Miles Macdonell and Mr. Hillier made two camps near York Factory over the winter of 1811/12, where the men who were to be the work crew for the Red River Settlement lived until moving south after break-up. Even from Macdonell’s journal, which is often somewhat brief and lacking detail in its daily record of events, it is clear that the winter was full of malcontent.

The York Boat was an important means of moving goods and people to the Red River Settlement from York Factory. Developed by the HBC and built by Orcadian and Scottish builders, it was based on a similar design found in Orkney. It was about 36 ft. long, 8ft. wide and 4ft. deep and could carry 3.5 tons of cargo. Very hardy and durable, it was in general use from 1800 until the 1880′s.

“Mr. Auld after returning on foot from Churchill paid us a Visit. I gave the Men a sound lecture on Sunday in his presence, he seemed to like the discourse well, & said it was much to the purpose. He hoped for good results from the practice of such moral good instructions.”  – Rev. Charles Bourke Journal 1812