June 11th (wrongly dated July 11th)

Yesterday there were two arrivals from Benton, but they brought no letters. Col. McLeod was in Benton awaiting the arrival of the boat on which he expected to find some of the Officers of the Force and some recruits. I believe also that a Custom’s officer and one or two others were expected. The Col. was only waiting for them to come [?] he left for Fort McLeod. I took a sketch yesterday of the half breed camp – and finished it today. I looks very much like it, but not so pretty as I expected it to be. Will you be kind enough to find out for me the lines in Tennyson’s Elaine beginning something like this

Self reliance Self love Self respect These three lead Life to sovereign power Yet not for Power alone Power of herself would come uncalled But because right is right more wisdom in the scorn [?] of consequence To follow right etc….

I know the words are not right – the thing has been bothering me for some days – I have tried to work it out but have failed.

June 10th

Eleven months today since I left my darling Lizzie. Eleven long months. Have they seemed as long to you as you thought they would? In all conscience, to me they have seemed to be long enough but I must confess that I thought eleven months would have been much longer to look back upon. Was I not happy a year ago – yet not altogether so for I knew not where I should begin to get my living and I was anxious. I had no license and there was some risk in attempting to practice in Ontario without it – as I had intended even in such an out of the way hole as Tullamore. Then came that man who wanted me to go up in the lumber district above Orillia to nurse small pox patients. Then came this offer which altho’ it took me far away from you – I gladly hailed as partially solving the problem of how I was to live. And I am not altogether sorry for having accepted it. I have seen a good deal, learned something and have some confidence in my own judgement. I am more selfreliant than I ever would have been at the T. G. Hospital – had I remained there for years. I have learned too that I can get along pretty well with most people, all of the officers and most of the men I think like me. Of course we have had our disputes and quarrels but with me they never kept up more than a day.

And another thing I have learned [?] your letters. That my Lizzie loves me truly – trusts me fully. Oh Lizzie do you know at times I used, like you, to be troubled with doubts and misgivings. But with my absence and your dear letters all my doubts have vanished and I know now that you really love me as I love you.

June 9th

We have had thunder storms all around us but now really near us – they seem to hug the mountains. To night I took my place at the end of the dinner table – it being my turn. No news of a mail or anything approaching it.

June 8th

Nothing whatever going on today. Our village is slowly progressing. The halfbreeds with their lodges render things more lively in appearance. Last night the men of ‘F’ Troop gave a dance to the halfbreeds – everyone seemed to enjoy themselves most heartily, dancing their reels and jigs, and old fiddler perched upon an elevated seated [ ? ] beat time with both feet and jerked head and arms about in a most remarkable manner. They kept the fun going until about midnight and Fort McLeod returned to its wonted state of repose.

June 7th

We are making a garden – the land has already been ploughed, and today it was harrowed and laid off into gardens for each Troop. It is rather late for a garden but we could not get at it no sooner.

Father Scullen came in quite unexpectedly about noon today – he is just beginning his yearly round and expects to be upon the prairie from now until next September visiting all the Indian camps.

June 6th

To day as usual church parade and after that I went for a short walk. After dinner Captain Winder, Brisebois, Jackson and myself had our horses saddled and went for a short ride. We went out on the prairie. Old Satan was looking well and feeling well – the evening was fine and we enjoyed our ride very much. I dare say when you have read my last letter that you will wonder what has become of the flower I said I had inclosed for you. I was having it pressed in a book in the Hospital – and kept your letter open over night in order to put in the flower in the morning – but I was called in such a hurry to send away my letters that I had to close it and send it away at once. I will send it to you in this whenever it goes.

Fort McLeod, June 5th, 1875

My dear Lizzie

This morning Glen started off in fine style with his four-in-hand team and his wife for Benton – taking with him letters etc. I always feel blue as a Mail is about leaving here – and to day was no exception to the rule.

We had a game of cricket. The Officers and non-commissioned Officers against the men. The men were in high feather and were certain of a great victory. I was captain of the Eleven, but feeling very cross. I was so put out by the refusal of three or four of the sergeants to play, that I said I would have nothing more to do with the match – an expression of ill temper that was amusing no doubt. Jackson then took the management and supplied the places of the disaffected – and the match proceeded. Strange to say – we were successful beating them in both innings.