_Fort Espérance, Oct. 18th, 1793._--Neil McKay set out to build and winter at the Forks of the river (junction of the Qu'Appelle and Assiniboine), alongside of Mr. Peter Grant, who has made his pitch about seven leagues from here. Mr. N. McKay's effects were carried in two boats, managed by five men each. Mr. C. Grant set out for his quarters of River Tremblant, about thirty leagues from here. The dogs made a woeful howling at all the departures. _Oct. 19th._--Seventeen warriors came from the banks of the Missouri for tobacco. They slept ten nights on their way, and are emissaries from a party of Assiniboines who went to war upon the Sioux. _Oct. 20th._--The warriors traded a few skins brought upon their backs and went off ill pleased with their reception. After dark, the dogs kept up a constant barking, which induced a belief that some of the warriors were lurking about the fort for an opportunity to steal. I took a sword and pistol and went to sleep in the store. Nothing took place. _Oct. 31st._--Two of Mr. N. McKay's men came from the forts, supposing this to be All Saints' Day. Raised a flag-staff poplar, fifty feet above the ground. _Nov. 23rd._--The men were in chase of a white buffalo all day, but could not get within shot of him. Faignant killed two buffalo cows. A mild day. _Nov. 30th._--St. Andrew's Day. Hoisted the flag in honour of the titulary saint of Scotland. A beautiful day. Expected Messrs. Peter Grant and Neil McKay to dinner. They sent excuse by Bonneau. _Dec. 2nd._--Sent Mr. Peter Grant a Town and Country magazine of 1790. Poitras' wife made me nine pairs of shoes (moccasins). _Jan. 1st, 1794._--Mr. Grant gave the men two gallons of rum and three fathoms of tobacco, by the way of New Year's gift. (It is interesting to follow McDonnell on one of his journeys down the Assiniboine.) _May 1st._--Sent off the canoes early in the morning. Mr. Grant and I set out about seven. Slept at the Forks of River Qu'Appelle. _May 4th._--Killed four buffalo cows and two calves and camped below the Fort of Mountain à La Bosse (near Virden), about two leagues. _May 5th._--Arrived at Ange's River La Souris Fort (below Brandon). _May 17th._--Passed Fort Des Trembles and Portage La Prairie. _May 20th._--Arrived at the Forks Red River (present city of Winnipeg) about noon. _May 24th._--Arrived at the Lake (Winnipeg) at 10 a.m. _May 27th._--Arrived at the Sieur's Fort (Fort Alexander at the mouth of Winnipeg River). McDonnell also gives in his journal a number of particulars about the Cree and Assiniboine Indians, describing their religion, marriages, dress, dances, and mourning. The reader is struck with the difference in the recital by different traders of the lives lived by them. The literary faculty is much more developed in some cases than in others, and John McDonnell was evidently an observing and quick-witted man. He belonged to a U. E. Loyalist Scottish family that took a good position in the affairs of early Canada.