HBC BRIGADES, JOURNAL OF AN EXPEDITION, 1847: "From the forks to this place the mean course is about S by E. Hence to Squa-youm as pointed out to me, S.E. by S; 4 1/2 miles further a stream called Kapath; thence three miles to camp at 6.20 pm, making a total by my computation of... #TheHBCBrigades

HBC BRIGADES, JOURNAL OF AN EXPEDITION 1847: "Four miles further on a stream falls in on the opposite side, 3 miles below which we dined. A little beyond a village called Skaoose, said to enjoy a good sturgeon fishery. 4 1/2 miles to a stream called Lzaehoose, 15 yards wide. From... #TheHBCBrigades

THE HBC BRIGADES: CULTURE, CONFLICT, & PERILOUS JOURNEYS After passing over the rugged north shores of Seton and Anderson Lakes, Anderson and his men paddled down the rough waters of the #Lillooet River on their way to #FortLangley in 1846. #TheHBCBrigades

THE YORK FACTORY EXPRESS: FORT VANCOUVER TO HUDSON BAY, 1826-1849 The incoming York Factory Express men left the #Saskatchewan River and continued their journey up the North Saskatchewan, on their way home to #Edmonton House. #YorkFactoryExpress

HBC BRIGADES, JOURNAL OF AN EXPEDITION 1847: "To regain the road it is necessary to scale the edge of a precipice, which is effected with the aid of a long withe of plane, fixed there permanently by the natives for the purpose. Four miles further on a stream falls in on opposite... #TheHBCBrigades

Brilliant!

HBC BRIGADES, JOURNAL OF AN EXPEDITION, 1847: "Off at 3 1/2 am. 5 miles to an early breakfast, 4 miles further cross a stream from East, very impetuous. Owing to the height of the water we did not cross at the usual ford, but on a tree higher up. To regain the road it is necessary... #TheHBCBrigades

Just felt like sharing this today. No reason.

ALT: A scene from Veep. Julia Louis-Dreyfus, as former Sen. Selina Meyer turned vice president, loudly expressing: "I WANT MY NOBEL PEACE PRIZE!" Veep is an American political satire comedy series that aired on HBO from 2012 to 2019.

HBC BRIGADES, JOURNAL OF AN EXPEDITION, 1847: "Thompson's River at its junction with the Fraser is restricted within rocky shores to a width of 50-60 yards, flowing smoothly, evidently to a great depth. Its shores above this place consist chiefly of limestone & granite, very rugged. #TheHBCBrigades

THE HBC BRIGADES: CULTURE, CONFLICT, & PERILOUS JOURNEYS As the HBC men made their way on foot through First Nations territories, they were welcomed with food and other demonstrations of interest in their journey. #TheHBCBrigades

THE YORK FACTORY EXPRESS: FORT VANCOUVER TO HUDSON BAY, 1826-1849 Over the years there were a number of posts built up and down the #Saskatchewan River -- some of them lasted only a season or two, but all of them left their stories behind them. #YorkFactoryExpress

HBC BRIGADES, JOURNAL OF AN EXPEDITION, 1847: "I have received letters from Mr. James Murray Yale which contain nothing beyond what has already reached me at Fort Alexandria from the Board of Management. Thompson's River at its junction with the Fraser is restricted within rocky... #TheHBCBrigades

HBC BRIGADES, JOURNAL OF AN EXPEDITION, 1847: "The Indians are a scampish looking set of vagabonds... Though there is little to be apprehended from them under present circumstances, we are of course, as usual, on our guard. I have received letters from Mr. James Murray Yale which... #TheHBCBrigades

HBC BRIGADES, JOURNAL OF AN EXPEDITION, 1847: "The Indians are on their good behaviour and show every external desire to conciliate, but they are a scampish looking set of vagabonds: nor does their ordinary conduct, I believe, at all belie their looks; and though there is little... #TheHBCBrigades

THE HBC BRIGADES: CULTURE, CONFLICT, & PERILOUS JOURNEYS In 1858 or so, the HBC trader and explorer, Alexander Anderson, named Seton Lake for his recently deceased cousin, Lieutenant-Colonel Alexander Seton, of Birkenhead fame. #TheHBCBrigades

THE YORK FACTORY EXPRESS: FORT VANCOUVER TO HUDSON BAY, 1826-1849 The Canadian artist, Paul Kane, is making his way west from Norway House to Fort #Vancouver #WA. Here is the second part of his journey, as he leaves the Mission at #ThePas #AmWriting #History #YorkFactoryExpress

HBC BRIGADES, JOURNAL OF AN EXPEDITION, 1847: "A general handshaking took place. Before our little arrangements were completed part of the day had elapsed and at the earnest entreaty of the Indians I consented to encamp here. They are on their good behaviour & show every external... #TheHBCBrigades

HBC BRIGADES, JOURNAL OF AN EXPEDITION, 1847: "Pahallak, the chief engaged by C.T. James Murray Yale, made his appearance shortly after our arrival, accompanied by a large concourse of Indians of every age and sex. A general handshaking took place. Before our little arrangements... #TheHBCBrigades

HBC BRIGADES, JOURNAL OF AN EXPEDITION, 1847: "Sultry. Off at 3.40. Cross Nicaomeen River on a fallen tree. Breakfast and reach fork at 10, 13 Miles. River much impeded with rapids which are said to be worse at a lower stage of water. Pahallak, the chief engaged by C.T. Yale made.. #TheHBCBrigades

WOW!

THE HBC BRIGADES: CULTURE, CONFLICT & PERILOUS JOURNEYS The HBC men who were looking for a brigade trail to #FortLangley crossed the Fraser River and walked along the north banks of Seton and Anderson Lake, heading west toward Harrison Lake and the lower Fraser. #TheHBCBrigades

THE YORK FACTORY EXPRESS: FORT VANCOUVER TO HUDSON BAY, 1826-1849 Coming home on their long journey to the west side of the Rocky Mountains from Hudson Bay, the men of the York Factory Express party made their way up the #Saskatchewan River from Cumberland... #YorkFactoryExpress

HBC BRIGADES, JOURNAL OF AN EXPEDITION 1847: "Set out on food, & after proceeding 6 or 17 Mies along the left bank of Thompson's River encamp on a hill close by the Nicoameen. Road hilly but practicable with loaded horses. Very warm, but refreshing breeze. "23. Sultry. Off at 3.40. #TheHBCBrigades

HBC BRIGADES, JOURNAL OF AN EXPEDITION, 1847: "Country extremely rugged. Breakfast. Send back our horses towards Kamloops by the Indian who accompanied us. Cross the S. branch at its junction with Thompson's River in a canoe, set out on foot, & after proceeding 16 or 17 miles along #TheHBCBrigades

HBC BRIGADES, JOURNAL OF AN EXPEDITION, 1847: "The country rugged with volcanic rock, wormwood, the cactus known as the Crapaud Vert, and Rattlesnakes characterize the lower lands. Leave camp at 4 1/2, 6 1/2 reach Thlikumcheena, or the Petite Fourche, a distance of 3 or 3 1/2 miles. #TheHBCBrigades

THE HBC BRIGADES: CULTURE, CONFLICT, & PERILOUS JOURNEYS When one sets off to find a new brigade trail, it is necessary to know what a brigade trail needs to be functional and useful to horses. Water is important, but not too much water.... #TheHBCBrigades

THE YORK FACTORY EXPRESS: FORT VANCOUVER TO HUDSON BAY, 1826-1849 Cumberland House was one of the oldest HBC posts in the territory, and it allowed access to the #Saskatchewan and North Saskatchewan Rivers, as well as to the Sturgeon Weir and Churchill Rivers. #YorkFactoryExpress

HBC BRIGADES, JOURNAL OF AN EXPEDITION 1847: "Along this stream, known as the Similkameen branch of Thompson's River, or more distinctively as Nicholas' River, are some sparse camps of Indians, the inhabitants of which were occupied plying their scoop nets from stages erected near... #TheHBCBrigades

HBC BRIGADES, JOURNAL OF AN EXPEDITION 1847: "As far as the ford in question the road is passably good, but below it, as far as our present encampment, the country quite unsuited, indeed, for the passage of many loaded horses. Along this stream, known as the Similkameen branch of... #TheHBCBrigades

HBC BRIGADES, JOURNAL OF AN EXPEDITION, 1847: "But on arrival at the ford we found it impracticable from the height of the water. Thus we are under the necessity of prolonging our journey by going to the mouth of the stream where we expect to find canoes. As far as the ford in... #TheHBCBrigades

THE HBC BRIGADES: CULTURE, CONFLICT, & PERILOUS JOURNEYS When the Fraser River rose and its waters flooded the flats along the banks of the Fraaser river in 1845, Chief Trader Alexander was the gentleman in charge who rebuilt the post on the second bench above... #TheHBCBrigades

THE YORK FACTORY EXPRESS: FORT VANCOUVER TO HUDSON BAY, 1826-1849 West of the Rockies the men of the outgoing Express ate salmon and potatoes but on the east side of the mountains they dined on pemmican and buffalo 'stakes.' #YorkFactoryExpress

HBC BRIGADES, JOURNAL OF AN EXPEDITION 1847: "Pursued the usual road followed by our trading parties on their way to the forks #Lytton. But on arrival at the ford we found it impracticable from the height of the water. Thus we are under the necessity of prolonging our journey by...

HBC BRIGADES, JOURNAL OF AN EXPEDITION 1847: "There is a camp of Indians here and a larger one near the Eastern end of the lake, both drawn together by the carp fishery. "May 21. Very sultry. Pursued the usual road followed by our trading parties on their way to the Red Earth forks. #TheHBCBrigades

HBC BRIGADES, JOURNAL OF AN EXPEDITION 1847: "Sultry. Camped at the West end of the lake where I had appointed to meet Blackeye, from whom I hope to get some information in regard to the country we are to pass through. He is not yet arrived. There is a camp of Indians here and... #TheHBCBrigades

THE HBC BRIGADES: CULTURE, CONFLICT, & PERILOUS JOURNEYS There are many stories out there that would not make it into any book, and yet they are interesting. Here are two: one, the story of an accidental murderer. The second, of a group of men who rescued others... #TheHBCBrigades

THE YORK FACTORY EXPRESS: FORT VANCOUVER TO HUDSON BAY, 1826-1849 Travelling downriver was easy as a boat travelled with the flow of the water. However, coming upriver was a different matter, and the men used poles and lines to make their way home again. #YorkFactoryExpress

HBC BRIGADES, JOURNAL OF EXPEDITION TO FORT LANGLEY, 1847: "I met with an untoward accident this afternoon which nigh put an end to my explorations for the nonce. My horse stumbled & rolled completely over, I narrowly escaping a broken leg. Fortunately, though painful, the injury... #TheHBCBrigades

HBC BRIGADES, JOURNAL OF EXPEDITION TO FORT LANGLEY, 1847: "The party consists of 5 individuals in addition to myself, named Montrose McGillivray, Edouard Montigny, Theodore Lacourse, Michel Fallardeau, and Joe Desautels. I met with an untoward accident this afternoon which nigh... #TheHBCBrigades

HBC BRIGADES, JOURNAL OF EXPEDITION TO FORT LANGLEY, 1847: "At 10 am set out from #Kamloops, striking towards Lac de Nicholas #NicolaLake. At 5 pm (having delayed to refresh the horses during the interval) we reached the first brook running towards Lac de Nicholas where we encamped. #TheHBCBrigades

THE HBC BRIGADES: CULTURE, CONFLICT, & PERILOUS JOURNEYS The salmon runs up the Fraser River and the Columbia were very important to both the HBC men who lived in the interior, as well as to the First Nations hunters.. Without the salmon, everyone starved. #TheHBCBrigades

THE YORK FACTORY EXPRESS: FORT VANCOUVER TO HUDSON BAY, 1826-1849 The artist, Paul Kane, travelled with the incoming York Factory Express to the west side of the Rocky Mountains, and he described some of the places that I write about. #YorkFactoryExpress

HBC BRIGADES, RETURN JOURNEY 1846: "Thus we reach the point when we set out in 16 days, 10 of which (includig one of detention by high water) were occupied on the downward journey, 3 at #FortLangley, and 13 (including a day of detention waiting for the horses to reach us.... end. #TheHBCBrigades

HBC BRIGADES, RETURN JOURNEY 1846: "Leave San Poila River and strike across through a beautiful country to #Kamloops, where we arrived at 6 1/2 pm. Thus we reach the point when we set out in 16 days, including the day of our departure, 10 of which (including one of detention by... #TheHBCBrigades

I have been looking for DAYS for my Peace River file, and just found it. On the floor. Not even in a stack of files on the floor (there are stacks of files on my floor, of course.) On the floor. Under a book. #Jeepers

HBC BRIGADES, RETURN JOURNEY 1846: "At 1 pm reach San Poila (no furs) River where we put down for a couple of hours to repose the horses, whose feet are very sore, they having been constantly on the march since spring. "Leave San Poila River and strike across through a beautiful... #TheHBCBrigades

THE HBC BRIGADES: CULTURE, CONFLICT, & PERILOUS JOURNEYS In 1843, Anderson had a ton of work to complete at #FortStJames before he and his men could take out the HBC Brigades to #Kamloops and Fort #Vancouver #WA This work included boat building, crisis management... #TheHBCBrigades

THE YORK FACTORY EXPRESS: FORT VANCOUVER TO HUDSON BAY, 1826-1849 Once they entered the #Saskatchewan River after crossing Lake #Winnipeg, the men of the York Factory Express must make their way up the massive Grand Rapids that blocked the entire river... #YorkFactoryExpress

HBC BRIGADES, RETURN JOURNEY 1846: "Many of the Indians are set out on their return towards Thompson's River to gather roots and prepare for the salmon fishery. Those who remain supplied us iberally with fresh carp. At 9 3/4 set out again. At 1 pm reach San Poila River and strike... #TheHBCBrigades