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

“…some of the people are planting the Corn bad, 20 or 30 Grains in a hill.”

Corn was a novelty to the first arrivals at Red River, and it was necessary to teach them how to plant it. Although Macdonell mentions his own party planted some on the 19th and 22nd, I can’t find reference to anyone teaching the Settlers how to plant it properly.

“The Carpenter work of our Boats was done- they are of the required shape but slightly put together & every part of the work but indifferently executed. a piece of the stern post was split off one in taking it out from the place it was built.”  – Miles Macdonell Journal

“Set my men to repack the seed grain in iron hooped Rundlets- the Casks it was in were not sufficient.”  – Miles Macdonell Journal

The work party is making ready to head inland from York Factory.

“The wheat I sowed last fall does not appear it was too late sown & had not time before the frost set in to vegetate.”  – Miles Macdonell Journal

“Send a Canoe with 3 men for the Salt left about 25 miles up the river-”  – Miles Macdonell Journal

“Friday The Cuchulin arrived from Fort Daer, with Eight families & some lumber…. The party that arrived to-day were quite astonished when they saw Capt. McDonald [Miles Macdonell] & Mr. Warren & several others of our men on the Bank of the River to-day because they were told above that they were all taken prisoners by the N. W. Co. & this was so strongly circulated among them that, even Mr. [Michael] McDonell gave up work above [at Fort Daer].”  – Archibald McDonald Journal

“…the plains are all on fire North side the Pembina- sent men burn round Heneys Fort- Our two Express men who went on the route to Brandon Ho. returned this evening- could not find their way on account of the smoke to one of them, the only guide we have who Knows the way is quite Knocked up- I am quite perplexed what to do.”  -Miles Macdonell Journal 1814

“Indians came with fresh Killed venison they went off very soon after getting payment…”  – Miles Macdonell Journal, 1812

“St. Georges day- our men fired 3 volleys in honor of the day- gave them a dram Some large openings are made in the river but the main body of ice remained yet fast.”  – Miles Macdonell’s Journal