June 2nd

The day before yesterday Denny and I started down the river – the sun was shining bright and a gentle breeze was blowing. But before we got many miles down the river storm clouds began to make their appearance and when about one o’clock we stopped for lunch it rained hard – we were pretty well protected by some brush but still we got very wet. We killed one goose and one duck and found several hawks’ nests two of which we robbed. We got down to Kipp at nine in the evening very wet, very cold and thoroughly tired out. We had great difficulty towards the latter end of the journey in making our way avoiding rocks and shoals – owing to the darkness. At one time I thought we had passed Fort Kipp. The whole of the next day it rained hard and we had to stay at Kipp. The day passed drearily enough – our horses came down for us but owing to the storm we thought it advisable to remain at Kipp the next.

Yesterday [ ? ] we started bright and early and arrived here about half past nine. I found my room in a most dilapidated state. My bedroom was all right except the dressing table which was covered with mud and water. In my sitting room and library, my table was one mass of mud and water. Some books and papers nearly ruined. Fortunately I had a lot of Nations [ ? ] over my books with the writing [ ? …several lines illegible ] effects of the wetting in these sheets.

All the other rooms were pretty nearly as bad – the Hospital on one side suffered but the tarpaulins saved it from much damage. There must have been more than an inch of water on my floor. Today we have had some nice little showers too but I had everything stowed away so nothing more got wet. I must now say good night and good bye again. 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 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 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.

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 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.

April 25th

The Col. is not back yet, we do not expect him for some days. The Indians however brought in a report that the Col. had come back to Fort Kipp. We had Church parade as usual today. This afternoon I took a walk down to the River, and watched the rapid water, and to my delight found some willows really beginning to put out their leaves, the first that I have seen. I found a cozy little place just over the river in a small clump of trees and bushes, that I am going to turn into a private retreat – and in the summer will have a nice quiet little place to take your dear letters and read them. I will make a seat there, just under a bush and imagine that you are in the bush. I will not make a second seat for you, for some one else might come and sit in it and I don’t want them to do that.

The Col. came in this evening about an hour after dinner. Crozier came in a little while before him. Poor Crozier has had the blues all winter long and added to that or rather in consequence thereof he has come home from this little trip thoroughly done out. The poor chap is quite sick, and so nervous and restless he can neither eat, sleep nor keep quiet. Nor will he do as I tell him. I am afraid that he is going in for a regular seize. It seems that the Col. asked for several Indians as guides to the Indians who had taken the horses and also to be able to identify the horses taken. Instead of doing as he told them – a war party of twenty came out on foot after him, and never caught up to him – told him too that the Indians had struck Northwards when they had come South and East. So the Col. finding it would be impossible to overtake them and also to identify the horses if overtaken concluded to come home again.

Mar. 19th

I wonder what you are doing now, it is just 8 o'clock. I suppose you have finished breakfast and are either sitting working or going down town. Glen will soon be going in to Benton as the snow will not now last long and he will have mild weather for his journey. 9.30p.m. Yes Glen sent word that he expects he expects to leave next Monday, so that will be a chance to send letters again. To day the deserters who were recaptured were to have been tried, but owing[?] to our not having the necessary evidence, the trial was postponed. Brisbois came up this evening from For Kipp, he is part of the evidence. I am writing to Jack + will say good night to you for the present in order to finish this letter. 11p.p. I must have the last word with you, so goodnight and sweet dreams.

Fort Macloed March 10 1875

My Dear Lizzie,

Last Monday, i.e. March 8th I footed(?) a letter to you. It has not [?] gotten outside [?] [?] of the Fort. About 10 o'clock the same morning a band of horses were seen coming over the hill. [?] were daily [?] horses from Sun River. Baker [?] horses for [?] and with [?]. Mail was expected every day. Who was it? Indians? A huge[?] crowd soon collected in front of the fort. Glasses of [?] form were all leveled in the direction of the coming strangers. Conjecture was rife. Betting was high. The horses rapidly approaching, some of our men at work on a bridge about [?] quarter of a mile from the fort. [?] their work and ran promiscuously[?] towards the new comers. [?] hearts [?] high. Some [?] [?] Maj. Walsh. [?] decieved if our suspense culminated in the heart [?] fact that the horses were for us from Sun River. Was there any mail? The horses came nearer, nearer, within a speaking distance. [?] Cochrane in charge. The question shouted ouy to him Have you any Mail? The answer came back, no. Another disappointment to add to our long list of previous ones. However he told us that he had left our mail at Fort Kipp, which was coming along in a wagon. [? shouts of joy and exaltating. How many anxious eyes kept close watch upon the distant prairie horizon. How many wary hearts ached to hear from the loved ones at home, and now [?] high with hope. Finally the wagon came in sight. The crowd which had been distracted by the horses in a moment rushed [?] of the [?] anxious joyful turbulent. In half an hour the mail had come. 11.48am. Mar 8th 1875. A day to be marked [?] a [?] stoned in my calendar. I managed to get [?] to [?] room when the letters were being distributed and got my [?]. There were 3 large bags full, over 300lbs of mail [?]. I got letters from you. Those that were set to Dufferin + Garry and the [?] that was one began on the 8th of February just one month before I recieved it. [?] received a quantity of papers, mails, notorious[?] practitioners[?], [?], as wll as some [?] papers. How am I ever to be sufficiently thoughtful to your kind thoughtful [?] + Jack willingly taken trouble for me. I immediately sat down and found the last letter you wrote, found you were well + then read your letters in reverse order as regards dates then found some letters from home I sat there [?] afternoon reading your letters, and the evening found me still busy. I could not finish all that night. On Tuesday morning I began again and by lunch time had [?] I had 48 letters! I have managed to glance at the papers but have not looked into them [?]. [?] found in [?] [?] the [?] folks and today I am writing to you. I hardly know what is in your letters do not know if you have asked me many questions or not I am so taken up with the [?] idea of your doing well and that for the time being was all I cared for. I shall take your letters of one each day and [?] and answer your questions. There is another [?] [?] of letters Conrad expects teams out from Benton + [?] there will also come other + later letters. [?] never [?] but [?] [?]. I am happy [?]. I can look [???]. Besides the mail there is little or nothing to talk about. Brooks is far better and stronger than he has been [?]. He too received a letter from home and has written one in answer. His grandmother has been very ill but is now or when she wrote quite well. I have learned [?] [?] [?] + had the [?] [?] with it. I shall proceed to answer your letter of the 8th [?]. Your letters friends to me? friends, no, not friends but something [?] closer than any friend, they are part of myself or they are reflections of your own pure warm heart and are dearer than any friend. I have not been taking my Sunday evening walk very regularly and my mind goes back to the 8th of february with [?] - I do not think i did- on Tuesday morning I was quite well thank you but [?] if it was not 11 when you were writing it could not have been quite [?] and most probably I was just getting up. The sick call is at nine and I have to bein the Hospital then. What [?] were you [?], it was evidently in the opera house, but on what occasion, [?] you have [?] [?] in one of our friends letters, and I did not notice it. I am glad you enjoyed it so Mrs. [?] was [?]. Poor thing! I hope she managed to get warm before the evening was over. My dear child I am exceedingly sorry that the thought of me should interfere in any way with your [?]. [?] not for [?] [?] [?] that I ever doubt any thing you do. [?] a fall and not [?] because you think I would find cause for doubt! Child you should not do that. [?] [?] [?] you dance and enjoy yourself as much as possible. Don't you be so [?] again. I would never forgive myself if I thought I prevented your dancing.

Capt. [?] received his discharge from the force. [?] is also [?] reported here/the report comes from Winnipeg that he's now Lord [?] and has an enourmous fortune. I hope for his wife's sake it [?] [?] [?]. I have not received the paper with the sketch of the ball. Perhaps it may be coming along in Conrad's [?]. From all the talk of fish I suppose you must have founded an aquarium in your conservatory, but how you manage to get catfish into it I do not understand. I am sorry to hear that Bessie(?) Cameron is sick. I hope [?] then that she was quite [?]. Poor Mannie, I sincerely hope that the abcess in his head will proove nothing serious. I really cannot[?] see the [?]in his [?] Dr.Cameron on the [?] [?], if he had it slang[?] [?] his [?] or [?] in his back or even fancied on his hat, one might say there was some concern, but where else would you have him put it? I am [?] of your way of thinking about Miss [?] Taylor, but I do not know for what reason. I am quite prepared to think [?] + everything [?] bad of Mr.[?] but if any one asked me why, I should feel exceedingly puzzled to give a satisfactory answer. I think [?] I have answered [?] [?], no question has been before unanswered, and for the present I must leave you. The mail closes tonight and I have one or two official letters to send and wish to write to Harry [?] [?] and another letter home. Give my love to all at home. Tell Jack I will write to him by the next opportunity. I find that I am greatly in his debt. Wish ever so much love.

I am your own Barrie.

Feb 24th

Still the same unvarying cry no mail. It stormed wretchedly yesterday. The wind blew cold + strong from the north, blowing [?] [?] snow into deep eddying[?] drifts [?]. I think I had sufficient cause for the Blues. Do you not think so? The horrible things are still hanging around me. Will you try and drive them away? If you only could see how cross I look. I think you would positively be frightened, so for that reason you I am glad you cannot see me. This morning the usual dull round of duty -one chap did not feel like working + played sick- I [?] him + understand that I know what was ailing him, and [?]clined him soundly. I am sorry now that I did not put him under arrest. When I returned to my room, a whole bag[?] of squaws came in. there were at least 12 of them and several children. I gave them a smoke, and [?] the eyes of the children, + after a little while they all got up and went away. Brisbois came up from Fort Kipp today, to wait for the ‘Mail’. How anxiously we scanned the horizon, watching every object we saw moving, hoping against hope that it would bring a Mail. So all Hope is not deadyet. Baker is due here, but what is causing this delay we cannot imagine. Perhaps the Mail has been delayed East of Benton + he is waiting for it, perhaps he never reached Benton, he may have been frozen to death, or killed by Indians. At all events he has not come yet and here we are expecting him. You would be amused to see the dresses of the squaws. A pair of moccasins + leggings, a sort of gown made of blanket with two holes in the side for the arms and one on top for the head, + slightly gathered in around the waist, over this is thrown a blanket or buffalo robe, confined around the waist by a broad leather belt, usually thickly studded with brass headed tacks. If they get too warm they throw off or back the outer robe + display their arms which are well formed and strong. The men are also loosely clad. A pair of moccasins + leggings + a Buffalo Robe or blanket. In the cold they keep the blanket wrapped closely about them, near the fire they sit in their skins. Well my dear the Blues are better, but are still present. Let us hope tomorrow they will have disappeared with the arrival of a Mail – Good night.

Feb 19th

It has been very warm today with a high South West wind. Nothing in particular going on. This afternoon, the Col and I went off about a mile from the Fort and signaled to Denny + Capt Winder who were near the Fort we are going to be great experts in the art. In the evening after dinner Cribbage Casino and [?] [?] course of the evening mimic of a dinner speeches were made, presentations, everything in the room was presented to everyone, + each had to make a reply. It caused some amusement. Our mail did not come after all. I expect that Monday will be the day. I heard to night that a Mail leaves Fort Kipp for Benton tomorrow so I am going to try and send this off. How glad you will be to see it will not you and how glad I will be to hear again from you. I am very tired now of waiting and as the time grows shorter become more and more impatient. I do not think that well [sic] on the march I felt that longing that I now feel to hear from you. Or at all events it is much greater now. Did you receive those sketches I sent to you. I have not taken a great many more, they are hard things to send away. But now it is getting late, and as I want to get up early tomorrow morning and finish this I must say Good night.

Jany. 23rd

The mail does not go out until tomorrow, so I have another day of grace. I gave Ferland my Hospital Sargt. Leave for two or three days, to go down to Fort Kipp to visit some of his friends. Consequently I have to do his work and my own. I am writing now in the Hospital. It is nearly 12 o’clock. The morning has passed rapidly and uneventfully. Brooks is this morning worse than he has been since he came up from Kanouse’s. His heart is fearfully weak. Poor fellow. It does seem so lonely and so hard for him, suffering as he does and bearing it so patiently. He lies quietly in bed as a sleeping child. His two words with which he answers nearly all questions of his welfare are ‘middling’ + ‘not so well’. I wish that I could hold out some hope of his ultimate recovery, but I am afraid that I cannot. I was here called away by the entrance of the orderly office Capt. Jackson, + the Regimental orderly Sergeant, going their rounds. I had ‘no complaints’ + he expressed himself satisfied with the appearance of things. I heard to day that the Indians very nearly had a fight amongst themselves, up the River. But it turned out to be all blow. The Indians however threw off their blankets + put the squaws away + begun cocking their pistols, etc when the Trader in whose Fort this scene was taking place jumped over his counter with his 7[?] shooter already cocked + with some threats + persuasive language cooled down their belligerent feelings and they began to smoke the pipe of peace.

To day has been like a spring day, a heavy mist has come over the prairies + the cold has turned the mist into minute crystals, which drive past you glistening glittering in the sunlight like as many diamonds. The thermometer was -20º but it did not feel cold in the least. The sun is now shining very bright + the melting snow is dripping quicker from the roofs of our buildings, + disappearing from the ground. The Indians too taking advantage of the warm sunlight, come out like flies to warm + stretch themselves. I have seen a good many of them around today. To give you an idea of their laziness, one was sitting on the Hospital yesterday when I came in I found him + stood about 4 feet from him, he put out his hand for me to shake + would not get up to reach me. I held out mine and motioned him to come – he would not – so as I was not particularly anxious to shake, I turned away. If they are sitting in arms length of a fire, they will give you a match or a piece of paper + motion you to light it + hold it to their pipes, when they could perhaps do it more easily than you.

The Orderly room bugle from prisoners has first sounded and I am afraid I will have to go there as there is a case coming on of a man feigning sickness and I will have to be present. I hope soon to have more letters from you.

The men who are going to take this mail in are going to come right out again + bring what little they can. So it will not be more than a month till I again hear from you. These months January and February are the two bad ones, we had always heard about, in which little or no communication was kept up with the outer + civilized world. Summer or Spring will soon be here, and with it bring many discomforts + many luxuries, most of all an uninterrupted communication with you. I expect that a mail will be established weekly or fortnightly from here during the Summer.

Now my darling, don’t you be anxious on my account. I begin to think that perhaps my telling you, in my last letter of that dark cold side, may make you more anxious + trouble you more than there is any necessity for. The backbone of the Winter is now fully well broken, of course we will have storms + some cold weather, + there is also no use in shutting our eyes to dangers that do + will menace us. But the very knowledge of such danger is our greatest safeguard for we are careful.

The most we have to fear from the Indians is the loss of our horses. In the spring when the Indians begin to move, they take every opportunity to steal a horse + then pack off to the mountains, + are no more seen. Our presence here has had a most salutary effect upon them, they used to lay their hands upon anything that was left carelessly around, now they pass them by, or return them to their owners. And now I must say good night for the present, I anxiously look forward to another Mail from Benton. Remember me most kindly to the Cameron’s + give my love to all at home. How does Sallie like water colours? She used to distain them having a preference for Crayons. I want you if you can to send me one or two good French Novels. I am keeping up my French + can understand almost any conversation, + also to a very small extent speak the language.

And so Good night.

I am your Barrie.

Jany. 7th.

Excessively cold this morning and stormy so that I did not fo to Fort Kipp, as I intended. I stopped about the Fort doing nothing + found it very monotonous. In the evening, we had another dance, I still stand first favourite as “La Belle Danseuse”. Perhaps I should not tell you, because I might be misconstrued, + you would imagine that I am conceited. But you are the one who taught me to dance, or rather you were the means of my learning to dance. For when I first knew you I could not dance. I wanted to dance with you, I studied the various steps of those considered good dancers, more especially yours, so that when I should dance with you I would not be the gawky fraud I was at first. So Old woman if they like my dancing they like yours.

Jany. 6th.

This morning was cold, but bright and sunny. I went the usual Hospital rounds, after breakfast, which I took about 10 o’clock, I pasted all the Chess problems and columns in a book made of an old newspaper. This occupied me until lunch time. After lunch I had half promised Allen to go with him down to Kanouse’s for a walk, but feeling lazy I backed out + began areading “Nancy”. This kept me employed until about 4 o’clock, when a man named Thomas came in from Fort Kipp, saying that there was a person sick down there who would like very much to see me. I could not very well go just at once, as I had no horse + could not be back to attend my duties in the morning. So I said that I could go in the morning. Just as Thomas came in, Mr. Denny with a small party went out to arrest an Indian who had stolen a wife from another Indian + threatened to shoot the latter. When Denny arrived in the Indian Camp, the accused had flown, but the woman went joyfully back to her first husband. After dinner to night, a fire broke out in the “C” Troop Barracks, the Assembly sounded + all the men promptly answered to the call. The fire proved to be nothing more serious than a chimney + was quickly extinguished.

One of the men Wilson by name, hurt his wrist this evening, + after I examined it, began talking with him. He is from St. Catherine’s, knows of Mr.Taylor + knows of Miss Taylor’s engagement to Robertson. He also went to Upper Canadian College at the same time as Jack, Mannie, Willie Wedd and others that I know. He was acquainted with Morson of Niagra, + used to visit Morson at Trinity College. It sounded very curious to hear my friends spoken of, way out here in the NorthWest where I thought no one knew any one of my friends.

And no I must say good night it is half past eleven + I want to get up early, in order to get through with my business here and start off to Fort Kipp. Good night.

Jany. 3rd Sunday.

I have had no time to write you before. On New Years Day, we were very busy with the races + trials of strength + feats of agility. I ran in the smoking race + did not win it + also started in the mile race, but found it too cold on my face + so at the end of the quarter I stopped. The day passed off very well indeed and although it was very cold, still the excitement kept us moving about pretty lively. Denny had started down to Fort Kipp the evening before, to get our letters and bring them up as soon as possible. He did not make his appearance tho’ until dark this evening (Jany. 1st) + when he came he brought sad tidings – Wilson + Baxter two men stationed at Fort Kipp had come up to camp on leave + had started for Kipp again in the afternoon about 2 o’clock, had not yet arrived or at least Wilson had been found on the prairie, half frozen + Baxter not found at all. Their horses had however both come in. while I was preparing to go down, to see if I could do anything for him an Indian came in with a letter stating that Wilson was dead. However the Col. told me to go on + perhaps Baxter might be found + possibly I might be able to help him. So I got this Indian to go down with me, and wrapping up well I got on the Col.’s horse and started it was now quite dark + blowing fairly cold, cloudy so that we could see no stars + cold whew! it was cold. I was told not to spare horseflesh and we continued down 17 miles without drawing rein. We spoke not a word, but 3 times, once when his horse got on some glass ice, + slipped. I told him to take care, he laughed, and we proceeded on our way, again he made some sign to me by which I understood the river was off to the left, and a third time, he pointed to the north + made some signs + then whipped up his horse to full speed, I did the same, + we flew along, within a minute such a storm of wind and snow broke upon us, everything became dark and the cold was intensified to a terrible degree, I was afraid I would lose my guide and spurred up, + altho’ I could hear him I could not see anything, my foot touched his and still I could not see him – finally, we both got so cold that almost intuitively we both got down and began to run – about 8.30 we saw sparks from the chimney of the fort + in a minute or two we were within the enclosure. How thankful I was to again be in safety I cannot tell you. Imagine it yourself, I was determined to go there even if I had to go alone, as atfirst I thought I was to, I had your little book along, and it seemed to me as tho’ I could feel it warming my heart, it appeared to fill me with a blessed assurance of safety, such as I had never before felt. Except that time on the prairie alone. I was sorry to hear that Baxter had not been found, we set the Indians after, promising rewards should they find him alive or dead. I sat up and read your letter beginning Nov. 23rd, also one from Taida [?] from Uplands + one from Mannie from Savannah. I had brought them down with me having gotten there just as I was starting. In the morning, an Indian came in to say he had found Baxter, dead, about six miles from the Fort and a mile off the road we found the body of the unfortunate man. He was put in the sleigh and about 3 o’clock we arrived in Fort McLeod [sic]. It was found out that these two men had, after leaving our Camp, gone to one of the traders Forts near us and had remained there until dark and then started off in the storm got lost and died. It cast a gloom over our New Year’s festivities. The men were buried today at 4 in the afternoon, it was very cold 18º below zero, + a cold north wind. I hope that I will never again have such a ride. There was something terribly exciting about the ride, the cold wind whistling around us, the bounding of the willing animal beneath me, the strange dreary silence, the dense obscurity, and the sad news + the idea the perhaps I might have a melancholy duty at the end of our ride + in fact the uncertainty – that I would even reach the end alive – all contributed to make the journey exciting and one to be remembered. I fancy this terrible example will render the men more careful about going out at night on these wild prairies alone we did feel some deep anxiety on account of Denny, but for these two fellows we never felt a moment’s uneasiness, leaving us as they did so early in the afternoon. I expect that I will never be called on again to have such a ride. So old woman don’t be anxious about me, I am alright, and even had I started alone I feel assured that I would have reached Fort Kipp in safety. There is talk of sending in a mail from here in a few days. I do not know of any other opportunity just yet. This was not such a large mail as I expected it would have been, but all things in this Country are magnified to an extraordinary amount.

Dec. 28th Monday.

Last night it grew steadily colder until the thermometer sank to 24º below zero. It was a pretty cold morning. The sun however rose bright & clear. I got up about half past eight and at nine went over to the Hospital. I had quite a number sick today – most of them trying to get off work on account of the cold. After I had polished them off a man came in with a toothache and wanted me to draw his tooth. I told him to come back in a half hour – as I wanted to get breakfast first. His tooth was not paining him then so he could wait with a pleasant anticipation.

Dear Liz, how glad you make me feel when you tell me that you have not been altogether unhappy with me. I am so thankful that my little girl is not too lonely all by herself – and if she thinks of me – she knows that. My darling – you speak of a womans definition of Loving. Do, Act, Love as your own true heart dictates and I will be satisfied – so thoroughly that no doubt or shadow of a doubt shall ever enter my mind. Mrs. Brownings map of Loving is extremely fine – but when did you begin to read her poetry? She is a fine writer and has some very deep glimpses into Human feeling. I am glad for Annie Taylors sake if your modified opinion of Mr. R. is the proper one. His Father was a fine man – and no one appears to know of anything tangible against Mr. R. Poor Liz – how any one can twist you round their finger and make a friend of you by saying a good word of me. I received your beautiful blue feather. I am glad you enjoyed your moonlight drive. I think the difference in time is about 3 or 4 hours. It takes 15º Longitude to the hour we are about 176º - and I do not know exactly the meridian of Toronto – but I think there is about 4 hours difference. But for the present I must say goodbye. I will be back again to talk with you in a few minutes. I pulled the man’s tooth for which he was deeply grateful and have now come back to you.

I am afraid that the report about the increase of salary is without foundation – at all events I have officially heard nothing about it and with regard to the disbandment of the Force – the appointments of new officers – hardly looks astho’ they were going to break it up again. So you don’t want me back again eh? Never mind I don’t believe you – and I will come back as soon as possible. Your beautiful pouch is very acceptable to me. Poor Liz. I am afraid that you are very lonely sometimes in spite of the cheery tone of your letters. I know I am. Your poor rose bud which you picked on Sunday Nov. 1 & were so careful in pressing was all broken up by the transit. I will keep the leaves however because your dear hands picked it. Dr. Gunn got hold of a very nice & extremely pretty little English girl in Janie Jones. She will prove very useful to him – she is handy & quiet. I always pictured our future home with a servant like Janie – noiseless & effective. Poor old woman to go busying your little head with such grand plans for me. Dr. Jukes would I am afraid not like to take your word for my efficiency and no one can tell whether we would get along together. I must confess that the plan would be very pleasant. But you must not look so high for me. remember Dr. York’s cottage or hovel – in Orangeville. That is the sort of place to be in. You remember too what you said when I showed you the house. In regard to my promotions all I have to say is with You & Saida – “only hope it is so” Poor Saida and her grand secret – what an insane idea. Out here in the Far West we are not so careful of our hair as Miss Taylor was. I laughed a good deal over her sitting up so stiffly on her chair. I am sorry that you were disappointed in the rejection of Dr. Jukes – especially as it knocks all our 'Chateau En Espange’ endways. Thank you very kindly for the relations you have discovered for me I do not know however that I particularly care for a lot of new relatives. Perhaps however they may come in useful some of these days and we will then lay claim to them – as to their wills if they ever make any. I would not count much upon them. The messenger who was to have started to Benton today has put off his departure until tomorrow – so I will have time to finish this letter to you. I have not been able to get a sketch of the square for you yet – but will send some Indians that I have managed to get hold on in various places and have stuck them into one piece of paper. On the back of the paper was a scene of our tent life. Jackson’s bed had a coat spread over part of it and my bed can just be seen in the corner behind the stove – which the foot of it is occupied by my leather satchel which can be partly seen at the end of the stove. I expect the lead will be pretty well rubbed by the time you got them. And now I must say goodbye for a little while I must go get some lunch. After lunch I had to make up a liniment for a man at Fort Kipp 14 miles from here – he has a sore leg. Then I had to go and see Brooks, it was a pretty cold tramp down there & my face was pretty white when I arrived at the house. Brooks is about the same. I am going to try and get him moved up into the Hospital tomorrow. I hope it will not be too cold for him. On New Year’s days we are going to have a lot of games races etc. Open to the world I should not be surprised but what we should have a very gay time. A foot ball match opens the proceedings & a squaw Race and an Indian Pony race are the chief points of interest in the afternoon. I am trying to write and there are three young fellows making fun of one another & laughing so I am very liable to make mistakes - & to get mixed. You must not expect to have a very very long letter this time – as so many interruptions have occurred that it has been almost impossible to keep my mind down to the subject – and now I must again say Good bye. Perhaps after dinner I will be able to add a few cross lines to this. Can you read these crossed letters? If you cannot, tell me and I will be careful in future not to cross them. I only do it because it saves the bulky appearance of the letter. So good bye. I have only time to end this off now & with love to all I am

Your own
Barrie