"Everyone who achieves success in a great venture, solves each problem as they came to it. They helped themselves. And they were helped through powers known and unknown to them at the time they set out on their voyage. They keep going regardless of the obstacles they met" - W. Clement Stone
May 3rd, 1789
Dear Paper,
My mother has told me that if I'm going to do this, I have to keep up on my studies and write a journal so I don't lose my brain. I am sixteen years old, and the oldest of six children. My father has recently been called home by God, and my mother is sick with scarlet fever. My younger sister, Aimée, at fifteen, is taking the place of Mother. Julie and Juliet are only two, and Lucie and Zoé are five. I am taking Father's place as a voyageur even though I would prefer to be a clerk or trader. Although I do not want to leave my mother and sisters, I cannot wait to see Grand Portage.
I heard that portaging a Montreal Canoe is hard work. I work for the Northwest Company, but I do not see a difference between the two. I'm expecting it to be hard, but it will impress my girlfriend when I get back. Well, bye for now.
-Julien
May 18th, 1789
Dear Paper,
My first day was horrible. This had better impress my girlfriend, Lucille. If it does not, this would be the worst decision I have ever made. It feels like it will never get better. My hands are bleeding. My back and legs are cramped and my paddle is heavy. My steersman, Monsieur Beloit, put doeskin on my paddle, and told me to think about happy times.
Like once, Lucille and I were swimming together and decided to go into the woods. Her father had warned her not to go in the woods alone. But I knew the woods like the back of my hand and urged her to come in with me. That was the first time we held hands.
The happy memories helped the pain, but it slowed me down a little. When we got to St. Anne's church, I asked Beloit if I could look around. He said yes but only for five minutes. When I got in there, I said a prayer to help me on my journey, one for my family and Lucille, and made a donation. I had more time so I decided to play the piano a little. Some other voyageurs heard me playing, and came in. Soon the whole brigade had joined in. It wasn't the best singing I have ever heard, but it was fun.
I really hope my hands hurt less. But at this point I am promising myself never to do this again.
-Julien
P.S. When I got my salary advancement, I bought a ring for Lucille.
June 5th, 1789
Dear Paper,
This morning I was jolted awake with the sound of a pan and a spoon banging together. It was still dark as night, and I was still tired. Reluctantly, I sat up. I was the first one up other than the cook, so I got to see what was for breakfast. Mush. It was always mush.
