Str Sir James Douglas
Metlakatlah
24th August 1858 (*2)
My dearest Wife
“The Boscowitz” called me here last night, having left Victoria on the 18th, no mail for me, but as I told them to send it to Fort Simpson. I may get it there today. I have always a great craving for news of you, and of our dear ones. The Wee Man’s holidays will be drawing to a close when you receive this. I hope indeed that you will have a happy time with him and Kit and that this will find you all in good health. I am of course anxious to hear of your safe return to England. I hope that you are not disappointed with Braff’s latest effort. Of course I want to know all about your doings during the Vacation – and Frank’s future is causing me great anxiety. I wrote to Frank by last mail it left here with one to you on the 20th. I must if possible send Jack a line this time though I would like to write to Puss, I owe her a letter, & I am not in the rascals debt. — O course I want to hear if you are at Ilfracombe, or in Scotland? The admiral will I know make it pleasant for you if he can.
I am, thank God, well: twice I have tried to dispense with the bandages, but was obliged to take to them again. I fear I am getting too stout, which is a nuisance. So far I have been getting on well with my work but I am now coming to the troublesome discontented factions at Ft. Simpson & on the Naas. The village here presents a sad picture most of the houses empty, the windows taken away, & fast going to destruction, the church, the largest in the province, has suffered much, the lining has all been torn off, the heavy pillars in many places nearly chopped through and this all done under the eye, & guidance of Mr. Tomlinson, & with the consent & approval of Mr. Duncan. The Indians here say their friends who went away with Mr. Duncan, will return before long, that they are getting tired of being Americans: fancy Duncan taking took the oath of Allegiance to the U.S. & and made all this ignorant followers do likewise. I still hope to get back to Victoria by the middle of Sept. if we are not detained by some unforeseen circumstances – today we are at Anchor, at noon, owing to a dense fog, it may clear off later — You see I am hard up for something to write about, or I would not waste so much paper on this subject. I could go on asking questions about you all, but it would only be repeating what I have said before, again & again.
I feel it hard that I cannot help start Frank near home. Unfortunately there is very little doing in our own country. But you must get for him all he requires, and also all that is necessary for his comfort, but I would not advocate providing too large an outfit – he is awfully careless, & whether he goes to B.A. or Spain he will, after a while find out what he requires, & we can arrange to send them, A great number of things would be inconvenient to him.
The Boscowitz is weatherbound here like ourselves. My bag may be in that for Ft. Simpsons is it not hard that I cannot get it but the fog appears to be clearing off both steamers may get away before long.
You must promise that you will have your teeth attended to – it will be a great mistake to neglect this opportunity.
Fort Simpson 24th
We arrived here an hour ago, I have just had my mail bag with nice letter from Puss, which I will try to answer, late as it is, 10-30-PM. No letter again from any one in Victoria & no letter from Jack. Puss tells me you are going to Uppingham & to Mrs. Watson for a week & to Scotland I always said you would have high jinks when I went away well I am right glad you are going, if you will only banish trouble from your mind & be happy, & make others happy, which you can always do, when you try. I am glad you have made the acquaintance of Mrs. Blakeley’s Cousin & that she is so nice to you, cultivate her. Mrs. B. took a great fancy to you but Kit has not told me what she said to you this I should like to know. Wish you had been able to tell me something satisfactory about Frank. Puss has not told me how you fared at Braffs hands. I am sorry you had so rough a passage. Good night dear soul – May God present you and dear ones with love to all
I am always your devoted husband
P.O’Reilly
Very kind regards to Sir M & Lady Seymour & to their young people
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*2 2020 – This is likely an error by the original transcriptionist. Peter and Caroline were not married until 1863. It should read 1888
Back to list of 1888-89 letters
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.