Map from Canadian Heritage Rivers System (www.chrs.ca)

The Hayes River was a major route used by fur traders and native people. This was also the way the Selkirk Settlers took to reach Lake Winnipeg and then the Red River Settlement, after landing off Hudson’s Bay. The river begins near Norway House and runs NE through Oxford and Knee Lakes, reaching Hudson’s Bay at York Factory, a distance of 600 kms.

I Blyster’d for the Cough McRea came to my bed, & asked how I did, I told him it made no matter to him how I was, not to bother me, that I would be soon well, from the effects of the Blyster & repeated I did not think he was a Gentleman

[McRae] Told me a Skin was wanting of the Number he gave me to put under me for a bed, they were in Captn. McDonell’s tent where I slept I told him I did not take it, nor had not it, & that it was surprising any person would go into Captn. McDonell’s tent to take it out, that perhaps he did not count them well that it must be among the others, upon which he said he did, I must pay for the one that is lost. I told him he spoke very peremptorily, & that stil a tryal ought to be made, but the word was I must pay for it. I then told him I would not that he gave them, & I did not reckon them, & as he gave them that he took them. That if he required so many from me, he ought as he was so particular to receive them, from my hands, & not take them himself. Upon this He told me go be damned. Upon which I told him but that I was a Clergyman I would kick him. He wanted me to box him. I told him I was no Blackguard, but that he was a Comissary had a sword & pistols & that if Captn. McDonnell would lend me either of his, I would try him at either. There was no Man on the ground I could depend on for arms but Capts. McDonell. I brought none myself, thinking I’d have no occasion for any, for which I was sorry & more so that I should be under the necessity of calling to Captn. McDonell for his, Captain McDonell was out at the time, when he came in I told him what happened, & that in McRea’s presence, & that I was sure McRea was no Gentleman, tho’ he had the arms of a Gentleman, sword & pistols. I guess’d from the Doctor & McReas being always with Hillier, that perhaps they were put up to this, & I was resolved to try what the best of them could do. In fact I heard some days after, that McRea went to Mr. Hillier & requested he would be is Friend in a day or two, when he would call on him But I understand Hillier gave no reply whatever, but changed colour.

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.

Settlers came to Red River filled with hope, but some found only disappointment. In many cases, their names are remembered only in 200-year-old journal entries. Such an one was Helen Kennedy, a young Irish woman who sailed in 1813.

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.

As I have read through the literature researching this topic, it has become apparent that, in the early days of the RRS – and well into its history – man’s best friend functioned mainly as the sled dog. A good breeding stock must have been in the area before the settlers arrived. Although there is mention of dogs being used at York Factory, I didn’t see any reference to them being brought down in the boats.

“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

“…everything being arranged, they all started forward demanding Cloth Trowsers for wear going up the Rivers – a greater allowance of provisions – an allowance of Rum & also a supply of Tobacco to Accnt/ = abt. such demands I could not comply with, but put the whole off untill Mr. Cook & self would consult of it this evening…”  – Archibald Macdonald Journal

“One of the men returned from the Factory & brought me some Twine for the use of the people to mend their leather Trowsers &c. &c.”  – Archibald Macdonald Journal

(reference: p. 18210 of the Selkirk Papers, M187, Manitoba Archives)