McBean Journal

[25 December 1838]

...an Indian died last night, whose body, contrary to usual custom, they immediately buried...Every thing quiet and not an Indian comes to the Fort. Three have passed on their way to Long Lake seeming in a great hurry and not stopping to the Ft. — a Conduct very unusual — I begin to think they meditate a blow upon the Fort — and I am badly provided to receive them as my Fort is not fortified and destitute of a single Bastion...

[26 December 1838]

...Vandalle and Bte. [were employed] bringing the Ft. pickets closer together — say to the right & left of the Fort door — putting a second flooring in the Bastion and chisling a port hole in the centre of it so as to prevent Indians from attempting cutting the 4 posts supporting the Bastion...

[27 December 1838]

...strengthening the Bastion by placing a range of Pickets all round it inside,

[28 December 1838]

All Hands were sent to the wood to fell trees & cut logs 9 feet long & from 14 to 16 In. thick say 40 pieces...for a rough but Ball proof & Stable Bastion to defend the Back part of the Fort.