiting till the #Saskatchewan men were ready, as Mr. Klyne has to accompany us to the mountains with an outfit for #Jasper's House.
"13th. Fine weather. Left Edmonton this afternoon with 20 loaded and 6 saddle horses. We were accompanied by Messrs Harriott and Klyne with their people and outfit. Crossed the Sturgeon River and encamped. Carried the pieces across. #AthabascaPortage #AlbertaHistory #AmWritingBooks

YORK FACTORY EXPRESS JOURNAL, 1827:
"Made another portage in the Wipanapanis -- passed thro' a Lake, then a grassy River and another Lake and cleared the first portage in Hell's Gate or Hill's Gate. Encamped at the 2nd Hauling Place.
"27th. Slight showers of rain. Cleared the 2nd Portage in Hell's Gate. Passed thro' a small Lake and arrived at the White Falls about 9 am, got over boats and cargoes by 8 o'clock -- loaded the boats and encamped. #HistoricJourney #Voyageurs #History #AmWritingBooks

YORK FACTORY EXPRESS JOURNAL, 1847:
"Another boat was likewise slightly broken, and we were obliged to encamp at the lower end of the Portage, having only come about a mile since starting this morning. Last night's rain rose the water a good deal.
"13th. Fine weather. Ran the remainder of the grand Rapid today, the boats having taken out 30 pieces each as the water was too low to run with full cargoes, and one half of them had therefore to make a second trip. #HistoricJourney #AmWritingBooks

YORK FACTORY EXPRESS JOURNAL, 1847:
"Walked all day through the woods & battures, and encamped at 4 pm half way up the Grand Cote #BigHill A fall of snow in the afternoon.
"5th. Very cold, and a slight fall of snow in the forenoon. Got to the top of the Grand Cote and breakfasted about 2 miles farther on #PacificCreekValley Passed the height of land #AthabascaPass at noon, and having measured the depth of snow found only 2 1/2 feet on the surface of the Lake. #Alberta #History #AmWritingBooks