May 31st

Denny and I start this morning.

May 30th

I seem determined to blot this thoroughly [inkmarks showing] – but never mind. It clouded up considerably today and we had some rain in the afternoon.

May 29th

This morning I had my sick parade at the usual time and then went about making preparations for the return match with ‘C’ Troop. About eleven o’clock Capt. Winder having won the toss sent us to the bat. We made 77 runs to which I added the small sum of 4. We beat them in both innings making 103 to their 36. And great was the rejoicing in consequence. It is blowing hard this evening and all things point to a storm and that soon.

Denny and I purpose early on Monday morning going down the river to get some shooting. We will not probably come back until Tuesday evening. I hope that we will have a pleasant and successful time. Good night to you.

May 28th

You do me a great injustice in supposing that I ever ill-treated any young Lady – and jolly Pop – Mitchell the very idea of her submitting to illtreatment even tho’ one dared to think of such a thing. I do remember meeting [ ? ] you with Willie McDougall and was foolish and unjust enough to draw some very bitter [ ? ] absurd and unjust conclusions therefrom.

I am very sorry that you have given up the idea of going South. I wanted so much that you should see my home and become known to Father and the rest. I think the plea of your health and the warm weather is only a pretext of your Father’s. To day I went out in the woods and made a sketch of the Porcupine Hills but I am not at all satisfied with it. After lunch I went and played cricket for a while then came in and looked over your old letters – reading portions of them now and again. By the by – how would you like to have portions of them published in some of the Montana papers. You know they would show off civilized life in Canada and might prove of some benefit to you hereafter !!

I consider the above a very sly dig in your side. But I don’t wish you to take it in earnest. Believe me my darling I am rather glad than otherwise that portions of my letters have been published.

May 27th

Your stories about [ …. ] comes [?] so directly that one is immediately impressed with their self evident truth. I have received Lammermoor “Potiphar Capers” and [ ? ] “Bleak House” is probably on the way. L’Avare came to hand some time ago with Saidas Proto [ ? ]. My poor unfortunate box. I do not know when I will ever see it. It will come rather expensive if they charge double freights upon it. I will write to Mr. Baker and ask him to pay any charges upon it that may be due – when it gets to Benton. To day we had a hail storm and thunderstorm and some rain.

May 26th

I am glad that you were in such good spirits. I hope that they have continued. So you have heard from Miss Taylor. I am very glad that there has been no rupture between you and Miss T. is to be married on the 20th of June, a little bit more than three weeks from now. You must tell her that I wish her all the happiness she deserves and expects. As for him he is not half good enough for her. I have no doubt that my letter in the Globe astonished you as much as it did myself. Don’t be surprised at seeing another there shortly. That letter in the Mail from the Ottawa paper, complaining so bitterly was written by a man on whom no reliance whatever can be placed, a man that would [gr…?] at everything everywhere, and always. That we did work hard, that we did suffer, that we had good cause for complaint – no one for an instant denies or attempts to do so. But it was necessary and unavoidable – and to the lasting credit of the men be it said that they worked most unflinchingly until the last – with the one exception of this man who wrote this letter.

Poor girl – do you get so awfully lonely at times – just think, it is now nearly eleven months since I left you, and I am only after hearing of your loneliness because it is just nine, by the time I get your letter of the 10th month it will perhaps be the 12th or more than the year.

So you enjoy Covernton’s visits. I am glad because Covernton is a fine fellow, and a thorough gentleman. He was very entertaining, was it because he talked a great deal of myself. He is a cute chap that same Covernton.

I must say good night to you here now, and only tell you that I received another letter from you today dated Ap. 26th. You were evidently in the Office when you directed it as the envelop has your Father’s Business card in the corner. Good night and God bless my darling now and forever.

May 25th

The wind has been blowing a perfect hurricane all day. I did not go up the river. I thought it would be useless trying to fish in such a wind. I attended to my duties in the Hospital and then came over to my room and was lying down reading diligently when I heard the bugle sound for ‘Orderly Sergeant’. I wondered what was up, and then hearing some running outside I got up and saw a crowd of men in the middle of the square. I rushed out and found that Glen had come in with a Mail.

I had three letters from your darling self, dated Ap. 5th/7th/9th, 3 from home, one from Covernton and one from Abbott – a variety of papers and some books. I must read them over again before I answer them. So for the present Good night.

Fort McLeod, May 24th, 1875

My dear Lizzie

To day opened clear calm and bright. Just the kind of a day for a cricket match, and exactly what one would wish the Queen’s birthday to be. By ten o’clock the wickets were pitched. I was Captain of the ‘F’ Troop Eleven and Winder of ‘C’ Troop. I won the choice of innings and sent them to the bat. Their side sent out for 27 runs – we then went in and our last wicket went down for 41 0 we then adjourned for dinner, and ‘C’ Troop going to the bat again made 33, a grand total of 60. ‘F’ Troop then put 39 runs. Your humble servant made a duck’s both innings. ‘F’ Troop was victorious however that was the great object of the day and all minor considerations should be overlooked in the presence of that great fact. A baseball match was then [ ? ] and I was solicited to play. We played against nine “citizens” and beat them badly. At first I was skeptical about 9 citizens being around the place but they appeared and were beaten.

A pony race was gotten up and run – but it was only for a short distance and only two ponies entered and did not create much excitement.

If all is well I intend tomorrow to go up the river fishing – to that end I have a horse kept in. It may interest you to know that I have at last given up my hirsute appendage – that is I have shaven my chin. They all tell me that I look very much younger.

May 23rd

To day is Sunday – Church parade as usual. I did not go this morning as I was very busy in the Hospital. After dinner this evening I went out for a short walk but the wind was blowing very hard and very cold, so I soon came home.

It is now about time that we should be getting another Mail. Every day will or ought to have one here. At all events it brings one nearer and how acceptable it will be you know well enough. I must finish this letter now and begin another one tomorrow. Tomorrow will be the Queen’s Birthday and a public holiday. I hope we will be successful in our cricket match. I believe there is some talk of a horse race too – as well as a baseball match. But now I must say good night and pleasant dreams.

I am your own

Barrie

May 22nd

I slept well and sound last night but wakened up about sun rise and from then until 9 o’clock I dozed and dreamed – I thought that you and I were taking a voyage down the Old Man’s River – we began way up in the mountains and came down running rapids, shooting immense waterfalls in hourly danger from the Indians, from wild beasts and from sunken rocks. Finally I got hurt and the boat drifted helplessly along until I gave the paddle to you and from thence all dangers and hardship seemed past – we joined the Belly River, then the Saskatchewan then Lake Winnipeg, our boat growing larger and larger – passing Lake Winnipeg – we came to Superior and down the chain of Lakes to the St. Lawrence and so to the Sea. I thought immense crowds came to the banks and shores to see us pass – wherever we stopped thousands of sick and lame came to be cured – and it was you that healed them and to you were vociferated the thanks and blessings of the thankful crowd. I was lying down in the boat and looking at you so pleased and happy at seeing them look to you for help, and I thought you did not know that it was I that healed them. At last we came to England, and I took my degrees there – still every one seemed to think it was you who took them. Finally I thought I died – and you who had tended me so kindly and carefully died too – we were not buried because we were alone on the broad ocean, but we took wings and flew to the land and lived together on a high and lonely mountain, and taking long flights from there we accomplished a vast deal of good in many ways. And then we both rose to heaven and I was refused admittance – but by your prayers they let me in – and having entered we were exalted high above the other angels. I never seemed now to think that I owed it all to you, but we were happy so “happy for ever and ever ------Was it not a queer dream?

Well to return to facts. Capt. Winder and I left here taking some lunch, at 7.30 a.m. The voyage down the river was delightful it was a warm bright sunshiny day – the trees lining the banks were all so beautiful and green. Quantities of ducks and geese started up from each side of us, but as we were obliged to be down at Fort Kipp as soon as possible and did not know within twenty miles how far it was we did not stop to hunt them. Some of the cut banks presented a most curious conformation in their strata – all in wavy lines – we saw some coal and a great deal of sandstone – in places the prairie 100 or 150 ft. above us had sunk down to the level of the river in huge land slips – the course of the river is very tortuous – in some places very swift rapids – but generally very free from rocks. We stopped at 11 o’clock in a nice little clump of bushes and had our lunch, it was a real picnic. Our lunch however consisted of nothing but some bread and cold bacon and a cup of the river water – we were quite used to both and very hungry too so it tasted very good. We stopped for about an hour, to rest and have a smoke and then proceeded down. A high wind had now sprung up and in some places bothered us by blowing us from one side of the river to the other. In one of the most dangerous places on the river where the channel was narrowed by huge rocks on either side and sunken ones in the middle and the current ran [ ? ] and foaming down like a mill race – the wind was so strong that blowing dead ahead us and we aided by the current and paddling with all our might remained stationary. Gradually we began to descend and at last got down into a sheltered nook and then the stream took us down like a flash. We arrived at Fort Kipp about 2 o’clock, found our horses not yet arrived – they came in about 3 and after feeding them grain and hay – we left at 5 o’clock and arrived at Fort McLeod at 6.30. I rode old Satan, who is now full of life and beginning to get fat he canters beautifully his trot is rather rough. He is a fine old chap. I am going to show him your photograph to see if he will remember all that I have told him.

I had sick parade at eight o’clock last evening after we came in, and then retired early being as you may well imagine very tired.

May 21st

I got back from my trip all safe and sound, and enjoyed myself immensely. I am very tired tonight and will only tell you that in order that you may not feel uneasy. So Good night darling and may your sleep tonight and every night be as sound as I hope mine will be.

May 20th

To day has been tolerably quiet. Major Walsh arrived from Whoop Up to see after his supplies and goes back again tomorrow. We had a fine game of cricket this afternoon. This time my side was victorious - by two runs. On the 24th a grand match is advertised between ‘E’ and ‘F’ Troops. Much interest is taken in the result of this match and it is expected that some fine play will be exhibited on both sides.

This evening while we were talking over various matters, I suggested that I would like to go down to Kipp in the boat so it fell out that Capt. Winder and I are to start in the morning by boat – have our horses sent down by road to Kipp and ride back. Jackson and Walsh were soon added to our party – and the quartet goes down in the two boats. It is wholly an aqua incognita – no one knows how far it is, nor how good or bad the river may be. I must say good night now.

May 19th

About nine o’clock this morning the wagons with our supplies began coming into the Fort and the work of unloading and checking off the goods began. It took nearly the entire day to unload. There were eleven large wagons closely packed. I received a box of medicine, which had been ordered last October. Do you not think that is very quick delivery. Nearly seven months. I began to think I had better order my medicines for next winter immediately.

May 18th

Brisebois came up from Fort Kipp today. He is to remain here until further orders. The cattle which came along with the train arrived here about 3 o’clock and the train itself about 4.30 P.M. It was quite an exciting scene to see the crossing of the coulee. The large heavy wagons are tied two together and 8 yoke of oxen generally draw them – but now they put on 16 yoke, 32 oxen all pulling and straining, all the drivers on horseback [s…?ing] along the sides of the long line of cattle – cracking their whips like pistols, swearing and shouting like demons. Then all is quiet as the wagons draw up on the opposite bank.

Fort McLeod, May 17th, 1875

My dearest Lizzie

After the Col. left yesterday afternoon we all felt rather lonesome, and spent most of the time speculating as to the various causes which may have called him away, also as to the date of his probable return. After dinner Capt. Winder who is now in command asked me to walk down with him to the river. So we went down and found that it had not risen any today – it has been rather chilly today so I suppose the snow upon the mountains was checked in its melting. Then we went to where the boats were moored and took a little row in them to try the rapids and then being impressed with the calm stillness of the scene we broke into song and the dreary lonely silence was broken by the voice of harmony, the gurgling of the rapid river forming a running accompaniment.

Today we have been engaged in planting some cotton wood trees in front of our quarters. If they live and take root they will form an useful and ornamental adjunct to our quarters.

Conrad’s second wagon came in from the train today and say [?] that it will be here tomorrow as it camped to night this side of the Belly River.

May 16th

Sunday – Whitsunday – what do you think happened last night? About three o’clock in the morning I was suddenly awakened by Allen’s voice and hearing Crozier speak to me. I was so astonished I hardly knew what to say. They brought some letters and papers, and a dispatch to Col. McLeod which orders him to report immediately to Benton. So he leaves this afternoon.

I got one letter from you and one from Saida. Yours is dated April 22nd and ends on Sunday and Saida’s is dated April 20th and encloses a photograph of hers which I think is very good. Poor girl did I seem abrupt in asking about those lines? I humbly beg pardon. Do you not see how they referred to what you thought you knew? Don’t you see that you are my ‘star’ and you are that ‘something afar’ from the narrow sphere of my lonely sorrow. Of course darling I was wishing for you and somehow those lines kept running in my head. I was puzzled as to the authorship, and wanted to know. And as I write what comes into my head – so I wrote that.

Alas my early rising fit did not last very long. Now and again I do get up early but not as a rule – it is so much more pleasant to lie in bed and think.

Here is a passage in your letter which I cannot understand. You are speaking of Mannie’s advice to [?] not to get anything for the house as he did not want Robertson to have the benefit of it. Then Jack’s meeting Mr. R. and your preparation to be overwhelmed with the honour of Mr. R’s visit – which ends the first sheet. The next sheet is numbered 3 and begins “He said that as far as he was concerned it would not make the slightest difference but he did not like to on the girl’s account”. Did you leave out one sheet? If not I cannot explain it. I have put Jack, Mannie and Mr. R. successively to represent the ‘He’s’. I have made each ‘He’ read ‘Mannie’, ‘Robertson’, ‘Mannie’, and Jack Robertson ‘Jack’ but still cannot explain it.

I am much obliged for the Christina Stories. I have not yet received them. Poor old girl with your headache. I wish I could cure it by mesmerism – from where I am – but would much rather be at hand personally. I hope it was only a touch and that you were free from it in a very short time.

I beg your pardon most humbly for mistaking your meaning. I have found sheet no 2 and now I suppose ‘He’ refers to Roper Crickmore and the ‘Girl’ is Saida. Oh my Eye.

I am going to send this off by Capt. Crozier who is going in to Benton with the Colonel. They will not be very long on the road and this letter will most probably reach you sooner than any other. The answer to your letter will also be the shortest answer you have had. I do not think that any mail has gone out so quickly after the receipt of letters from Home. I have not time to write any more. The Church parade this morning took up so much time and the Col. starts so soon that I must close at once in order to get this into his packet.

And so with much love to all at home

I am as ever

Your own Barrie

May 15th

Today has been very warm indeed. After lunch Col. McLeod and I started up the River fishing. We had a very pleasant time but caught only one fish. The wind arose and blew so hard that it was impossible to fish or do anything else. The mosquitoes too were beginning to be troublesome. The place is quite lonely without Walsh, Allen and Crozier, and when the Col. and Jackson leave we will be truly quiet.

May 14th

Last night was very dull and lonely. So many have gone away. Fortunately the Col. and Capt. Jackson did not go. Probably next week they will start. A wagon Conrad had sent out to bring in a few hundred pounds of flour – from the oxtrain arrived today – bringing flour, sugar and tea. They report the train about four days from here, so probably by Wednesday next we may begin to expect them here.

I noticed in the woods today some wild strawberries in blossom. The last two days have been very warm. As the sunlight glints through the trees they have really a decided green tinge. Denny went into the river for a bath yesterday but found it very cold. I do not think that I will try that for some time to come.

May 12th, 1875

My dear Lizzie

Glen got away early this morning taking the Mail with him. The morning passed very quickly and busily. Major Walsh starts today at one o’clock and of course there are many things to get ready.

Mr. McDougall came in today with his Red River carts loaded with robes and skins. There were 28 carts and 2 large wagons. He is on his way to Benton, taking his skins to Manitobah down the Missouri River as far as Bismarck, from there to Moorehead and Garry. Formerly the road was direct across the plains from Bow River to Garry but the dangers and constant watchfulness required rendered it unpleasant and unsafe. So they are now about to try this plan.

Mr. David [?] McD. the merchant and not the Missionary – took his wife along with him. She has not been well and he thinks the change will do her good. I did not see her face, it was hidden by a big sunbonnet.

B – Troop finally started about 2 P.M. They go so far as Fort Kipp this evening – and pass on tomorrow to Whoop Up – cross the St. Mary’s River and camp to await further orders and also to wait the arrival of provisions by Conrad’s train.

May 8th

This being Saturday there was no drill - so we spent the morning making another cricket bat and after lunch we adjourned to the prairie and had a grand game. A double cricket and a scratch [?] eleven. I am sorry to say that the side on which I was was badly beaten. My underhand bowling was more effective than the swift over[…?] of young Wilson. Before the game was finished a large herd of horses was seen coming over the hill and soon Major Walsh had arrived. The horses all looked in splendid condition and as far superior to the […] of the country as a thorough bred from a hackman’s horse.

A Mail was also brought. I was disappointed o not receiving a letter – there were two papers, one from you the Can. Ill. News containing the picture of the Lancer & Evening Guard parade. The other was a Globe with the chess from Jack. I did not see Old Satan – I looked for him amongst the horses, but as they were not driven into the Fort I must have passed him over in the crowd crossing the [ ? ]. Major Walsh tells me Satan has been quite sick all winter but has lately been picking up quite fast and looks very well. I will see the old fellow tomorrow.

I must close this now. It is just one sheet and a half. So Good Night and pleasant dreams.

With much love I am
Your own Barrie.

May 7th

About noon today we had the first thunder storm of the season. It came from the mountains in a North West direction, passing to the East. We only got the benefit of the Southern end of it. We had no rain with it but it hailed very hard – the ground in a few moments being whitened. Since Monday the men have been drilling – the setting up or Spring drill. Every morning the prairie is rendered lively by the moving figures and the loud words of command. We expect Major Walsh back with the horses every day.

May 6th

Today has been very fine – there was a very slight drizzle while we were playing cricket this afternoon, but it did not amount to much. Denny has been fishing. Capt. Winder and the Colonel also and a good many of the men, but no fish have been caught. The water is so muddy from the melting snow and many rapids that the fish refuse to bite. We have had some geese and ducks – which are very nice.

May 5th

Glen came in last evening. His horses had been stolen between Whoop Up and Kipp. I have but very little time tonight to write – nothing going on. We are vegetating. We have managed to play cricket with some very primitive homemade implements.

May 4th

Your letter is dated March 27th. I did not have time to read it through last night – the candle went out before I had finished and left me to go to bed in the dark as I had no other candle. Yes dear, I recollect going to St. Luke’s that night and also how proud and pleased your Father was at being able to carve again after his long rest [?].

I did not get letters on either the 26th 27th or 28th. You have evidently taken my permission for granted – in regard to my letters. I suppose it would do no good and only make you uncomfortable if I were to write and tell you not to do anything of the sort. However the letters are yours and you are at liberty to [do?] with them what you please. It may do good (if they print them) to me when I go South to practice to have a name made for me.

Poor little economical girl – will you tell me how much you managed to live on this year? However it is good practice. For you know you are to live with a poor poverty stricken sawbones – who will have to work hard to get enough to keep body & soul together.

I am much obliged to Miss Cameron and I appreciate her love. Will you give her mine? I am going to write to Mannie soon – but would rather have you give it – for putting it in your hand makes it seem as tho’ it were being given to you. Young Balty [?] must be a delectable kind of person. I should like to hear him sing – and see you playing his accomp. Kate Hard[..?]’s friend Mr. Gaston is he not a lawyer, a young man who has a large nose and brass glasses. If he does I think I know him – he is a decent chap.

How horribly untidy you must have looked and how absurdly awkward a position to be in – I don’t wonder at your laughing. I am really grateful to Mr. Langt[…?] and other friends for remembering me so kindly. Whatever you do is right ergo [?] I don’t seriously object (if you don’t) to your copying my letters to you. So don’t fret old girl.

How glad you must have been to have your Father with you at dinner and I can easily imagine how glad he must have been at the change. By the by what is the name of that eating house on Jordan Street. Your Father used sometimes to take his dinner there. I have been trying to tell some of the officers about the place and I cannot recollect the name. Phantom Pharaoh Parlor are the nearest I can come. I received some Can. Ill. News [Canadian Illustrated News]. I looked for you in the Ball at the Philharmonic, but failed to recognize you – where were you sitting.

I am glad that you have received my letter of Feb. 21st, I sent that as I thought by Glen – and in a day or two sent others. I suppose that you have received them ‘ere this. Mrs. Glen is the most civilized woman in this part of the North West Territories. Mr. David McDougall has his wife at Bow River but she is over a hundred miles from here. I have not seen her.

Yes I do some good – I do not make the poor Indians pay anything – and am called a fool by the other officers, but it seems a shame – I have made over fifty dollars from outsiders. So that is something to the fore. As the population becomes denser so I may hope to make more.

No one got so many letters as I did – in fact they are all jealous of me and every man that comes from Benton, they all say to him : have you letters for anyone else except the Doctor. Fort Shaw is in Montana Territory on Sun River – it is very nearly the same distance from us as Ft. Benton.

Your argument about Mannie’s concert is not very good. You get out of the gate post argument by saying or implying that he is conceited because he is a man and not a boy. Are all men conceited and are all boys exempt? I hope for your sake that Miss Taylor’s friendship has not cooled towards you – on account of foolish speeches – or on any other account.

Your photo was good. But there is something about it I do not exactly like – but it is as dear to me as tho’ it were a better picture.

Easter Ball ! I should think I did recollect it – and have you your old programme? If you have – just look at it and you will see some marks on it- some with names written over them.

May 3rd

Today has been very windy as was yesterday. I was engaged the greater part of the morning making out the average temperature for April, which I find to be + 43.09 degrees with a maximum + 78 degrees and minimum – 2 degrees. We have a hot bed started and some suds just coming up. In the afternoon I busied myself making frames and pasting paper over them which is to be oiled and serve as glass for a covering to let in the light excluding the cold and rain. After that I had a game of cricket, with stumps made of an old lodge pole, and india rubber ball covered with leather and a very primitive bat cut out of a piece of hard wood. If the cricket was not first class, the exercise was good.

After that I came in and read my anatomy and was reading away most diligently when the MAIL arrived. Martin from Fort Kipp brought it up. John Glen brought it to Whoop Up last night. I got one letter from you, some Globes Mails Nations & various papers from home – also a letter from Aunt Ellie from Savannah and a letter from Mannie. I will tell you about them tomorrow. I am too glad to have heard from you again. I don’t recollect the date of your letter and have only a confused joyous idea and feeling of satisfaction that you are well and are mine. I must say good night. I want to read your letter again before going to bed. Good night my darling.

May 2nd

Brooks went out for a walk today! Not far of course, but he sat out in the sun for a long time and came back with quite a healthful colour and flow in his face. A Mail is now expected every day. I wish it would come. I am getting anxious for letters. I wish you would gently hint to Mannie that I would like to hear from him – but I suppose the poor chap’s sickness made him feel anything but in the mood for writing.

The Indians have nearly all moved away, going North. They are also organizing war parties amongst themselves to protect their horses. But as they are afraid to go outside of their wigwams at night and during the day dare not venture beyond the limit of their camp I do not think their enemies will suffer much.

I wonder whom they will appoint to fill Dr. Workman’s place at the Asylum. Did you hear any reason for his resignation? I took a walk to day with Col McLeod down to the bridge and out on the prairie. We were talking of the mail and while talking I noticed a speck way out on the prairie coming on rather in the direction in which the expected mail would come. We watched it for some time – it then resolved itself into two – came nearer and we thought we could say with certainty that they were mounted men – then that one had a red coat – then we even fancied we could distinguish that one was a dark horse and the other a light one – nearer still our certainty was doubly sure. It was the Mail – nearer yet and the two became four – the new objects we could guess were dogs – nearer yet – and alas for our hopes – they were two men with dogs out for a Sunday stroll. We immediately retired to the Fort in disgust.

May 1st

Conrad his for several days been loading his huge wagons with robes – the proceeds of his winter’s trade. He has nearly six thousand robes and the immense wagons with robes piled up hay fashion, look colossal. This afternoon they moved out en route for Benton. I did not send any letters by them as they will of course travel very slow being heavily laden and being drawn by oxen.

I got my medicines today and feel more at home. Some of the bottles were unfortunately broken. But most of the things came safely. This is May Day, but not many flowers are out. I found out on the prairies a little grayish moss with a very pretty little white flower. I saved one bunch and am pressing it now to send to you. The first flowers of Spring.