Mr. J. McDonald @ me, settled the Canoes for the Columbia for the next Summer from Fort Augustus, at 4 Men each, 18 Pieces, and I apprehend that 4 Men are not able to bring 18 Pieces to the Mountain Portage if MrMcDonald can get them to agree to this, I shall be very glad, it will be saving the Wages @ Equipments of 2 Men. but I fear the Goods at 4 Men will run too great risque of being lost. I now reckon myself at 6 voyaging Men, 1 Man to take of the Horses at the Kootanae Plain for the Portage. I Clerk @ I Summer Man @ myself for where necessary, to add 4 Men, is to put the 2 Canoes that may come at 5 Men each, & I think this is the best method.
