Excerpts from the diary of William Mckay HBCo Postmaster at Mistassini.
(Son of John McKay and Mary Favel, and future father in law of William Corston.)
Aug 08 1842
Monday, Wind N, blowing fine Weather in the course of the day, 3 large Canoes arrived from Rupert's House, Manned by Thomas Saunders, William Corston and 11 Indians, brought all the Supplies in good condition. The Indian Iaiskaasin was Engaged at Rupert's House and sent here to pass the Winter under my direction - 20 fish
Aug 13, 1842
Saturday, Wind calm, Weather clear and hot, Thos saunders & Iaiskaason trimming the Big Canoe for Timmiskimay, Thos Chamberlain & Wm Corston digging a Grave for the deceased Indian mapowon who died this morning - gave Debt to some of the Indians - 12 Fish from the nets
Aug 15, 1842
Monday, Wind, calm Weather clear and hot a great deal of smoke hanging about from the Woods being on Fire across the Big Lake - all the Indians went off viz. Saiko and Sons Chumos, Koominabie, Tootchesmegison and Wimistagooshew, Wm Corston assisting me in the store with the Indians, Iaiskoosin fishing and making a Net - 14 fish today
Oct 3, 1842
Monday, Wind NW blowing with showers of Rain Thos Saunders and Wm Corston went off to fish at Nautwakumishee and Iaiskoosin & Family went away to Pipunishunisse for to fish - I went to pinch River where two of my Daughters had been fishing - overhauled the Nets and caught 40 fish
Nov 07 1842
Monday, Wind, NE blowing with showers of Snow in the morning, late in the evening Thos Saunders & wm Corston, came in consequences of their Canoe having blown away whilst they were ashore looking at their Marten Traps
Dec 08 1842
Thursday, Wind, N, fine clear Weather, Thos Saunders & Wm Corston came brought 40 Rabbits
Dec 25 1842
Sunday, Wind, Variable, much the same I read Prayers to the People and whilst I was reading John Robertson went into a fit, and continued till awhile after I was done
Dec 26 1842
Monday, Wind, NW, Weather Sharp, Thos Saunders and Iaiskoosin visited the Nets at Sausucan and brought 41 fish - Wm Corston cutting Wood
HBC archives B.133/a/26