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.

Mar. 18th

Well, here I am again, the sun is streaming in my bedroom window in a delicious flood of light. The cold has at last succumbed to the warm South West + the snow is almost gone. Last night about 7.30[4.30?] the concert began, some of the songs were very good and [?], others are very amusing. Beatty (the man who deserves the [?] medal) was dressed as a darkey[?!?] + burnt [?,] his appearance frightened Mrs. Glen the halfbreed wife of John Glen, that she rushed shrieking from the room. The supper too was a success and tho' the graces did not [?] off the day passed well. 11.30 p.m. I must say goodnight.

Mar. 17th

The 17th of "Ould Ireland." Long may she wave. I got up this morning, and it was pretty cold, in fact we might say very cold. I suppose it thawed in Toronto[,] it usually does. I intend going put + trying a shot at the sun. Do not think darling from that expression that I have taken leave of my senses, I merely intend to say that I am going to try and take the sun's altitude to find the time. I must now go to breakfast. You will see by this that I did not get up very early.

I could not after all let the night pass without saying at least good night. The day passed very quietly, everyone wearing in their hat or button hole a sprig of green, plucked from the logs wherewith our houses are built, which have sprouted and thrown out innumerable little green branches. Good night.

Mar. 16th

This morning I went [?] my usual rounds and the sat down to read "Lorna"[.] I have nearly finished it and like it very much. I am going to begin a new era of my existence by getting up early in the mornings. This is not the first time in my life that I have made similar resolves, but I never had the the[sic] same inducements. I intend to write to you in the mornings[,] so if my letters begin to get more dull + stupid, you can account for it by my being half awake. So good night to you now.

March 15th Monday

It has been very cold all day the wind still coming from the North, towards evening it shifted towards the South East. The thermometer is now 12° below zero. The sentry's voice rings out clear & sharp ["]all's well["]. I have literally done nothing today, except attend to my regular duties and put a bottom to a box of which I am endeavouring to make a desk to keep my papers and letters in. I have finished "The Country Neighbourhood"[.] I like it but it seems unsatisfactory. I do not think it has the genuine[?] [?] about it. I had loaned all the books you sent me, so I borrowed "Lorna Doone" + read a portion of that. But now I must put down in my notebook the outlines of a case of hemorrhage I have on hand. So good night.

March 14. Monday.

The party leaving yesterday have not yet come back. The same way [']round, only I had your darling letters to read in the intervals. 9p.m. Jackson got back about four o'clock + reported that he had discovered no traces of the deserters, but had received a note from Allen to say that he was on their track. Allen came in about 6 bringing the 3 crestfallen men along. He had caught up with them about 24 miles up the river. One of them who had no pass showed fright, but was persuaded to come along quietly[,] the other two had passes granting[?] them leave to be absent for 8 days hunting. He had other evidence against themhowever + they were put into the guard room. The day was pretty cold + there is no doubt but what their apprehension + recapture was the very best thing that could have happened to them. Yours of the 25th Jan. is in front of me. I do not think that I would cry if the Force was disbanded at once, but I do not think it will be. It is indeed a very nice thing for Bob Gill[?] and I wish him well. If Jack wants to get rid of his indigestion the best thing he can do is to come out here and pay me a visit. Dear Lizzie, what horrible dreams you have[.] I do not know which part of your dream is the more hateful. In the first I could still look after you, be with you always, know all your thoughts, but in the second I shoul dhave to brave your scorn[,] your forgiveness[,] your coldness and perhaps your hate. But my own darling[,] you are deserting your old habit. Don't you know, have you not often told me, that dreams go by contraries? Poor dear Lizzie. I will take good of myself[?].

I have not read 'Bleak Houses", nor 'Lucia di Lammer-moor' [Lucia di Lammermoor](which I think is the name of the Opera) but anything in the shape of reading [?] will be most acceptable, and neither Dickens nor Scott can be read too frequently[?]. You silly creature to [?] so about my watch. Lizzie child, [d]on't you know how much, how entirely, I trust you? If anything ever should cast a shadow over our bright love, Darling, I shall point[?] the shadow to you and together we can drive it away, long before it gathers any substance. But I think we can prevent even the shadow, can we not? How did Mannie provoke you? By throwing his gloves at you, by asking about the leters in the mail? Poor girl. The time is not so very far distant but what I will be at hand to soothe + comfort you as much as I can dearest. Yes indeed, I do know a great deal better. So [?] people talk. I know you and I do not care for the, and would not give a snap of my finger for them and all their talk together. But, for present good night.

February (Oh my) March 13th 1875. Fort Macleod

My darling Lizzie

Yesterday Col. Macleod left, taking Denny + a servant, on their trip to Helena. It was snowing hard when they left and continued to do so all day, a bad lookout for such a journey as they have undertaken. We gave the Col. 3 cheers as he left the gateway of the Fort + the [?] [?] started off in fine style. As everyone who had been away for any time from our Fort always [?] them-selves as mighty pleased to get back again, none of us envied them greatly, although we should [?] a trip to the outskirts of civilization. Nothing in particular happened after they lef, so good night.

My thoughts were [?]on yesterday. I thought today was the 12th, so I will say good night just now. This morning I got up quite early, 8 o'clock, and felt fresh. Sick call sounded at 9, and I went over to the Hospital[.] the snow was 6 or 8 inches deep, it was still cloudy but the sun was endeavouring to pierce through the thick veil. I found quite a large number on the sick list, but I soon polished them off. I then had my breakfast. Venison cutlets, sauce au[?] Police Mountie, Hot coffee, Hotrolls, butter + then [?] + molasses, + then a pipe. The I went into my room and began arranging it, + having [?] everything to my satisfaction, sat down to read. I read the [?], no, The Country Neighbourhood, until lunchtime. I like the story, and yet I do not. It seems natural [?] overdrawn, perhaps I will like it better as I go on.

After lunch, I went to work and made a small easel to paint upon, and then went down and had a chat with Conrad. Then coming back went on reading. Soon I noticed a stir goin on outside and found an expidition going outor rather preparing to dress, more deserters, three men this time. Allen + Jackson have the command + will I expect catch them. At dinner our numbers were reduced to four[,] after dinner Crozier and I played cribbage against Winder + Welch + beat them, then we tried [?] + beat them at that too, then I read a few moments but was soon called away to see a sick man. He kept me busy awhile + now I come to have a talk with you. It is now 10 o'clock, you are most likely in bed and asleep. I always like to talk with you at this time, because it seems as tho' you are so much nearer than at any other time. No one is bothering you and perhaps you are dreaming of me now. And I almost feel your spirit's presence hovering near me. I have a letter of yours dated Feb. 4th, open in front of me, + I shall proceed to answer it. I am curious (just think of it) to know what there can be to make you proud of Saida, I always have been. Thank you again and again for your dear photograph[,] I am so pleased to get it. True the rose looks very sharp + the cuffs large, but I cannot afford to criticise it even for fun. So I take that little bit of chaff all back + [?] [?] any more. Do I remember the [?] (that is meant for an 'S') a z(this is not)[?] three years ago? Yes I recollect it perfectly and [?] I [?] to be so tried, in order that I might see you look sorry and make you sit close and talk to me. I did not feel hurt[?] at your answer. I expected nothing else there, but I found out what I wanted, old girl, even if it was dark. And now let me tell you good night.