The Coppenrath Collection of Voyageurs Contracts for the North West Company partners contains 52 contracts for the period from approximately 1800 to 1821. These document the terms of engagement for men going into the North West . Voyageur contracts are of particular interest for study of the fur trade, Canada's first major industry, because they document the conditions of employment for many of the journeymen ("engagés") involved in the trade, both those who worked on the Ottawa River and those who "wintered" in the North West. The contracts are dated from 1800 to 1821 with printed forms from before 1800 being used in some cases. A significant number of outfitters are included namely the firm of McTavish, McGillivrays & Co. with various partners including John Ogilvy and Thomas Thain, Pierre de Rocheblave and earlier partnership – McTavish, Frobisher & Co. As well, there are contracts with lesser known outfitters. These contracts provide not only the names of the "engagés" but usually their place of residence and the conditions and terms of their employment.
Contract between Jacques Ratel of L'Assomption and the outfitter Parker, Gerrard, Ogilvy & Co. Contract outlines Ratel's employment as a steersman of boats with the destination of the Bay of Quinty for the payment of 90 livres per month.
Contract between Jean Clavelle of Faubourg St. Laurent and the outfitter Parker, Gerrard, Ogilvy & Co. Contract outlines Clavelle's employment as a day labourer with the destination of the Bay of Quinty, Upper Canada, for the payment of 72 livres per month. The contract notes that he received an advance of 8 piastres and his wife is to be paid 8 piastres per month after his departure.
Contract between Abraham Ledoux of St. Hyacinth and the outfitter Parker, Gerrard, Ogilvy & Co. Contract outlines Ledoux's employment as a day labourer with the destination of Ancaster, Upper Canada, for the payment of 48 livres per month. Contract duration is for twelve months. The contract also notes that he received a blanket and 6 piastres on account, with 6 more upon departure.
Contract between Isaac Barnes (likely from the city of Montreal) and the outfitter Thomas Ritchie of Quebec, represented by Owen McDougal. Contract outlines Barnes's employment as sawyer with the destination of St. John's. Amount of payment is not noted. Contract duration is for three months.
Contract between Jean-Baptiste Teran of Isle du Pas and outfitter Alexis Trempre (agent). Contract duration is two years. Payment is for 700 livres per annum. Position given as "wintering" milieu. Destination of the Northern Limits.
Contract between Bellenie Carpentier of St. Cuthbert and outfitter Arcibald Norman McLeod, partner, for McTavish, McGillivrays & Co. The voyageur receives an advance of 8 piastres and another 6 upon departing. Contract duration is until return trip. Payment is for 250 livres, and additional 150 if he travels to Rainy Lake. Position given as "milieu.". Destination of Fort William.
