I thought It would be interesting to follow this week in 1815, as seen through the eyes of Colin Robertson. Robertson took charge of the remaining settlers and the colony after the evacuation to Jack River in June of 1815 until the new Governor, Robert Semple, arrived to take the place of Miles Macdonell.

Miles Macdonell and the 1811 Work Crew are still at sea – in Hudson’s Bay now and heading south. In his journal, he records:

Very fine weather & favorable moderate winds & smooth water which has been the Case since entering the Bay.

Engage Lagimoniere to hunt &c for a twelvemonth at 30£ wages & an Equipment of clothes.

Engage likewise Charle Tranchesmontaini to fish for us…  – Miles McDonell’s Journal

“Spoke to a Canadian to make Soap for the use of the Settlers.”  – Peter Fidler’s Journal

Much of what the Settlers required to survive they either had to grow or make themselves or trade or purchase from others living in the area. They relied heavily upon the expertise and experience of First Nations people and Canadians or Freemen (Métis) until they acquired the skills and supplies necessary to provide for themselves.

Colin Robertson is at Fort Douglas with those settlers that remained loyal and evacuated to Jack River in June and with the new arrivals from Kildonan. They have worked hard to rebuild the RRS and to save whatever portion of the crops escaped trampling by NWCo. servants in June. It will be another difficult winter for the settlers.

It rained hard in the night with lightening & thunder we all got completely drenched- the rain ceased and we set off, but it soon began again we continued going on in the rain till 11 o clock when we were forced to put up on South side opposite a Lopt Stick at the Sugar Loaf Hill.- It continued to rain for the rest of the day.

Portras Demarey & Hamlin accompanied the Canadians as servants to Brandon House – they are giving every encouragement to every Freeman, not to assist the Settlement in any way whatever, and they express themselves openly that the Settlement was merely established to ruin their business, but that they would soon be the ruin of the Colony – and try whose loads were hardest such is the Language they hold forth.

“Sunday got our last boats off in company with one of the Compy’s Crafts this afternoon exclusive of the people’s baggage & provisions they have brought few kegs of Spirits and Bales of Blankets.”  – Archibald McDonald’s Journal

“I have overhauled this evening the property of the late Hugh MacDonald & put them all up to auction & sold pretty well, considering the quality of the property.” – Archibald McDonald Journal

The 1811 Work Party is en route to their North American Assignment, nearing the mouth of Ungava Bay: