James Isham
The chief at York Fort, on Hudson Bay, who sent Anthony Henday inland with goods to give as presents.
A Visit to the Great Camp on the Plains
Anthony Henday, journal of his journey inland from York Fort, October 13–16, 1754 · October 13–16, 1754 (journal kept 1754–1755; this copy made later at York Fort)
He made me a present of a handsome Bow & Arrows, & in return I gave him a part of each kinds of goods I had, as ordered by Mr. Isham's written instructions. I departed and took a view of the camp. Their tents were pitched close to one another in two regular lines, which formed a broad street open at both ends. Their horses are turned out to grass, their legs being fettered: and when wanted, are fastened to lines cut of Buffalo skin, that stretches along & is fastened to stakes drove in the ground. They have hair halters, Buffalo skin pads, & stirrups of the same. The horses are fine tractible animals, about 14 hands high; lively and clean made. The Natives are good Horsemen, & kill the Buffalo on them.
He made me a present of a handsome bow and arrows, and in return I gave him a part of each kind of goods I had, as Mr. Isham's written instructions ordered. I left and took a look at the camp. Their tents were pitched close to one another in two regular lines, which formed a broad street open at both ends. Their horses are turned out to graze with their legs hobbled. When they are wanted, they are tied to lines cut from buffalo skin, which stretch along and are fastened to stakes driven into the ground. They have hair halters, buffalo-skin pads, and stirrups of the same. The horses are fine, gentle animals, about 14 hands high, lively and well made. The natives are good horsemen and kill the buffalo on horseback.