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.

Steamer Dakota July 16th, 1874

My dear Lizzie

I write on board this magnificent steamer of the Riltsow – Red River Transportation Company – 95 ft in length – 20 ft broad & stern wheel. I never was upon such a crooked river in my life as this far passed Red River of the North. It twists and turns & winds about – beating the classic meander all to bits – our boat heads to all points of the compass North East West South.

I left St.Paul on Monday morning early – and after a very dusty tiresome ride of 24 hours arrived in Moorehead. The boat was there & the stage. I could go by either. The friends of the boat said river – cool, no mosquitoes. The friends of the stage on the other hand extolled the stage – short, cheap, start at once. I chose the boat, but alas it did not leave and it was necessary to stay over an entire day in Moorehead. Moorhead must be that place vulgarly termed the jumping off place – it is situated on the edge of a vast prairie – the Northern Pacific R.R. passes thro’ it, & the telegraph poles dwindle down to a fine point in the dim perspective. There is no street in this village – but two half streets – meeting at right angles, the houses are built on these two half streets one set facing the River the other the Railway – there are 8 saloons & refreshment rooms – the refreshments of course being liquid, a shoemaker, a tavern a drug store & 2 groceries the four latter sell liquor - & in the tavern is a billiard Room – in which during the day I played billiards. I also took a couple of sketches but owing to Indian snakes & mosquitoes they do not do justice to the scenes they are supposed to present.

I left Moorehead Wednesday morning - & my McIntosh at the same twice - & never remembered it until I got about 20 miles down the river. Mrs. E.B. Wood & 2 children & 2 servants had the distinguished honour of accompanying me from Moorhead – they are on their way to Winnipeg. I am writing this expecting to reach Dufferin tomorrow morning and will there post it. Remember me to all & give my kind regards to Miss Taylor.

Good bye my darling. God bless you.

Your own
Barrie