The men employed packing up what beaver and appichimans we have already traded, for the purpose of sending off two canoes. The furs, appichimans, saddles &c will not more than load 1 canoe the other we will have to load with provisions though by so doing we subject our silves to the chance of being in want before the spring in case any mischance should befall the Flat Heads so that they have been unsuccessful and do not bring in a supply. I much wished to detain the canoes till the F. Heads arrived but being anxious to get La Course to Spokan to commence the boat building as soon as possible, and being apprehensive that the Navigation might be stopped by the ice it is deemed necessary to send them off immediately, specially as the men have to go to Spokan for some supplies, and on account of the canoes it is very disirable that they get back by water.-- Tuesday 6th Rain in the night & snow towards morning and snow & sleet during the day. Sent off the two canoes 5 men each 7 of whom are to return and 3 to remain below. The canoes are not deep laden having only 22 pieces each besides the people's provisions.-- Th Old Chief La Buche took his departure in the evening. Some Indians traded a few beaver & appichimans. Wed.y. 7 Rained hard in the night and all day. Some Indians Pendent Oriells & Spokans traded nearly 40 beavers & some appichimans.-- With the constant rain the water is dripping through the houses in every direction. Sent word to the Indians to bring some mats to cover them. Thursday 8 Continued raining all night & the greater part of the day. Some Indian women arrived in the morning with mats which were traded and the men immediately set too to cover the houses with them which nearly completed befor night, at least the trading shop & store. We have only two men & the cook since we sent the people off.-- Received news from the F. Head camp they are still at a considerable distance and will be some time before they reach us, as their horses are very lean & they make but slow marching. It is said they have plenty of meat, but no amount of furs.-- Friday 9th. Foggy with showers of rain.