Today in History – 12 October 1815
by Elizabeth CampbellI 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.
Robertson’s journal makes for an interesting read. He was a good diarist; his writing is full of detail, personal observations, thoughts and opinions. He writes for his audience unlike other colonist journal keepers, who seem to be writing memory aids for reports.
This was a busy week at the RRS, an I think you will find it a very interesting one!
Sent Patrick Quin with two Carts to Lac Plat for a quantity of Wild Fowl which Baptiste our Hunter has Killed there— Nolin arrived this morning with the Provisions of Peguis’ band consisting of Wild rice, dried meat and a few dried Sturgeon.- Nolin says that the Cheif and his band will be here tomorrow. – he thinks there will be 70 men.– laid aside a few articles intended as presents for them, gave Nolin a copy of the Speech that he is to deliver to the Indians.– The Articles I intend for the Indians are as follows,- 30 Small striped Blankets, 42 Quarts Spirits- 40lbs Gun powder 45 lbs Ball- 45 Flints.- 42 lbs Tobacco,- 10 yards Cloth.-
-Colin Robertson’s Journal
(reference: page 17415 of the Selkirk Papers, M186, Manitoba Archives)
Tags: Baptiste, Colin Robertson, Colin Robertson's Journal, etiquette, First Nations, First Nations HBC relations, food supply, Jack River, Lac Plat, Miles Macdonell, Nolin, Patrick Quin, Peguis, Robert Semple, trade
