My own beloved husband,
I felt very dreary at leaving you and I was very lonely on the way up, but I did not trouble anyone with my fears. & went to meals at the table. Capt. Flemming was very polite and attentive and I had a little chat with Mr. Tait. The pic-nic party amused me till they all left at Langley.
It was a wonderfully cool day the winds blew very strongly. We went on till 9 & I then took your advice & went to bed very lonely. We started again at 3, & reached Hope at 4 & left there at 10 min. to 5 & arrived here a little before 8. I was very nervous, but kept in my cabin, tho I got up & dressed. I was on deck before we came in sight of the house & looking out for our darlings. I saw them both on the verandah with Mrs. Porter & Ellen. Mr. McKay came on board also Coffee & Mashell, the later brought up my parcels. I found the dear children quite well tho they look pale. Frank hardly vouchsafed me a kiss but looked behind me at once saying “Where’s Papa? I went over to Mrs. McKay’s and thanked them
much for their goodness then I came over I had breakfast with Julia. I sent for Mr. Burr to give him the letters the message about the Telegram. I thanked Capt. Flemming & asked him to come & see us at which he seemed pleased. I feel tired but shall be all right tomorrow. I have no doubt. The McKays are vexed at Miss Noyle for not coming. The People here are impatient. Now dearie I have told you all & will say good-bye till we meet I shall think of you all day hurrying about. I am now going to write to Mrs. Seymour & Mama. With much dear love many kisses from your little ones, who will be looking out for you on Sunday.
I am your truly loving wife
Carry O’Reilly
I wish you would ask what that noise was for the evening we reached W. It is blowing a gale here & the *1 dust is worthy of Lytton. I am afraid we had a rough passage. Hector is all right he came to meet me. Mashell be helping the French woman to get the dinner. Mr. Coffee says they were disappointed at you not coming. I said you were sent for by Mr. Hanhiu. Two things of mine were left in the black bag. The little piece of paper with the black stuff for the teeth & also a little round ornament made of beads belonging to my belt. The big rat has just been caught in the trap & killed by Tom. *2
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1 W for Westminster, later called New Westminster.
2 This may be the Chinese man that is mentioned in No. 10.
This collection of letters has been digitized from an earlier transcription project and is for informational purposes only. This transcription has not been verified against the originals. Researchers interested in these letters should consult the original documents housed at the BC Archives.