Letter to Angus McKay from Henry McKay

Letter reading "Fort Qu'Appelle 12th Janury '79 - My dear Angus, This is now a long time since I heard anything of you - however I trust you are getting along alright. You must be sure and write me a very long letter by the return. How do you like the service? Crumm and Jobin[?] what sort of times do you have - This is a very good place I like it much better then I did Ellice - we have had not less then six grand parties since the New Year - one wedding. I had a nice time as I had the honour of being the best man - and I had a nice young girl for my partner all day - we dance a day and night - and ate twelve times during the dancing - The Non commissioned officers of the N.W.M.P. stationed here also gave a grand party and to crown[?] all the H.B. Coy [?] presented by Mr. McLean and his two Clerks gave a party the best ever given in the North West - plenty of Brandy flying around and any amount of young ladies such as they are - we hooped it up all night and day - we had two different departments for dancing - once for the first days and the other for the 2nd and 3rd and for all who came without being waited on the whole we enjoyed ourselves greatly - You know Mr McLean has a Melodian and the Mr plays like a brick - so we had all sorts of musical, vocal and instrumental - In return the Metis gave a party but was a failure. The Police party was so and so nice [?] - We are having very dull lives at present in the way of Trad. The Buffalo being scarce and furs also - plenty opposition - If we don't make a trade when the Traders come in this spring we will be down down. My hand is now healed. I can't shut my fist yet, but I trust after a while I will be able at least I hope I don't grip it much - as for writing goes I am doing nothing but keeping after which I badly require on the whole I am getting on very well not very much to do - I am in debt here over heals owing to my misfortune - I spent a great deal to much when I was down in Winnipeg this spring - and my hand cost me over $100.00. I think there is no hope of me getting married for a while yet. I enjoyed myself partly to a young lady when I was down but I intend to give her permission to do as she seems fit - if she chooses to wait or not. If she doesn't stick to me I am an old Bachelor. In the meantime I live and hope and trust to fortune - so good by old Chap -hoping this will find you well. Your afft brother Henry"

letters (correspondence)
families
brothers
parties (events)
companies
police officers
women (female humans)

1870-1879

385 Corr - McKay family - Brother

Univesity Library, University of Saskatchewan

eng

1 physical item; 11.5 x 34.5 cm

text

Text

North America

Canada

Saskatchewan

Division 1 - South East

RM of North Qu'Appelle No. 187

Fort Qu'Appelle

Black in written over in red ink to complete letter.