There, he and Andrew Graham designed a comprehensive plan listing long term requirements for the inland posts that the company proposed to establish.
While at Fort Severn in 1774, Umfreville assisted Samuel Hearne with the requirements for a proposed post at Cumberland House, Saskatchewan.
[1] In 1775, Umfreville was transferred back to York Factory where he became second in command until 1782 when the fort was captured by the French led by Jean-François de Galaup.
Although Umfreville succeeded, the Nor’Westers continued to use the route via the Grand Portage since the Americans were not enforcing their rights under the Treaty of Paris.
[1] The book's ill nature reflected the author's disappointment over not obtaining a command at the HBC but also did provide knowledge of parts of Canada that was lacking at that point in time.