Late last night three Kootanies arrived from Flat Head Lake & traded 3 small beaver and few ribs of dried venison, they report that the Kootanies & Flat Heads at the Lake are employed hunting Beaver.--A little Tobacco was sent to the Kootany Chief & some of the principal men, word was also sent for them to be here about the middle or 20th of next month so that we may be ready to get off in good time. Saturday 11th Soft mild weather. The canoe was put on the stocks & the head and stern formed. Last night another Kootany arrived from the Kootany Fort, & traded 2 large Beaver & 9 deer skins. He reports that the Aue platts & Kootanies in that quarter are also employed hunting beaver. The Pendent Oreilles arrived from up the River & brought the carcasses of 7 deer & an Otter Skin. The Venison is a timely supply as our stock of fresh meat was nearly done. None of these Indians can give us any account of Toganche who deserted some days ago. Sunday 12 Sharp frost in the night & bleak cold weather during the day. The Indians who arrived yesterday with the venison went off. Monday 13th Sharp frost in the night. Cloudy cold weather during the day. Four men employed at the canoe & two pounding meat. An Indian arrived from Spokan, with letters dated on the 3rd Inst. Mr. Dease sends me orders to proceed to Spokan to make out the a/c & leave Mr. Kittson in charge of this place. As I have a particular wish to see the years transactions of this Post finished so that I might be able to make some observations on it, that perhaps might have been useful, I certainly do not like the trip, and think Mr. Dease[270] might have made more judicious arrangements, especially when it is only to make out the Accounts. Tuesday 14 Sharp frost in the night & very cold all day. The men employed as yesterday, finished pounding the meat and we are now ready to make it into Pimican to take below to Spokan. Wed.y. 15 Keen frost in the night, and cold freezing weather all day. The river driving full of ice, which is an unusual thing at this season of the year. Two of the men employed repairing a canoe to to below to the Le (?) Portage if the River keeps open. Five more men making Pimican. They made 14 bags 80 ls. each. Five of the Au platte Indians arrived late last night, & today traded 2 Otters, about 500 Rats, and some dressed leather and (Parrefliches).[271] Thursday. 16 Cold frosty weather but milder than yesterday. A good deal of ice driving in the River. Two men employed repairing a canoe to go below.--The others at the Pimican, Made 6 more bags & filled 2 bags of Tallow 90 lb. each. A Flat Head Indian arrived for a little tobacco for his tribe who are now on their way coming in, but still far off.--several are daily arriving from different quarters principally from the Fd. H. Lake and encamping about the fort, they bring nothing except a little dry Venison.-- Friday 17