My darling husband
I could not help being a little disappointed when I found you had not come on Sunday morning tho I had told myself before that I did not expect you and now I am troubled for I hear that the “Lillooet” will not come up again until next Sunday & that will be very trying I saw Capt. Flemming to-day he told me that the machinery required repair & so I shall be anxious either way. If I would have telegraphed, I think I would but the line is down & so perhaps you will have
to stay at Westminster. It is very trying for me. The McKays have a Chinaman but are kept very busy & can’t come over much, I don’t like to trouble them, so this is the fourth evening I have spent alone. I don’t mind it so much till after the children are gone to bed. I have not felt well since I returned having been troubled with my Head so I am going to dose myself to-night which I dare say it will do me good. The wee ones are well dear things and are anxiously
looking for your return. I have had one encounter with Frank and he has been a good boy since. On Sunday & I sent Ellen to Church & in the evening I made Mrs. Porter’s little children go for a long walk. We went nearly to Gordons. Mrs. McKay had been very unwell I think it is the cooking & making jam. I have had a turn at it. Mr. Bushby sent up a quantity of currants & I boiled a few lbs and gave the remainder to Mrs. M who wanted them for jelly. I was sorry that Clarkson
did not send the raspberries as I could have done them well to-day. It has been quite cool. The guns have been firing since dawn & this afternoon we went to the back street & found the McK’s at Mrs. Evans house. He asked me in so I went in & partook of some raspberry vinegar Mr. Blouse & the bride, Mrs. Micking were there. I was introduced. We stayed about an hour but it was very stupid worse then 24th, it seems there was some difficulty between the A’s & C’s (*3) & Mr. Evans did not go out all day, but a last he invited Capt. Flemming
in to take a drink & then I asked him if it was true that they were not coming till Sunday he said he did not know. Tuesday morning it was too late to finish last night dearie & I knew the boat would not leave till 12 o’clock today. I wasted my time looking at the fireworks they were very good I longed so for you to have been there. Mr. M called out & wanted me to join their party, but, I was out of spirits & I wanted to write. I had a letter from Mrs. Seymour enclosing the photos & thanking me for the book which I sent her & she sent up a small box of jams & the lemon thyme but no flowers. I will send you her letter & you will see what she says. I have written to her telling her that I don’t believe in what old London says about them & that I should like to have a few to take cuttings from. I have also told her that if you are detained in Westminster you will sure call
to see her again. & if so & she says anything you might see after them. I suppose old London wants to sell them. Be sure you have a Heliotrope & some stocks. I have had the misfortune to break the Kitchen lamp will you get one at Cunninghams it will be a small one for $1 or $1.50 the smallest size of lantern wick also a Chimney for it. And how dear soul the whistle is gone and I must finish & send this as I have no one to depend upon now. With many loves & kisses from the chicks & many prayers that you may return to us in safety on Thursday. I am your ever loving devoted wife.
Carry O’Reilly
I shall be disappointed if Tommy had not made you have your likeness taken in the gray suit.
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*3 Americans and Canadians
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.