Monday 22.
Clear fine weather.
Had all the pieces tied and distributed among them who are divided into twos, saddles, appichimans & cords were also divided among the men.
Three Indians visited us in the evening from whom we got four ducks and a little bears meat.
Three bags of balls, & 9 half & 6 small axes which we had over & above our trade was hid in the woods in the horse pond in the night as it will save the carriage to the Fort and back in the Fall, and these are articles that will not injure by being burried under ground a short time.
Tuesday 23
Cloudy mild weather.
Before noon the men arrived from the Fort with all the Company's horses and what Mr Birnie could collect from the Indians which was still seven short of the number required. However an Indian arrived with these in the evening. The Indians at the Fort it seems are mostly off collecting roots which renders it difficult to procure horses.—As the horses require time to feed & as there would not have been time to get out to the plains where they can be kept without danger of loosing them we deferred starting till this morning.
Wed.y. 24