This is a transcription of the Diary of Frederick Arthur Paulin(e) (1861-1955) who was a merchant and politician in Victoria, BC. He was best known for having served as Speaker of the Legislature between 1922-1924. The original belongs to the Cormack Family, and they have consented to having this posted.
[1]
Diary
Frederick Paulin
March 1883
[2]
1884
Total Amount F Pauline
Paid Out
Janry 7th 120.00 60.25
Sinda Sougo 1.25
Food 3.60 1.20
Baggage 5.00 3.00
10th Food 1.00 .33
15th bbge + Ctqe 1.20 .40
16th Oc Hotel 3.00 1.00
20 stamps
“ mustard
16 1 mo rent of room 12.00 4.00
12 Oc Hotel 15.00 1 wk 5.00
25 Leul Blanckera 10.00
Feb 1 16 1 mo rent 10.00 5.00
20 leul Braun 1.00
[3]
March 14
Left home in the morning and started for Liverpool with Charley Braund reached there at 2.0 pm had driver secured a bedroom and then started down to the Alexandra Docks to look over our vessel the Brooklyn Steamship of the Dominion Line, after the inspection we took a bus back to the city had tea and then saw “Iolanthe” at the Prince of Wales.
March 15 =
7 o’clock in the morning saw us making our way to the docks, sitting in state perched on our worldly belongings in one
[4]
Of the city freight wagons. The morning was a cold + wintry one and we were very glad to reach the docks where the good ship which was to be our home for a fortnight or so was still busily engulphing tons of cargo every description it was not until 11 o’clock that the passenger luggage was got on board, and then we had our first meal on board, dinner at 12 o’clock and as we had eaten nothing since early breakfast we made a capital repast, an hour after dinner we left the dock and gradually dropped down the river, until
[5]
Brought up at Rockferry to have our compasses checked and the latest instructions received by 7 pm we were well out at sea and making 12 knots and hour for Belfast. Stopped on deck until past midnight the moon shone brilliantly casting a dazzling light on the calm sea beneath. Slept soundly and on rising found we were snugly anchored in Belfast Bay.
March 16
At 10 o’clock the packet boat came off to the ship with mails and about a dozen passengers, and at 11 we were again under
[6]
Weigh and stood round the north of Ireland, went down to dinner, strange to say my appetite had almost deserted me and I quickly regained the deck where an extraordinary inclination to generously part with my dinner for the benefit of starving fish done, slowly by surely overcame me.
I was some time industriously employed in this manner, in one of my short intervals of leisure, a ghastly object with a faint resemblance to CB made its way with uncertain staggering steps towards the cabin. I was unable to reason at the time or I might have
[7]
Known the vision was my friend, and that his occupation was just then identical with my own, how things went on after this I really unable to relate, I have a dazed recollection of clinging helplessly to the rigging for many hours, and of the ships pitching rolling in a most distressing manner, many a time that night I wished myself safe on terra firma once more.
March 17
Very bad all day could only just crawl about a bit felt very weak and could not take any thing to eat at all.
[8]
March 18
Weather moderated andsm shore, and the temperature had risen, nifaes quite summer, felt much better in consequence, CB is as right as a trivet. I managed to crawl into church in the cabin, the decks crowded with convalescents all enjoying the welcome change – eat an apple.
March 19
Wind changed in the night, very rough choppy sea again, completely upset me and I am as bad as at first.
March 20
Weather still rough managed to eat a ships biscuits and an apple, the steward got me a cup of tea.
[9]
March 21
Weather fine, sea much calmer, I am well enough to attend the messroom concert and to contribute my quota to the evenings amusements, I take my first meal at tea tonight since last Friday dinner time.
I am last but one of our mess to recover from the mal de mer
March 22-3
Weather charming quoits and shovel board on the top deck, writing letters home ready to post at Portland.
March 24
Weather not so fine, much colder, and sea rougher looking forward now to the end of the voyage, water on the ship becomes bad.
[10]
March 25
Easter Sunday. Sea very rough and snowing very cold, waves dashing right over the top deck, not church today weather too bad, dinner very poor, but excusable considering the rolling of the vessel.
March 26
Hurrah, sight land on the starboard bow at 2 o’clock, pilot came on board at six and by 7:30 we were anchored outside Portland Harbour waiting for the tide which did not serve till midnight. We had a glorious farewell night in our messroom such an one as I shall not easily forget
[11]
Our last merry meeting was ended by our going on deck between twelve and one to see the ship worked into harbor. Then went to roost and when we hurried out in the morning found the luggage being hauled out onto the wharf.
March 27
Went up town to post our letters, a quaint dirty old town, all the houses nearly built of wood left at 11.0 am for Chicago after been thoroughly immanaged by the US Customs by 11.0 pm we were across the border in Canada passed through Montreal in the night and
[12]
Toronto as well. Brilliant moonlight nights, ground still winter bound and covered with snow.
March 28 – 29
Still going, south now to Point Arrow left the snow behind now and reach Chicago at 11 am on the 29th and get our first regular meal and wash for three days – call on Ino Gilchrist of Gossage Co and spend the evening with him, there are some very fine buildings here, but the social and political condition of the place is as bad as it well can be –
March 31
Leave at 11 am for the north going through
[13]
Some very pretty country, passing along and crossing the noble Mississippi reach Minneapolis.
April 1st
At 9:30 am Sunday morning where we are obliged to remain until evening when we again resume our journey passing
April 2nd
Through a very flat country all covered with snow, had a blizzard to day, a blizzard is a snow storm accompanied by wind and they are very dangerous sometimes in the winter, as you cannot see a yard in front of you and often lose your way.
[14]
April 2nd
Reach Winnipeg at 7:30 pm very thankful to get a good nights rest and a square meal.
April 3rd
Go through the ½ dozen introductions we have with us and call at Richardson’s Store in Main St have very nice reception, but he seemed to doubt whether he would be able to find positions for both of us, and asked us to call again on Friday.
April 4th
Secured a nice quiet room with Breakfast attacked and removed our quarters from the hotel, taking our dinner supper in the city
[15]
April 5th
Called on Richardson as per appointment but again received a put off for tomorrow and began to feel some doubt that anything would come of it, so determined at last to commence a store to store canvas for employment rather than waste any more time. Kept at this delightful occupation all that April 5 day and until 4 pm the next toiling + trampling through the slush + mud without the slightest avail disheartened + tired out sick at heart we tried our last cash for that day and with forlorn hope we called again on our
[16]
First spec, and key presto – change, were raised from the lowest of spirits, and the dismallest of prospects to the accustomed + requisite serenity of mind
April 7
A days holiday prior to resuming an active life
April 8
Sunday morning and a day of rest, thank God for that, go to Holy Trinity Church in the evening, and hear a very beautiful anthem and a sermon [illegible] men
April 9
In harness once more and glad to have a settled task to perform, the inaction of the past month had become positively wearisome – it is
[17]
Rather curious and worth noting that it is exactly a month to day that we resigned our positions in the old country.
April 10
The frost gradually going and the streets of Wg in a terrible state of wind, the wind here is noted for its tenacious and gluey nature –
April 15
Went to Wesley Hall in the evening heard a capital sermon, slight blizzard in the morning so did not go out.
April 21 join the St George’s Society some fine weather much drying up rapidly.
April 22
Attend church parade of the above society
[18]
At Christ Church Service commenced with “Onward Christian Soldiers” they had Dykes Te Deum and “What are these” for the anthem and concluded with the “National Anthem” went to dinner at Henry Fry’s and spent the remainder of the day in a very enjoyable manner
April 23
The ice on the Red River breaks up also the Assiniboine son quite hot midday
April 29
Went to a confirmation at Christchurch by the Bishop of Ruperts Land there were only 7 candidates, all of them I believe from St John’s Ladies College, all of them dressed in the customary
[19]
White dresses with white veils heard a beautiful sermon at Holy Trinity in the evening on the poetry of the psalms by the Reverend Mr Hicks
April 30
I get the first letter from England since leaving with enclosures for Charles from my late Junior Clerk also one from Lizzie B
We had been anxiously waiting for news and with schoolboy eagerness we ran to our coffee house to digest their contents.
May 1st
The weather has again become cold and there is not the slightest signs of life in regelation as yet.
[20]
May 3
Letters from home at last, one each from my father and mother, things do not seem to have improved much since I left, my father still very worried with business matters, I hear that they have been getting very dry weather there and that some rain would be “acceptable.”
May 4
Sunday weather still very cold church twice walk over to St Boniface The Red + Assiniboine Rivers very full with rapid current. I write to Blandtern
[21]
Kellet _ my Mother
May 7
Weather keeps cold low temperatures with occasional snow.
May 11
Letters from my father + mother – go to Winnipeg Oratorio Societys third concert – very good – go home to Imp become acquainted with Eustace Baden, draw $1 from RDR making $20 in a $30 more due to this date May
May 20
Went to church in evening stopped Sacrement, Letter from Louise who is at S[illegible] and likes the place very well.
May 24
Queen’s Birthday – general holiday –weather showery – go to Dufferin Park
[22]
Sports in morning, evening turned out fine, finished up at Frys, meet DE Cuildcourt of Greet.
May 26
Fine weather vegetation advancing rapidly, $10 from RDR on 23rd leaving $40 due to this date. Newspaper from my father yno from Joe Kiss, one from Miss S with one of my collars in it.
May 27
Go down to S Johns Cathedral in the evening to service
June 2
No letters or newspapers received this week – $50 due from RDR this day. Braund starts on Monday the 4th on commission.
[23]
June 8th
Receive $30 afc this day from RDR leaving $35 due on the 9th
June 9th
Braund has not done anything worth speaking about at the commission business + begins to talk very glum as well he may
June 10th
Sunday church in morning after which it mivel + rained tremendously had to wear top boots overcoats to going down to supper received letter from Louise also from Lizzie, answered both.
June 12th
Two newspapers from Geo Smith, weather fine very growing.
[24]
June 15
Very heavy rains at night, fine hot sun during the day, long letter from Geo Smith.
June 16
Newspaper from JT Kiss, due from RDR 49.50
June 17
Church morning, evening weather showery, wrote to G Smith, sent “Puck” to kiss went up to RDRs to Ted
June 18
Trade is generally very depressed in Manitoba now and a number of people unable to obtain employment, money very scarce + things generally looking very like a financial crisis, failure in Chicago this day of McGeech for £500 000
[25]
June 20
Showery
June 21
Hot 90 to 95 in shade
June 23
Letter from Pollie B, newspaper from GS amount due this day from RDR 60, dull
June 24
Church parade of the militia at St T
Weather very threatening + cloudy write to my father although no letter received from home since May 11th
June 27
Very hot weather as high as 95 in the shade and very oppressive to work in. letter from my father containing the good news that after having been out of work for weeks he has
[26]
Engaged with Glass Co of Bristol with an agreement
$10 from RDR
June 30
Letter from Joe Kiss $10 from RDR amount still remaining due $52.50 to this date.
July 1st
Weather not quite so hot cool breeze, wrote to my father + J Kiss
July 2nd
Dominion Day went down to Frys for tea
July 3rd
$10 from RDR still due $42.50. Wrote to George in reply to his long + interesting letter
July 4
Letter from Herbert
July 6
CB comes home the worse for liquor to my great surprise and sorrow.
[27]
July 7
$20 from RDR leave due to this date $35. Owe CB 5.15 boarding at Mispellachrae’s now at 25c a meal
July 14
Due to this date 47.50. Letter from Lizzie I answer to both Pollie and Lizzie.
Letter from George amusing + welcome
July 15
HTC morning + Ev Coles Circus comes into the city weather showery, just what the farmers wanted, prospects of the harvest as good as could be wished, write to my mother and George
July 17
Go to [illegible] this morning + have some rare sport
[28]
July 21 Due to this date from RDR $60
July 22nd
Send a newspaper each to Geo Smith FP + Walter Goodman = Nathan is back from Brandon on his way down to San Francisco
De Cimoncourt strikes nest again tomorrow
July 28th
Pay CB 5.00 leaving 50c balance, due this day from RDR $72 ½ letter from Louise newspaper from FP sen
July 29
Church in the evening at HTC
July 30
Wrote to Louise received letter from Revd Alt Horlock of Hale, BC answering my enquiries.
[29]
Had a severe cold + feverish symptoms, my landlady Mrs T prescribes acoute which does me a deal of good.
Aug 2
Letter from George $10 from RDR leaving 62 ½ balance
Aug 4
Paid by RDR this day $15 leaving $60 due still.
Aug 5
Bishop of Saskatchewan preaches in the morning at HTC exiting fire on Main St last night very pleasant day cool breeze bright sun. RDR returns from the East to night after a month of absence
Answer Georges letter
Aug 11
72 ½ due this day from RDR letter recd from my father + mother.
[30]
Aug 13th
Jno Blankern course is by the South train this evening bringing some clothes for B + I. He left Liverpool on the 1st by the City of Rome to New York thence for rail thus doing the entire distance in 12 days. A very quick time this.
Aug 15th
JB goes into Brandon this morning
Aug 16th
Letter from George Civic Holiday soaking + bathing on the river. The Lacrosse club sports, weather delightful answer Georges letter.
Aug 17
$10 recd from RDR on Wednesday leaving $62 ½ due
Aug 18
Due this day $75 a very stormy night, vivid lightning heavy
[31]
Rain continuing all day
Aug 19
Sunday so that we remained prisoners indoors all day.
Aug 20
Received from RDR 10$ leaving 62 ½$ corrected as per their ledger to $75 letter from Blantern
Aug 25
Harvest commenced due this date $87 ½
Aug 26
Went to Knox Church with the Thomsons. Nathan leaves in the evening by the south train for San Francisco.
Aug 28
Rec d from RDR $20
Sept 1st
Due this day $80
Sept 2nd
HJC in morning CC in the evening Hon Lord Anison of Woolwich preaches at the Cathedral
[32]
Sept 7
10 degrees last night I remonstrate with RDR upon the irregularity of payment in the evening get $20
Sept 8
Pay Mrs Thompson $55.00 being lodging breakfast washing to Sept 4 for Braund + myself his share being 27.50 balance due this day from RDR $72 ½ weather very cool prematurely so
No letter from home since the 16th of August something wrong again I fear.
Sept 9
Church twice
Sept 14
Letter from George also Louise glad to get them, go to see Rigoletto at the Opera House. Braunn gets regular employment
[33]
Again at Alex Kennedys stationary store in the city.
Sept 15
Due from RDR $85.00
Sept 16
Long walk over the Assiniboine through the bus, in the evening go to Christ Church – wrote to Louise
Sept 19 Draw $15 from RDR, my birthday so spent a jovial evening concluding about 2 o’clock in the morning.
Sept 20
The front room lodger departs for Southern Manitoba
Sep 22
82 ½ due this day
A socialbel at Mip Macraes on the departure of Sutcliffe Dawson for Rat Portage.
[34]
Sep 23
Church twice
Sept 26
$10 from RDR
Sept 29
Letter from Cushing
Due from RDR $85.00
Sept 30
Walk over Louise Bridge through the scrub wrote to Cushing sent his papers, also to Ernest with respect to Xmas Cards
Oct 1
Went to Portage La Prairie to superintend RDRs stand at the Exhibition
Oct 2
Return to Winnipeg
Oct 6
Recd from RDR $10.00 due to this date still 87.50
Oct 7
Engaged myself to join the Christchurch choir, practice twice a week Wednesdays + Fridays in church in evening.
[35]
Oct 9
Sent a photograph of our store home. Braund and I had to remove our lodgings because our landlord was moving into another house, so we are now resided at Jack Frys 16 Higgin St + the weather is now quite mild again although a few days back it was frosty every night. Jack Fry goes out to Shoal Lake to superintend building a house – I am left in charge.
Oct 13
Due to this date 100.00 recd from RDR 5.00 leavin 95.00
Oct 14
Recd letter from George on Friday answer it today, Sunday and have tea at Whiteheads
[36]
Oct 15
Square up at Thompsons
Oct 16
5.00 from RDR leaving 90.00
Oct 17
Yesterday + today raining on and off all the time streets in terrible state of mud more rain for this time of the year than has been known for some years
Oct 18
5.00 from RDR leaving 85.00
Oct 19
Sharp frost, Darling the Irishman of our Brooklyn messroom comes in from surveying
Oct 20
Practice at Christchurch am formally elected a member
Oct 21
Due from RDR 97
Newspapers from JF Kiss send one in return mail, Cushing his papers.
[37]
Oct 22
Church twice at CC take tea at Rec Pentreaths the vicar, a nice genial man, a hard worker for the good of his parish.
Oct 23
Weather milder again temperatures about 30 degrees, 4 mile to MAH
10$ from RDR leaving $87 ½. Trade still continues very dull in Winnipeg and likely to remain for the winter
Oct 25
$5 from RDR leaving $82 ½ due weather still mild and streets very muddy in fact a sea of mud.
Oct 27
Saturday due today $95 newspapers from Geo Smith, no letter from home since the 14th
[38]
Oct 28
Church twice a beautiful day – Darling Sutcliffe go out to work on the track with the understanding that they + I start from here for BC (DV) the beginning of next March.
Oct 31st
Busy getting out accts
Nov 1
Weather fine moderately cold, $10 + $5 from RDR leaving 80$
Nov 2
Letter from my father Louise, the latter sends her photo a very nice one. I hear George has had the small pose and my father is running “the Gas Engineer” for Jno Wright & Co. Jno Blastern is coming to stay in Winnipeg at Geo Fry’s for the winter
Choir practice for Sunday Thanksgiving date.
[39]
Nov 3
$5 from RDR leaving $84 ½ to date invest in a banjo cost with [illegible] to $10.25
Nov 4
Church in evening only write to my Father and Louise
Nov 6
$10 from RDR leaving 77 ½ due (Nov 8th Thanksgiving day)
Nov 10
Due this day $90
Nov 11
Sunday slight blizzard below zero all day went to Church in evening only
Nov 12
$10 from RDR
Nov 15
Purchased pair Acme skates straps for $3 went skating at night on Red River
Nov 16th
$10 from RDR
Skated with Mrs F on the Red River
[40]
Nov 17 –
$7 from RDR leaving due this day $77 ½ weather moderate an very agreeable.
Nov 18
26 Sunday after Trinity 4 inches of snow but only a trifle below freezing wrote to ma mere
Nov 19
Fine meteor seen this afternoon
Nov 24
Jack Blanterie comes in from Brandon and stays at George Frys
Nov 25
JB goes to church in the evening with me 30 degrees below zero letter from George. Lizzie B during the week both of which I answer today
Dec 1
Wrote home sending $10 towards the Xmas dinner and Xmas greeting
Dec 2
Advent Sunday Tea at Frys 2 sample Xmas cards arrived from Ernest
[41]
With note from FP
Business is a little better in Winnipeg now in consequence of Xmas approaching but promises to be very dull in the spring, so much so that Jack Blanterie and I (as at present determined) intend to start for British Columbia the first week in January hoping therefore to better ourselves as the agricultural prospects of the North West for the next few years are not promising principally owing to the difficulty in finding a market for the grains and a
[42]
Large proportion of the crop having been frost bitten
Dec 9
Sunday – the past week has been extremely mild, the glass rising above freezing everyday this I believe to be exceptional at this time of the year in Manitoba – the glass at the present moment 2.15 pm stands at 45 above zero – received a letter from George Smith during the week I write to George, have arranged to start for BC Jany 8th
Decem 16
Church at night very 20 below zero, wrote to George Smith
[43]
Dec 19
Letter from Louise + George + Emilice Burden. Louise going to Henley to keep house for Grandpa, Grandma having had an attack of apoplexy and become helpless
Dec 21st
Very cold, 30 below zero, practice at the school
Dec 25
Church in the morning at Christchurch – dinner at Jack Frys Tea at Georges wrote to good man
New Years Day – fine but very cold
Jany 5 leave Richardsons
Jany 7 Start with Jack Blantern + Chars Brand to
[44]
British Columbia (Victoria)
Jany 8
Reach Glyndon on the northern Pacific and travel along it reaching Bizmarck capital of Dakota in the evening – slept (myself) very well considering the circumstances
Jany 9
Reached Glendive in Montana at 8:30 am – this place is great on cattle farming – the country of a mountainous [illegible] description, gradually
Jany
Tending to country of a still more rocky nature passed over one range this morning and had lovemain in Helena (the headquarters of the gold mining district of Montana)
[45]
Until eleven at night when we again started crossing + tunneling under the main range the time running up + down in land amongst very fine scenery, with a brilliant clear moon lending to luster circumstance the beauty of the scene
Jany 11
Still passing through the lumbering districts of the upper regions.
Jany 12
Reached Rashdrum still amid the pine forests nothing of note except two sharp collisions in the night which smashed two or three buffers and shook the passengers pwerhat – I omitted
[46]
To mention the passage over too very loft trestle bridges yesterday – the Marent Trestle is 226 feet high – the train broke away from our coach thrice today on the second occasion leaving soul on the prairie for 2 hours, it was a very clear moonlight night and as we were left on an incline we started the cars and ran them own to where the remainder of the train was waiting – passed over
Jan 13
The Snake River at 3 o’clock this morning and after skirting the Columbia River for about 200 miles thoroughly appreciating its
[47]
Magnificent scenery we reached Portland at 4 pm.
Stayed over night left Jan 14 at 6 o’clock the next morning by steamer “RR Thompson” for Kalowna on the Columbia River reach there at 10 am and take train for New Tacoma arrived there at 3 in the afternoon left again at 9 pm on the “North Pacific” paddleboat and passing through
Jan 15
The Puget Sound reached Victoria at 1 pm
Jan 17
Called on the Lord Bishop of Columbia – wrote to my father
Jan 20
Sang in the Cathedral choir neither of us have succeeded in getting work up to the present time – wrote to my aunt
[48]
Jany 25
Wrote to ma mere received a letter from George in which nothing is said of the $10 I forwarded hom on Dec 1st
Jany 26
Hanlan + Lee reached here by the steamer Mexico this morning from San Francisco Lee is to row against Cotsford here on the 7th Feby
Jany 27
Sunday Rainy to fine Service twice in the Cathedral neither of us have got any work things begin to look very serious at the present time a great number of men here doing nothing willing to work for their food
The Chinese having a festival today it being their new years day.
[49]
Far Far towards the setting sun their weary tray [illegible] hutch at length on a far off shore their tired limbs they
Jany 28
Engaged to assist the Senior Report at the Colonist office, he being unwell I take his night work going on duty at 6 pm leaving at 1 or 2 am for the handsome remuneration of $7 per week.
Feby 3
Church in the evening at Cathedral, a very cold West wind
Feb 14
Receive letter from my mother – skating on Swan Lake
Feby 17
Sunday write to RDR + Fry and my mother
Cathedral in the evening
Snow and high wind
[50]
Feby 18
Snow continues reaching depth of 16 inches
Feby 20
Thaw commences
FEby 24
Sunday snow all gone block on NPR Railroad through snow
March 1
First through mail for a week past arrive today. Weather yesterday and to day beautiful send Colonist to MA Brand
March 4
Recd letter from George and Ernest containing favorable report of home
Marc 6
Wrote to George + Ernest
Marc 10
Wrote to Polly Lizzie Brand in answer to their letters received just after Xmas.
[51]
Marc 11
Letter from RD Richards in answer to mine offering to take me back and asking me to telegram if I think of doing so, I cable back that I am grategul for offer but cannot return.
March 12
Still at the same place, Charlie has been working for the past fortnight at Hawkins Store in Vica and the prospects are very good there for him if he will only keep steady and take advantage of them
Write to MH Jones of Wpeg as promised, sent weekly to Goodman.
Mch 25
Letters from my father, Herbert and Goodman. A year today since we left Liverpool.
[52]
First letters from home since my arrival in Victoria
Weather fine.
March 16
Write to my father and Herbert
March 17
Hear of a job up on the Skeena River at Dempsters Cannery as clerk and storekeeper.
March 18
Agree to take it at $60 per month and found go up on Tuesday next
March 22
Terminate my engagement at the “colonist” office
March 24
Offer of a position from Munroe Miller to edit the “Resources” @ $60 per mo and keep books too late however as I have promised to go north.
[53]
Charlie will probably live with Hawkins altogether, until I return in the fall, that is if I do return.
March 25
Weather fine leave on board Barbara Boscome at 10 o’clock Pm for Skeena River. The vessel deck covered with lumber and a heavy load beneath; consisting of boilers, iron work, oil, rum and various stores. The passengers a very motley lot with a herd of Chinamen in steerage. Only 11 cabin berths and 35 saloon passengers, so the saloon table has to make me a bed with my bag for a pillow.
[54]
While the remaining 23 settle down into odd corners under the table an amongst the baggage.
March 26
Slowly steaming north. She is a wretched old tub, makes but 6 knots an hour. A very fine day, pass Nanaimo at 10 o’clock am. Anchored outside Seymour Narrows at 8 o’clock pm
March 27
Reached Alert Bay at 6 pm natives in strong force, dressed in blankets of all colours. Witnessed a native reception and great palaver. Indian graveyard with ornamentation. Went over
[55]
The Alert Bay Canning Co Cannery. Reached Nawittie at 11 pm crowd of Indians come around in canoes.
March 28
Crossed Queen Charlotte Sound this morning steamer rolled very much in consequence of deck freight, more especially too heavy boilers one lashed each side of amid ship. Entered Rivers Inlet at 1 pm and passed the St Otter going down, reached McDorrell and McNeill’s cannery and dumped the two boilers overboard, and the Indians then towed them to the cannery, still further up
[56]
Inlet to the Rivers Inlet Co which is situated at the head of the Inlet around it on 3 sides are lofty and precipitous mountains rising sheer from the waters edge, and clothed from base to summit with almost impenetrable fir trees.
March 29
Saturday left the Inlet at 7 am
March 30
Sunday arrived at Aberdeen 7 pm this evening in time for supper. The Cannery is the topmost one on the Skeena River which is bound on both sides by precipitous cliffs clothed with firs with snow clad summits. Almost directly across the river
[57]
Is a hot sulphur spring. Exceedingly pleasant to bath in, and very efficacious in cases of rheumatism +c.
April 6
One week of the new life gone. Now church x fine day, climbed up mountain in the afternoon.
Apl 9
Service in the evening in the office, for the white men attached to the cannery
Apl 11
No steamboat yet to hand
Here stranger ye may rest in peace and quiet
Although the rest of the know world run wth
Fine weather the canoes begin to descend the river from consequent upon the breaking up of the ice.
[58]
April 12
If gaiety and bustle meet thy news
Pass on!
If envy hatred malice thee wouldst choose
Begone
If they hear pain thee at some bitter strife
And pain?
Would had a better and calmer life
Remain
April 13
Easter Sunday. Went over to Port Essington to fetch the mail, but found the steamer had gone up to the Naas River with it on board. Stayed to the C of E Service which Mr Sheldon conducted, and had dinner at the BA Canning Co. Pulled back with tide and wind against us very hard work
[59]
Apl 16
Otter arrived letter from George forwarded by CB from Victoria, In it I learn of the death of William Paulin of [illegible]
April 20
Sunday. Go over to the hot springs in the morning and inspect ravine in afternoon
April 23 Steamer Boscomb arrived, was considerably disappointed at receiving no letters having expected a big packet. Learn that two Chinamen and a Swedish were drowned whilst attempting to cross from Port Essington to Aberdeen on Sunday
Apl 27
Sunday, church in the Hotel Mr Sheldon clergy all the white men present
[60]
Apl 28
Write to Braund
Apl 29
Complete first month at the cannery
Apl 30
Expecting “Princess Louise”to be put on this route
May 1
Weather, showery, garlands absent, and the only flowers to be found are a few scattered blossoms of the salmon berry, the buses of which are similar to the English raspberry, but it bears a large pink blossom and a fruit like a raspberry but larger and coarser.
May 2
Letters from home will be welcome, no letter from Braund yet since leaving Victoria.
May 5
“Otter” arrived yesterday Sunday letters from CB WH Jones + L Gibbons. Wrote to my
[61]
Father and CB. Salmon fishing for canning commence tomorrow.
May 11
Sunday, no church
May 12
Wrote to WH Jones and Lester Gibbons expecting Boscovitz every day now
May 15
Boscovitz arrived, letters from Braund and ma mere
May 17
Shipped salmon on Boscovitz 234 cases, salmon running very slowly.
May 18
Church in morning at Aberdeen and then went over with the minister to Port Essington, returned later. Fine weather.
[62]
May 21
Wet weather once more. The salmon running very slowly. Wrote George Smith
May 22
Wrote to my mother
May 25
Wet still continues, letter George, wrote him
Sunday, no church, hot springs
May 29
Sent papers to FP
June 1st
First fine day for a fortnight, usual bath. Arrival of Duncan Steamer with church party.
June 3
Wrote to Braund, salmon a little more numerous
June 7
Letters arrived form {illegible] steamer having gone up to Maas River first, one from Blanktern one from Lister Gibbons and bundle papers from Braund.
[63]
June 8
Sunday wet Mr Jennings across from Essington in the afternoon, wrote to Lister Gibbons
June 11
A canoe arrived from the [illegible] containing Mr Goumanes + children, and bringing round of the massacre of Mr Youman whilst standing in his shop by an Indian whose son had been drowned whilst in the deceased’s employ. The Indian had demanded $500 for his sons death, as is common among Indians, and Youmans refused to pay hence the murder
June 15
Another wet Sunday. Mr Sheldon sent a bundle of papers across. Mail arrive
June 19
Write to my father replying to one received yesterday, containing cheering news.
[64]
June 22
Sunday. Fine day – went to springs no church
June 25
Wet, salmon moving well now canning 400 + 500 cases a day
June 29
Sunday dull day but no rain no church
Existence only
June 30
Fine day Boscovitz arrives. Letters from Braund, George +c. write to Dr Swinburne
July 3
Fine glorious weather, the salmon now running in great quantities was much as we are scarcely able to can them all + party starts up the Mado River to attempt the capture of the murderer of AC Youmans at the Forks of the Skeena
[65]
July 6
Sunday – fine day Mr Jennings comes across and preaches
July 7
Wrote to Braund expect to finish canning in a fortnight
July 11
Considerable excitement with regard to Lornes Creek gold mines consequent upon recent discoveries. George in his letter says he means to come out here next spring. I hardly know what to advise him
July 18
Am disturbed by hearing from Gibbons that Braund has left Hawkins.
[66]
July 20
A long and very satisfactory letter from my father
July 24
Nearly all the while men go down to Victoria. Write to George
July 31
Finish canning pay off all fishermen
Aug 4
Go haymaking on the Oxstall River, very hot day
Aug 5
Go to carry the grass we cut yesterday
Aug 10
Row over to Essington to day, Sunday. Go to morning service. Stay dinner with Rev Mr Sheldon and now home – very wet.
[67]
Aug 11
Anxiously awaiting steamer Princess Louise which was to have left Victoria on Aug 1 not hand yet
Aug 22
Princess Louise arrived announcing her arrival by trying to bust the wharf. Letters from my father,
Nice weather
Aug 15
Mail arrives from Boscovitz which has gone north. Letters from Braund, Hawkins, Saunders, my mother, and George. I learn that Braund has left Hawkins to go to Morlow Station at $75 per month which promises to be a good situation. The gold excitement
[68]
Increase several parties have gone up the river, although I don’t think there is anything to warrant the rush.
Aug 16
Boscovitz arrived to day. Wrote to Hawkins Braund Higgins and my mother.
Aug 18
Mr Dempster ges on a prospecting expedition to mouth of Skeen aRiver, only 3 white men on the Ranch here and very few natives.
Aug 24
Expedition retd Reoult only saw very little grazing land but saw an immense whale which was evidently landlocked in the shallow water
Aug 20
Princess Louise arrived
Truth and the BDP and no from FP Sen
[69]
No letters
Aug 28
Princess Louise calls on her way down. A little boy whilst watching a canoe going up river fell over the wharf and was drowned.
Aug 31
Sunday – Invitation from Mr Sheldon very wet could not go
Sept 7
Sunday – fine day – hot springs
Sep 9
P Louise at Essington did not come up to Aberdeen. Letter from George. Wrote to him. Take the mail over at night. Fine moonlight might reach home land
Sept 10
This morning
[70]
Sept 14
Go across to E with Malcolm Morrison, attend service with communion, sail both ways
Sept 16
Mr Dempster with Mr Holmes of the B and Pg C leave for the mine this morning. Wrote to Braund
Sept 17
Boscovitz arrives at E mail comes over. Letters from my father, Mother, Hicks and Braund. Sent Colonist to FP Sen
Oct 3
Expecting Otter Boscovitz every day, snow gradually descending on the mountains
[71]
Days becoming chilly. The Indians departing finally for the interior, the ranch becoming deserted.
Mr Dempster goes down to V’a on this boat, on his return I terminate my engagement here.
Oct 5
The Boscovitz arrives I get a kindly letter from Dr Sc. Weather wet wet wet
Oct 12
Do do do and nothing else
Oct 20
Several parties of miners have come down, some gone on to Essington, others staying here. All waiting for the boat to go down. She is expected on the 24th.
[72]
Oct 30
Boscovitz arrived in River left on her for V
Nov 8
Arrived at V took a room at Mrs Fields. Letters from George
Nov 9
Harvest Festival at the Cathedral went twice sang in the choir
Nov 12
Wrote to George
Nov 13
Began work for Munro Miller, editing “Resources of British Columbia” $50 per mo
Nov 24
Sent Xmas greetings to Henley Lodge, Derby, Henley, B St + ESI Birmingham
Dec 15
Letter from Louise with greeting
[73]
1885
Jany 1st
Xmas has come gone and another year has commenced its course – May it be freighted with health and happiness for those that I love, aye for the whole world. I am still with Miller. The past 3 weeks have been very cold. Snow blocks on the NORR and no through rails during that time.
Jany 12
Letters + cards from FP Sen, Ma Mere, Ernest, George and paper from Geo Smith. Weather milder. Went to Saanich on Resources business. Wrote to Louise.
February 24
The diary does not get much attention now.
[74]
Why is this thus? Since last entry have had cheering letters from home. Have written to my father, mother, Ernest. Letter from MAB answer to B+L. Have left Millers work got so quiet he could not afford to employ me. Now working at American Consulate at same amek $50 per month. Spring is early, spring flowers are in full bloom. Taluron market so depressed that many canneries will not run. Small prospect of my going up north this season. Furs just dropped 30% so the only expectances the province has this summer are from the two railways and drydock now in course of
[75]
Construction.
Mar 5
Working full time at Am Consulate. Letter from George
March 13
$59.pp from RJS
Mar 27
No letters from home. Not feeling well call out Dr Raeger, he sounds me, lungs alright. Tonic draft presc 41049 powders Pres 41080 from D E Campbell Dry+
March 31
Sick in bed
Apl 4
St Joseph’s Hospital, typhoid fever.
June 9
Saanich convalescent
July 1
Picnic South Saanich. My position in the Am Cons filled. I’ve got no work to do – o- o so prolong my stay in the country.
[76]
July 17
Start at B Leiser’s Wholesale Prog House. All on excepting left side which is still weak.
Aug 23
I and J Hawkins drive out to Saanich to Turgooses on Sunday
Sept 6
I receive a letter from my mother in which she informs me of a severe illness my father has but that she hopes will soon be well.
Sep 7
The first rain falls since the middle of last March, it having been a very dry summer. The corner left hand side of bowels still weak, although no worse considerably depresses my spirits occasionally.
[77]
Oct 22
The year hastening to its close. Since last entry have heard of my fathers severe illness and recovery. Since been [illegible] getting $75 per month from S Leiser now. Geo writes he wants to come out here. Left side of bowel still weak. I half dread something must be forming here, otherwise fairly well.
Novemr 1st
Harvest Festival, funeral of John Hicks one of our crowd, who is supposed to have been robbed and murdered at 11 o’clock one might whilst on his way home close to his house.
Novemr 4
Festival of combined choirs at the cathedral a great success, the choir on the 1st inst wore surplices an innovation generally approved of by the congregation.
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Novem 8
Sunday, showery but mild. My side still queer, but no worse and I think no beter. I wrote to my father telling him I thought it would be better if George came out at all for him to come say February instead of April.
Dempster came down from the cannery a week ago, was pleased to see me, gave me a nice nugget to make a pin with, said he thought the cannery would run in 1886.
Mar 14, 1886
My diary seems to get little attention. Perhaps for the fact that theres nothing to mention. Christmas 1885-6 has departed and we are nearly arrived at spring time. George that he will soon come to BC so I have made arrangements by moving it to Mrs Kurmogh’s two front rooms March 13th. It is apparently for the best that he should come out trade being so depressed in England. My father much better [illegible] and working very hard to make the ends meet.
Apl 2
George arrives from England at last when I had almost – [illegible]
Apl 5
He starts work in a station store at $45 per mo, anything to obtain a footing. My health is decidedly better but still not what it might be – for all things I must be careful. It might be much worse.
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George tells me that Ernest is married and that he and his wife and her sister are coming to BC also that Herbert will accompany thme. This requires some thinking about.
Apl 25
Easter Sunday. Fine weather. Grand services at the Cathedral. Health much better. I don’t forget that my previous Easter saw me seriously sick with fever.
Apl 26
Choir picnic, great time
Apl 27
The quartette arrive, the ladies quite ill with the trip up from San Francisco, but soon recover after resting awhile. Now to find the boys employment – ah! There’s the rub.
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August 28
Since my last entry many things have happened. The summer has come and gone and beautiful weather it has been. Ernest George + Herbert and myself have been steadily employed and have enjoyed reasonable good health with the exception that George has had a slight quincy in his throat and for myself my side still stubbornly refuses to become strong.
Emmie and Amy Jennings are and have been well, the former has become very stout an event not entirely unexpected. Letters from home detailed the illness of
[81]
Both Mother and Louise and the rather feeble health of my Father all of whom Providence has now given better health. On June 14th the new city of Vancouver was burnt to ashes. On July 11th Can Pacific Ry was completed and trains from the Atlantic to the Pacific Oceans on one continuous line of rail. The salmon catch of this coast has not been good and the price of canned salmon raised considerably thereby. On Aug 20th three Victorian sealing schooners were seized by the American gov’t
[82]
Charged with sealing in American waters.
Herbert is doing tolerably well although he might be steadier and take greater care of himself. He may yet develop into a credit to the family.
Ernest makes a far better man than he did a boy and betrays inherent good qualities hitherto entirely unsuspected by me.
George has talent and perserverance of a high order not yet concentrated, but capable of great things of properly utilized and employed in an honourable and legitimate way.
[83]
Oct 22 86
Ernest’s wife presents him with a daughter at 5 pm to day.
Nov 8
News from AG the finances at home are in a very deplorable condition. This, always a shaky point with our family does not fail to trouble us at intervals but by the aid of Providence and our own exertions we sooner or later weather these monetary storms.
I have recently embarked in the poultry raising business with Leonard Phillips as partner putting George on the ranch to represent my half share. Whether we
[84]
Will have to keep the ranch or the ranch keep us we have yet to see.
Ernest has started in the produce and feed line and is working very hard I hope he may make it stick
Nov 18
Today is thanksgiving day we are going out to the ranch this afternoon. Services in the cathedral in the morning.
Nov 25
George and I see WH Dempster who returns north to the cannery to day he promises [illegible] the same berth will be spring that I held two years ago. G to go up in March next.
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Feby 20 1887
I am afraind my diary has been much neglected of late. Xmas 1886 has gone, and we are now well in to 1887. Many events have occurred since my last entry to ruffle the usually tolerably serene current of our lives. As to the ranch, so far it has been nothing but an incumbrance to me and the outlook is that it will continue to be so. In addition it became the means of dragging me into litigation over a horse and cart which I brought with the property, and which was claimed by another man under a mortgage. I however came off victorious and retained the
[86]
Said chattels. Ernest first plunche into business on his own account ended disastrously, and after being idle some six weeks, he has been temporarily employed in the Govt Office. George has been making believe to north on the ranch since the beginning of [illegible] he will go north to his post on the Skeena in about 3 weeks. Herbert has been perhaps the most fortunate of the trio inasmuch that he has [illegible] at work all the time, with the exception of a weeks severe weather [illegible] the factory was shut down. And here I might mention that the past month has been severe winter, the
[87]
Coldest and stormiest season known in British Columbia for twenty years. Now a word as regards myself. My occupation is yet the same my health no worse but not perceptibly better although it is nearly two years since I had typhoid fever. The trouble is still in the left side of the back just above the hip, and is apparently dyspepsia acting upon the left kidney, but of course I cannot be sure. I am convinced however that one thing is desirable that is a change from the sedative occupation to an outdoor and energetic one. This might effect a cure. How can I compass it? Ah! How?
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March 15th/87
The weather much warmer but still very wet we cannot be said to have had any fine weather as yet. My health remains about the same am trying hard to dispose of the chicken ranch. George leaves for the Skeena this week.
It is four years to day since I and Charley Braund left England to better our fortunes, and in looking back over that time I am almost inclined to be doubtful whether we have done so or not. This little book which has
[89]
Served me during that time as a diary cannot I think be more fitly closed than at the end of the fourth year of my pilgrimage abroad.
Finis.
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