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Title
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Letter to Angus McKay from C.P. Miller:
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Institution
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Univesity Library, University of Saskatchewan
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Description
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Letter reading "Hudson's Bay Co'y La Pierre's House McKenzie River Dist. N.W.T. 30th May 1888 - My dear Angus, Your letter of the 15th Decr '87 came to hand on the 1st of May '88 and although the steamer will not be at Peel River for over a month yet, still as I shall soon be crossing the mountains to that place and be pretty busy while there, I must try and answer your very welcome letter now. I am rather down in the mouth just now, owing to having starvation as a very close neighbor, the dogs have had no prey in nearly a week and my servants are living on what they can pick up in the Indian camps, as for myself I have always so far managed to get three meals a day. The reason of this failure of provisions is that the spring has been very backward and owing to the ice still being stuck in the river, the Indians are as yet unable to reach here with their skin boats, however I expect it will only be for a few days or so that we shall be short, as I understand the Indians have plenty of meat, but it is playing the deuce with a lot of five young pups I have, I am sorry to say. I am at present trying to kill time by learning "Pitmans" system of shorthand, and I have no doubt I shall succeed if I only keep at it. The novels you kindly mentioned sending have not yet received, but they will no doubt come with the steamer, as Mr Camsell wrote me that the packet was too heavy to be able to carry any parcels. You say this must be a queer country, with the sun never setting for six weeks, and you are right it is a very queer country and only fit for its aboriginal inhabitants, and not for people of white blood, but you make a mistake, the sun is seen for six weeks in the spring and almost vice versa in the winter. So you are seriously thinking of getting married. Well done you, and you are quite right to do so to, if you can manage to get hold of a respectable sort of creature. I tell you what Mr. If I could manage to get hold of a decent looking girl, with a little education, I would get married tomorrow, if I had to marry myself which is very likely, as the nearest clergyman is 80 miles across the mountains at Peel River, but as for taking a Loocheaux squaw, bah! I would just as soon marry a whore. These Indians beat everything. They have no more shame or pride (pride of the right sort) than a prostitute who begs a shilling at midnight from you on the street, under the threat of covering you with foul language. We have had a very severe winter indeed. I crossed to Peel River with the packet with dogs, and the morning I left that place to return here, the thermo was 62 below zero, we were two nights wind bound at the foot of the mountains, and there we were stuck, in an open camp with the wind covering us with drift snow and driving the smoke in our faces, add to this that provisions now out owing to our detention, and you have an idea of what freighting in winter is sometimes like in this country. Good by and when you go (if you have not already gone) a wooing way you meet with full success, is the sincere wish of Yours Sincerely, C.P. Miller"
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Call Number
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385 Corr - CP Miller
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Title
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Letter to Angus McKay from Charles Quinney:
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Institution
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Univesity Library, University of Saskatchewan
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Description
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Letter reading "Oak Lake Manitoba Jen 6th 1887, My dear Mr McKay, your letter of April 8th has just reached me and I have also received a letter and a large batch of papers [?] you have had the kindness to reforward and thank you much for all. The Merchants Bank say the forwarded my Pass book to Pitt last Winter, but I have never received it and should very much like to find it, have you seen anything of it? We have been here 6 weeks and like the place and people very much. They have made application for me to be appointed their Clergyman here and by their their request I too have applied to the Executive Committee for the post, which will be decided after the Bishop's return. I have written to some of your clergy for letters Testimonials - the poor old Bishop promised me his [?] [?] which I refused, or rather I did not [?] to get it before I returned to England. You have [?] and been associated with me for some time and a live from your might stand well in every favour. My Wife and baby and niece and also two young gentlemen are with me on my place but the fact of not having our claims from the Govt. keeps us from making very much progress. I hope they will shortly cheer our hearts by paying us our losses. We have a very pretty place 3 miles West of Oak Lake Station and 300 yards from the Railway. We have on our place lots of wood, water, grass and tillable land, so as far as the location goes "our lives are cast in pleasant places", but we have neither horse nor cow nor are we likely to have until our funds increase. I have a garden with plenty of potatoes and vegetables in and about 4 acres of barley. I have also [?] the kitchen portion of my house and [?] a good well. So you seen our advances are working great. I had a trip to Regina last week on Lone Man's trial - I saw Mr Halpin there and he turned round and defended the Indian after giving previous evidence against him - Sakamou[?] said he was a prisoner and saw Lone Man, all the time the firing was going on and that Lone Man's uncontrollable horse brought him to fall over the Wounded Policeman. I made Sakamou[?] own that he carried a gun all the while he was in Camp and that he was at the fight at Cut Knife Hill. I have some little things to send to the Onion Lake Indians when I have an opportunity. I am glad to hear good news of the Mann's especially of Mr Mann's promotion. Please kindly remember us to them. You must think a great piles of your Moose, you ought to make a good price of it when you sell it. Our only pets are 1 Rooster, 5 Hens, 2 Ducks and I useless Dog. I had 2 Pigeons and one got away the 1st day and the other got out a few days after and I cut short his retreat with the gun. We have lots of game here but cannot get much just now. We had a very happy time with our friends in England, it was well worth 7 years in the North West to spend Six Months such as we had. Our baby will be 2 years on the 21st. Instant which we will be kept by all the Nobility as it is the Queen's Jubilee[?] the [?] is Boss of the whole outfit. He is really the biggest boy I ever saw for his age. Remember me kindly to Mr Duffren and Francois. I must now close with kind regards and every best wish in which wife heartily writes. Believe me, yours very sincerely Charles Quinney"
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Call Number
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385 Corr Charles Quinney
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Title
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[Letter written by F.O. [Frank O.] Bransted to C.R. Russell]
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Institution
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Grand Coteau Heritage & Cultural Centre
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Description
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Personal letter written by F.O. [Frank O.] Bransted, owner of The Empire Billiard Hall in Shaunavon, Sask. The letter is addressed to C.R. Russel 252912 49th Batt. and was dated Oct. 9th, 1918. Topics of war, farming, business and friendship are covered.
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Call Number
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932.59.4a&b, grandcoteau:157
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Title
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Letter to Angus McKay from [?] MacFarlane:
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Institution
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Univesity Library, University of Saskatchewan
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Description
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Letter reading " Private - Hudson's Bay Company. Cumberland House 2 April 1894 - My Dear Mr McKay, Your letter of 17 March got here three days before the mail - they were certainly a long time on the way! I am surprised that Captain Dunlop does not [?] up - he must surely be close at hand by this time! I long for more and later news! The new priest started for Pelican [?] last week. Mr [?] Crumm and Corporal Connor accompanied him on some Scrip Business. Major Colton certainly made a wonderfully quick trip to La Corne and Prince Albert. I wish he had been able to visit the [?] Indian Reserve when he was here. I guess you'll find the spring late enough. We have had a very large quantity added to the previous enormous pile, since my [?] was here, and there has been no thaw yet, altho' the weather is mild today. I hope the Indian will exert themselves fully this spring in hunting [?], Bear and Beaver. As the Indian often is this spring, calling in the Indians from their hunts to their Reserves in order to [?]! I [?] there would be many Musquash[?] [?] for Bob [?] shen he comes down after the ice! If that man does not later regret his folly, I shall be very much astonished. He [?] not make a fortune if he [?] the bulk of the river [?] [?] [?]! I earnestly hope your Indians may pay up and do well in wiping out all debt balances this spring. [?] come out well this outfit, I anticipate no trouble in getting an increase of [?] for the next contract. I am going in hard for this in one time. I know when to do so, while those asked Mr McDougall to ouftit my accommodations. When the Indians put down crops or [?] work hard, I presume that they receive - i.e. the workers more [?] than is enter in Mr Gordon's list? Thanks for his attention and kind regards to him at the same time. If the Government give due attention to Tariff Reform and [?] Scrip (I wish you would write strongly to Mr MacDonnell on this scrip questions for I know what promises here made and not [?] in 1891 and this will lose many votes - perhaps the Seat itself!). I believe Mr MacDonnell would beat Newlands[?] or any of the [?]: [?] maybe otherwise under different circumstances. In future I must again remind you that Liquor coming for Carter in this District, from the H.B.Coy, Prince Albert, which I have freshly sanctioned, this only should be forwarded here by the Mail Carriers, or other H.B. conveyance. [?] [?] that one must refer to these orders. I can trust Horace, McDonald, King, Houston[?], Halcron, McLear, Haight and Beatty with liquor - but some of the others cannot have any without using it up as quickly as they possibly can - and to the neglect too often of their duty to the Company! This is [?] [?] the same very annoying and unpleasant to me. With kind regards to Mrs McKay Yours ever sincerely [?] MacFarlane. A McKay Esq."
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Call Number
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385 Corr - MacFarlane
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Title
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Letter to Angus McKay from [?] MacFarlane:
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Institution
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Univesity Library, University of Saskatchewan
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Description
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Letter reading "Private Cumberland House 14 April 1894, My dear Mr McKay, The Mail Carriers started early yesterday morning and as the Weather since has been beautifully cold, I hope they will get about or nearly halfway tonight. If they get in on Sunday or Monday, you will I am sure, lose no time in dispatching them as early as possible, with all of the mail matter there on hand. We cannot wait for the mail of Thursday next - it can come lately the Scow. I also hope that Louis Jourdain the Bearer hereof will reach La Corne, in time to have the Mail carry same to Prince Albert - I mean the letters which will be found enclosed along with this, to your address. If you have not, as I wished, sent [?] Galbraith's letter before, better send [?] herewith and the others for him at once by land to P.A. by the aforesaid Lumberland letter bearers, who will thus gain a day or so on the Mail. In that case, and you find that the scow is to be built [?[ and [?] at La Corne, write M Galbraith to have this man Jourdain employed to give help in the building thereof, and thus utilize his paid for services. He will also suit to bring from here the scow and cargo - one or two men [?] be sent by you to [?] P.A. (if considered the best plan) in time - but not too soon - to join the scow when ready for her cargo. If we are to freight the S.D.[?] Potatoes [?] 3 men will be ample for the trip from P.A. to Cumberland and if the scow be small 2 men with John Sahys in a small canoe, ought to suffice for every needful purpose and prove quite capable of keeping up with and perhaps (John I mean sure) keeping in advance of him when when we [?] on the lines already indicate in my letters of the the other day. If you have an [?] shift much as [?], why send some [?[ scow, as there may not be enough from Prince Albert. I also wish you to send me a good pipe and a stem (1 inch)[?] for D.MacKay. Send it special in the Mail to my address, charged to Cumberland [?] [?] not cost more than a dollar or thereabouts. By the way, don't send by scow the Hines bales[?] on hand at La Corne, except steamer - but ship all of the other [?] J.D. and mission and C. Property - everything. Write me very [?] please scow and send for lists as [?] And don't forget the Enos Fruit Salts, if you omitted some [?] April mail. Louis and Co. with the scow, will come on direct to Pemmican Portage and J. Sahys will go and the "Cast off" and [?] the Cumberland people he will meet there and in close make [?] Master Fish and Company. He will pick up some fur no doubt. But sooner or later he will have to retire beaten, little all of his [?] from the Cumberland District. That is as soon as the Sun shines in the [?] and you will tell him so that you meet liver[?]! I don't think I an add much here to having written you so fully at Alber. With all good wishes and kind regards to Mrs MacKay [ie McKay] and yourself, Believe me, I am ever sincerely [?] MacFarlane - A. McKay Esq."
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Call Number
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385 Corr - MacFarlane
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Title
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Letter to Angus McKay from Albert Tate:
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Institution
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Univesity Library, University of Saskatchewan
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Description
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Letter reading "Lesser Slave Lake 27th April 1888 - My dear Angus - I am in receipt of your of Feb but not of the books forwarded. Edmonton and the Athabasca Boundary are the places where our mail matters go astray. Parties have gone from here, weeks after and still their letters were unposted from the H.B.Co.'s office but found them as they had arrived per the northern packet. Often letters from Edmonton go down first to Chipeweyan and they back again; a matter of two months generally and six months in winter before they reach us here and vice versa. I hope the day is not far distant when we will have regular postal service even once a month would be a big thing. I was very glad to find that you agreed with me with regard to trying to do something for our old Bishop - twas nothing but what I expected from you. Your idea of limiting the subscription to a given sum per head is I think a very wise one and calculated to save trouble and perhaps inconvenience to some who could not otherwise join in. I hope you will take up the matter and push it through and you will always rest assured that I support you as well as I can and vote for you once when right and twice when wrong. As to my proposing anything which would likely meet with approval; that is as to the form of the testimonial should take, that is not at all probable as for instance I might propose a fine Esquimaux Canoe large enough for two, and which I could recommend for duck egg hunting but not so good for Beaver shooting an open canoe being better or a fine Colonial saddle with crapper, martingale and cantuns and large wooden stumps to receive the worthy Bishops understandings, or a Lynx skin robe, or an otter cape with fisher tail, and if any of these don't suit, why I am at the end of my tether I don't know what else can please a man, priest, prelate or layman. Joking aside I will be guided intently by you in this respect. Mr Matheson writes that the Bishop has always been adverse to accepting anything personal much preferring something towards the Institution at the same time Mr M suggests something being down for the Institution but connecting His Lordship's name with it. This is all very well but I think that both we and the Institution owe a great deal to the Bishop personally and we are all aware that His Lordship has often (shall I say always?) sacrificed personal considerations in favor of the Institution. I don't suppose our loyalty to St. John's will expend itself after having shown our sentiments to our old Bishop - The Institution will remain long after the Bishop has been called away. Let us honor him in person while we may - we will ever honor his memory. I agree with you that even the hearing for the various proposals as to what should be given his Lordship pleasure - on anything personal I am sure will not disgruntle though in his goodness of heart we would resign in favor of the Institution. I hear you have a wonderful moose. Tell us something about him and we may follow your example and go in for a span of buck moose. Is he a good traveller? I have a surprisingly fast team of dogs, perhaps one of the best trains ever out this way and have done some tall travelling but as there is never a decent road to any point we have not made any records for ourselves except in the way of going from one post to another. I have beaten all the old [?] records only one trip that I had fair play good road, fine cold weather and light load about 150 lbs besides myself occasionally - I went a distance of 47 miles and back from half past four A.M. to nine o'clock P.M. - My load was 30 lbs heavier for the last six hours. [?] day driving where a [?] has to run half the time and generally more this is considered something prodigious. Another trip of 35 or 38 miles in 4 1/2 hours travelling and 40 minutes of a spell in which I had to make fire, tea and cook all my grub - cakes included - no dainties - they were you can bet and this through a bush road a broad as a flat sled and no more. you will of course remember that a dog driver only rests while he is in the act of eating, his time being employed in making camp, wood, water &c &c. We have a man here, a [?] [?] Alex Kennedy - a half breed from St Andrew's who can run 75 miles a day and then after a sleep of 3 hours, dance all night and then start with fresh men and go tugging and howling and swearing behind a loaded dog train for 45 miles more and after all are in bed he gets up and goes about a mile to stay all night with his pieces and comes home before anybody is up and doing. Sometimes we have great snowshoe trumps not a la St George but in true H.B.C style, where one might find now and again a man whose power of endurance is extraordinary, and there he goes along with his pack on his back, containing his provisions and kitchen and axe for 4 or 5 day tramp through bush no beaten track but about 2 ft of snow with nothing ahead of him to comfort him but when company time comes, hard won and all the time till camp is done; a then a few hours sleep then off again. We consider a 40 mile tramp under these circumstances very good indeed, and I have known some who went from 60 lb [?] miles per diem in this fashion, but never for more than one day at a this rate, say the last day of the trip or "Getting in for [?] years". I did I ever tell you about our two Years and Years times? [?] I don't think I ever did. You will bear in mind that we are about 25 or 30 years behind the Saskatchewan in civilization and fashion. Fine blue cloth Capotes, beaded leggings, fancy moccasins, and no hats or capes for the ladies are still the correct thing. You may look at a girl but doesn't spend [?] her before a crowd. This however, the H.B.Co. clerks these immoral souls, have somewhat modified since, cutter drivings with horses, came into fashion some three years ago. Early in the morning the callers make their calls with "sound of blast and boom of [?]" at the front door of the big House and there a kissing or Gum sucking match, no exceptions made and then commences the disappearing of gallons of barley soup, bannocks, whole limbs of meat, gallons of Tea of course and [?] of dainties lb & lb of bacon. The eating and drinking generally lasts all day and all night - inside, while during the day outside, perhaps a feeble attempt at a shooting match, or football, or something which always turns out a failure. Toboggoning however is carried on with [?] by the younger folks as also is dog driving with your girl or if you have a horse in a cutter and this day there will be no ill natured remarks passing beyond looking out for the insult 9 months later on. for I never yet know a child born late in August or September that was looked upon as a bastard from [?] yours married or unmarried woman, provided her husband wasn't home at the time or a little before or after. At night we have a dance, jugs, 4 hand ruls, 8 hand ruls &c &c non of your sickly values, quadrilles or jalopes. No sir, we hoe it down and don't you forget it! We dance til the sun rises, because it is the orthodox time to quit and commence work at once, now yours is a thing of the past and we are once more in the fur trade country and and in the H.B.C service. After this and between trips we have an occasional [?] up. In order to start a dance it is necessary to get the following at least: 1 lb Tea, 3 lb Sugar, 20 lbs flour, 1 tin Baking powder, 5 lb of Lard and Bacon, and with 3 or 4 candles in your pocket away you go to the dance which is considered fit for a King. Well, my stars, at times I am ashamed of myself for staying out here and then all times, when I would like to be back once more in the more civilized quarters. There is a certain undeniable something which attracts one and keeps him here. Sometimes I think of it laziness and nothing else. I have heard from Mr Traill a few days ago and they even all [?] and happy. Of course you heard of the addition to his family, a girl. Walter seems a nice sort of a young fellow - fresh, ambitious, and sure to make is way just as we were once. Walter seems quite contented down at Vermillion and I think would like to enter the H.B.C. but Mr Traill would rather that he tried something else. How will I commence? Where? yes I am going to get buckled. Sometimes my dear friend. I think that I should not but there is a something [?] me on to take the leap. With my eyes open I got on step by step and all but the day is now to be fixed. The old father is not in my favor, my own governors advises me. to wait and see for myself and little longer but all for nothing. The girl loves me to distraction at any rate she pretends to and once I also loved, but that is past. I had been too blind, too credulous. I haven't told who it is yet. It is Flora Coutonille, the trader. She is an amiable girl, undereducated, and a Roman Catholic. The explosion will not [?] place in any case before Jun or [?] July when I hoped to be fairly installed at Peace River Landing for the summer and Whitefish Lake (30 miles from here) for the winter quarter. Will for a time goodbye old friend and believe to be always the same, Yours Faithfully, Albert Tate"
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Call Number
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385 McKay - Corr Albert Tate
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Title
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Letter to Angus McKay from [?] MacFarlane:
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Institution
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Univesity Library, University of Saskatchewan
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Description
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Letter reading " "Private" Cumberland House, 30 March 1894. My Dear Mr McKay, The Mail carriers made a very slow trip this time - they did not get here until Tuesday afternoon! Jack T. had been ill for most of a day and the snow storm on Friday I presume spoilt the track for them. We have more than last year and of course, this interferes sadly with the fur hunts, especially musquash[?]. The great [?] is coming down in spring they say - promises to burn the candle at both ends - i.e. reduce the price of foods and increase the Tariff for furs - and a a time too when the latter here fallen greatly in price!He has also asked the Indians to reserve all their furs and [?] money for him and has further promised to establish posts in the District! If he does, he must give debt - and when he give up doing so, his advances tot he Indian [?] worth many cents on the dollar you may sell believe! If [?] were a wise man, he'd keep out of the Fur Trade - but sooner or later, he will realize his folly. It will however be necessary for [?] to send a trusty and [?] man like John [?] to follow or precede [?] him with a few supplies - even to watch you [?] Indians along the river. We will on the lookout for [?] once he thinks the hunting grounds of our Indians, where he is likely to fall in with them. He will not make his fortune in Cumberland - no matter what success he may meet with at first. The Indians are [?] maybe to encourage him in the their own interests - tehy will expect debt and [?] from him and if he disappoints them, they will soon have against him. Their promises, even if signed, sealed and sworn are worth very little indeed, as he will find out dire and costly personal experience. By the way, there may be a [?] coming down from Prince Albert with seed potatoes, for the Indians - if so, may I have a few [?] at same time from Prince Albert. In that case, the [?] would probably precede or accompany [?], who has promised to follow the [?]. I enclose one of his [?], which he attempted to sow [?]. We ripped much or most of this underhand work. I assume[?] Dunlop should be turning up now. I hope he may bring us some Butter as we have none for the last few days! I trust he may bring some the [?] [?] [?] for D. Post 6. My [?] is certainly very forgetful. I will write him again [?] re: Invoices &c. We are in the same position ourselves - at times, for [?] of these. I guess the pieces for Hines, Cook and Beaded had better remain until after water; [?] private pakage maybe forwarded any offering opportunity on Jce[?]. Horace regrets that you did not send his case (second) Carter, as there would be no freight charge. I, of course, did not want it to come on the sled now, as [?] him, while he said nothing about Carter offering to [?] same, which would have altered matters. Horace can be fully [?] with liquor - not it is the reverse with one or so others and never with them I get any [?] of permission. It is very trying that one and all cannot be hunter with their own liquor! I knew nothing of Jerry Henderson's trip - did he go as far as Prince Albert? What did he take up and what did he carry back? Please give me full details of him and his journey. Henry (entre vous) is rather fond of liquor, but he is not near so noisy as they used to report. For his own sake and that of his family, I am sure I wish he gave it up for good. [?] did his best to prejudice him against me - he always abuses his best friends, especially when in Liquor. I think Henry how believes that I have never tried to injure him! You might have taken what [?] with Mrs McKay and the little ones to Prince Albert and I regret that you did not do so. I could have explained the matter to the commissioner, had he, as likely, inquired! I hope you are bear, bearer and that hunts of this spring may be excellent. Deep snow is a great [?] here at present and has been for weeks past. Martens and Foxes here also been scarce. Mr McDonald has not yet sent us the M R and Lac La Ronge requisition for supplies of cheap goods at Treaty Price. I will not fail to remember La Corne when [?] thereupon. I certainly want to go in for all the Treaty money that can be collected at a profit. The enemy carried the war to an [?] and you must [?] retaliate and defend the Company's interests. Will write again later on. In the meantime, with all good wishes and kind regards to Mrs McKay, Believe me, Yours sincerely, MacFarlane - A. McKay Esq"
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Call Number
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385 Corr - MacFarlane
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dc.publisher
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Title
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Letter to Angus McKay from William Kennedy:
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Institution
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Univesity Library, University of Saskatchewan
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Description
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Letter reading "April 5th 81 - My dearest old chum, As work is utterly out of the question for me to night I thought that I might profitably employ myself for the remainder of the night by writing to all my old friends whose old and treasured epistles I have just been perusing over and over again for the last hour or so - And finding that all of you without exception express in each of your letters the pleasure that you ever derive from receiving a letter from an old school mate. I thought that I could not possibly do better than write you all a few lines in turn although after having read through your old letter I feel that I justly deserve to be [?] by one and all of you for my neglect and laziness in not writing to all of you more frequently than I have done in the past and although I might plead a heavy pressure of work as my excuse for not writing you [?] I do not think such and excuse would exculpate me in the least bit. Now please do not be disgusted at this dry and hard style of writing old fellow. You remember we are told somewhere in scripture if I mistake not, that out of the fullness of the heart proceed the words of man, or something to that effect. Well just so it is with me All the old letters which I have been reading, coming as they do, from all parts of the world you may say - from yourself at Carlton, from Mowat at Edmonton, from Larry at Toronto, from Rorie in South Carolina, from San Francisco and from Machray at Cambridge, and all of them teeming as they do with warm and kindly sentiments as well as those from old "Scout" in British Columbia have made my manly though tender heart full ever to overflowing. When I had finished the perusal and the re-perusal of them all the first thing that I said to myself was "by jove, I'll write to dear old Angus". Well enough of this - call it by whatever name you please. I must be getting on to the real gist and substance of this epistle, or you will at length be saing "Aut insanit homs, aut versus facit" - Have you forgotten your Latin? And first of all I must tell you that in accordance with your instructions to your brother James, which be delivered to me, with respect to the collar for your dog of famous name and fame I racked thoroughly the poetical departments of my brain and by [?] perseverance, mingled at the same time with talent for poetical composition to acclaim degree, I managed to turn out some couplets which I thought to be extremely suitable for a Doz collar, and which I handed over to James for inspection and I desired him to select one of them but alas! His criticism proved too severe for my verses - they were all repudiated - and all deemed equally unsuitable for the Collar of so distinguished a day as "Suabs or Nibs". From that time the poetical and our within me has completely died out, it having been, I thin previously exhausted by my two [?] "to the moon" of which you may probably have heard. But while [?] on this subject I must thank you for the high compliment you paid me in selecting me to write the verses I would [?] I had been more worthy of the high honour paid me! Jimmie is see is your frequent correspondent and from him I suppose you get all the current news at this place, so I will refrain from wearying you with a rehash of the same old story. To a fellow who is staying all along at this place, there does not appear any change though perhaps to an old boy like you (pardon me you are a man now) a very great change might be visible, were you to revisit the scenes of your boyhood once more. There is always the same routine day after day without any intermission at which one is apt to repine, at any rate I often do I know; I sometimes long for change. I suppose I do not fully realize that a persons school-days are really the happiest days of this life, although even now I look back with [?] pleasure on the days when you and I were in the noble old 5th form together, the prestige of which we managed to keep up wonderfully well. We have a Debating Society formed, in which we all take a very great interest. We have one or two very good speakers especially one a Mr [?] whom you possibly may have seen last summer out there as he was coming in from the North - he takes rank as a speaker with Mr McKenzie who used to take a leading part with Debates of our old society...."
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Call Number
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385 Corr - William Kennedy
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dc.publisher
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Title
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Letter to Angus McKay from Charles Quinney:
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Institution
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Univesity Library, University of Saskatchewan
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Description
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Letter reading "Oak Lake Manitoba, January 13th 1888 - My dear Mr McKay, I am sure you will me unkind for not writing to you for so long, but I have been extremely busy since receiving your last nice long letter until now. You will be glad to hear that after a very long period of camp life, we have got into our new house and are fairly comfortably fixed. I have also received the appointment to the church here which is a very acceptable post, as I like the people so much. I have charge of 5 congregations, but neither of them have a church of their own yet. The most important [?] of Oak Lake have to worship in the Presbyterian Church. But we are making strong efforts to raise money enough to build a church in the coming summer. We lately held a 2 days Bazaar with concert each evening and it realized $222 and we have had other help too, and the S.P.C.A. have promised $250 and the North West Land Co. have given us 3 large town Lots, so that we are very hopeful to get nearly all we require by the coming summer. Of course with our splendid harvest, we can do more than in other years and I must say the people are very liberal, according to their means, however we shall need some outside help and I am asking all my friends for a little help. You too are on my list of "friends" and I should be glad to feel that you had a [?] or two in our building so if it is but a little [?], I shall feel thankful if you will help us in this matter/ On Thursday next I am going to give the narrative of your experiences with the Indians during the Rebellion, hoping by this to raise sufficient funds to pay the debt remaining on our Organ. I am not sure that I like the Winter down here better than Fort Pitt, the Wind is so constant and disagreeable. It has been blowing terribly for the last two days and I never saw such drifts in the N.W. as there are here. Though I do not think we have had such long snaps of cold. I was sorry poor Malcolm did not get his [?] paid and hope that your united efforts would help him to get something. I was $1000 short and had to pay $75 lawyers fees. I hope my old friend Duffrin and Francois got most of what they claimed. I see by the papers you are building upon the old spot at Fort Pitt. I hope we shall soon hear of you getting your Commission. I hope if you come East you will contrive to stay here for a train or two, you would be a very welcome guest I assure you. If you want to get good land in Manitoba pretty cheap, now is about your only chance. The land around Oak Lake is fast getting settled up. I think we shall get a great many Emigrants from the Old Country next summer. How is your Moose standing the winter? He must be a great Pet! The Pass book I asked you about was returned to me from Battleford just about the time of your last letter. You have sent quite a number of Books here [?] and I must be quite a little in your debt. Will you let me know what it is? I hope you will soon have a Clergyman of the Ch. of England at Fort Pitt. It must be rather dull having no service there on a Sunday. I have paid the allowance of $1055.00 for the church destroyed at Onion Lake to the new Bishop [?] have a little yet to pay for other buildings. Mr Brewster changed $150 for the Mission account. My little boy Albert is going on very well [?] [?] his first piece at the Christmas tree the other day and the great applause of the large audience. He was dressed in [?] for the first time and walked up to the platform like a little man. He is a very big boy for his age and has a wonderful memory. I hope your Mother is keeping well, we often think of her. I am thankful to say that we are all quite well and hope you are the same. Remember us kindly to all our friends. With kindest regards in which my wife heartily writes, Believe me Yours very sincerely, Charles Quinney"
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Call Number
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385 Corr Charles Quinney
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dc.publisher
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Title
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[Handwritten letter addressed to Mrs. McLean]
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Institution
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Eastend Historical Museum
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Description
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Personal letter written by [Mima] A. Laurie and addressed to Mrs. McLean. The letter was sent from Ermine, Sask.
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Call Number
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N/A, eastend:108
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dc.publisher
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Title
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Letter to Angus McKay from C.C. McIntyre:
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Institution
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Univesity Library, University of Saskatchewan
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Description
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Letter reading "Isle a la Crosse 17th March 1887 - My dear Angus, I don't think you could of been very anxious to know, where, or how I was or you would of answered my last letter. However let bye gones be bye gones. Things have changed a great deal in this District in the last few years, [?] Simpson and Fraucklyn have all gone, in fact Nick Sinclair and my self are the only two of the old hand, left. I was out on leave last Summer, the first news I got when I arrived in Winnipeg was the death of my Mother. I did not go far then [?] Port Arthur, I did not see Fraucklyn, he was at an out of the way place called Michpicoteu in the Lake Superior District under [?] Bell, Mr McDougall who was passed up to take charge of Athabasca the other day just came from there he told me that Fraucklyn was not at a place called Chapleau on the C.P. Ry. Where I was in Winnipeg I met an old school fellow of yours [?] Ballantyne and a [?] good fellow he is too. We have had a very hard winter every one sick the the measles, it has take off between 60 and 70 already we are about clear of it here now but it is going for our Indians to the north of us. Mr Fortescue was laid up for about a month with a bad let and he is now laid up with a sore throat. We have any quantity of traders here there will soon be more traders than hunters. Mr Ross has been very ill all winter and is not able to attend to business he has no one to help him but young Grohouse and I hear he is getting things into a devil of a mess. Scott Simpson is at Fort Smith and [?] at Fort McMurry. I had a letter from him the other day he seems to be happy. The men are just starting so I must say good bye hoping to hear from you soon again I remain yours Sincerely, C.C. McIntyre"
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Call Number
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385 McKay - Corr CC McIntyre
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dc.publisher
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Title
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Letter to Angus McKay from C.P. Miller:
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Institution
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Univesity Library, University of Saskatchewan
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Description
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Letter reading "Hudson's Bay Co'y La Pierre's House McKenzie River N.W.T. 10 June 1887 - Well friend Angus, How are thou? I grip my pen holder with a desperation not to allow this packet to go without a letter for thee, my cock of the walk. So you have been in the midst of the rebellion, and have perhaps received your "Baptism of fire" from the aborigines of the Canadian North west, were you in any of the fights, how I sometimes envied the half breeds, just imagine the fun of lurking behind a hedge and potting at the whiteman, why man it beats every other kind of amusement all hollow, but I certainly don't covet the rewards they received, for making such a rumpus, Riel least of all. We have had a terribly severe winter and I was on the verge of starvation three times, but always managed to pull through, at present however, I am well off, having about 4000 pounds of dried scrap in my store besides a little grease and [?]. One of the men who accompanied the winter packet from here named Cromarty[?] was frozen to death in the mountains about forty miles from here, he got lost in a gale of wind and drifting now and as the thermo was between 60 and 70 below zero at the time, it is no wonder, his body was found a couple of days after, frozen to the ground, and was taken to Peel River to be buried. I start across the mountains for Peel River in a few days to meet the steamer with Mr Wrigley on board, I wish when they gave me orders to cross they had taken into consideration what sort of a track the mountains are and provided a balloon of some other aerial vehicle for me to be carried in, The distance between the two places is about 100 miles, and the way lays through swamps and icy cold water rivers, over mountains and amongst mosquitos swarming in myriads and with a sun beating on you that never sets for eight weeks, at this time of the year, the time occupied crossing is from two to three nights. Heigh ho! No use grumbling, must be done. I have been interrupted by an Indian for something and now resume. Why don't you send me some reading matter? It is decidedly scarce article in this country, and as time to read is plentiful, it is one of the tings a fellow feels the want of greatly. It has been snowing a good deal lately and although it is summer according to the calendar, still it is more like fall than any other time. New is as scarce that this must do for this time, and with best wishes for yourself and Mr Angus McKay if there is such a person. Believe me Yours always C.P. Miller"
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Call Number
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385 Corr - CP Miller
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dc.publisher
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Title
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Letter to Angus McKay from C.C. McIntyre:
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Institution
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Univesity Library, University of Saskatchewan
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Description
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Letter reading "Souris River October 28th 1884 - My Dear Angus, I received your letter of 2nd August the other day all OK and was very glad to hear from you, [?] down in this godforsaken whole[ie hole] again. I left Isle a la Crosse on the 30th last month, no one has been here for the last two years and I can tell you that I found the place in a hell of a mess, the store had tumbled down and the men's house I had to prop up with two big sticks to keep from tumbling down also. I went up to Portage La Loche in September, I went a head of the boats in a canoe from the mouth of La Loche River and had a long stay with Scott and Mrs Simpson, Scott is the same old fellow marriage has not changed him a bit. When I got back from Portage La Loche I found that Ross had arrived, I did not see much of him as I started a few days after for this whole[ie hole]. If I had known was was in store for me I would of seen them to hell before I would of come here. I wanted McLean to let me come down early in September, but no we had to get on that God damned Athabasca [?] outfit before I could go. I wish McFarlane and his damned tinned fruits and Raisins were in hell, about one half of his outfit is nothing else. I am sending you in a pipe which I want you to get a silver [?] ferrule[?] put on it is the only one I have [?] and obliged to smoke clay's which play the devil with my teeth. I am also sending you in two pairs of shoes which I hope will fit you, the silk work was done by Laronde's piece (Sophie) no one out here can do any such work. Now old man, I will close hoping this will find you at Prince Albert enjoying yourself. I remain yours sincerely, C.C. McIntyre"
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Call Number
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385 McKay - Corr CC McIntyre
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dc.publisher
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Title
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Letter to Angus McKay from Albert Tate:
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Institution
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Univesity Library, University of Saskatchewan
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Description
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Letter reading "Slave Lake 13th December '83 - My dear Angus, What an earthly age since I last heard from you, still further away since I wrote, so here goes now to make amends, old bo and you know "'Tis better late than never" you will excuse all bosh that I might write as at the present moment I am somewhat well, rather shaky in my nether limbs; which I am glad to say is not often out this way, as permits are few and far between, like the visit of Angels. Thanks to Contrabandists, we at present do without Edgar Dewdney will and way and enjoy ourselves. as much, if not more without his "hand and seal" on the requisite 50 cents. "The visit of Angels" - ah me how I wonder, would I now feel if I had a visit from such an angel as H.L.J. - M.G. on some of these fairies of our youth, the picture of which is still forever running across my memory's waste, only to further show the barrenness of the present. In spite of everything these events and images of our early days are ever ready to come to the surface, so to speak, when one little [?] within and more especially for a fellow out in this ungodly degree of latitude and to whom the idea alone, that these are girls "fair to the eye and pleasant to hear" and that these are fellows with whom he is acquainted, are enjoying the society of these fair ones; I say again that the idea alone of such a thing knocks them [?] a pile, breaks them up and they find themselves all smashed to H_. Would you be surprised to know my dear fellow that I have resolved, so help me, Fate to seek and find a Mrs Albert Tate and that to Hymens altar I will take, somebody, before the next snow flies - of course these is no one out this way but I will "Hie o'er the Landscape" and seek and help much for me. Amen. This resolution is only if I re-engage in the H.B.Co. Peace River but in all likelihood I will not as Old [?] is ice on me. In that case I will get a place in Athabasca Dist at any rate I am going to go out via lake Athabasca, Portage La Lake and Green Lake to Carlton and perhaps you will see me down there, it all depends on how the wind blows. I shall be very loath to leave the old ship but I shall be obliged to, as I will not take by water from old [?] for contain little innuendos. Your brother, the Northern Speck Joe, is now mon petit comme[?] but is stationed at a point 40 miles from here. Whitefish Lake, to which place, I accompanied him when he first took charge. I expect him in a few days to pass the Xmas together. He is coming to make the Christmas puddings ( I will send you some if you wish) as he is the only man within a radius of 200 miles who can make one, so he says and not being skeptical I take his word. Joe's time will also expire next Jen and is undecided what to do as he is heartily sick of Peace River and I am afraid of the H.B.Co. in general. I however think that it would be the very best thing for Joe to stay out North for a while longer but, of course every man ought to know his own biz best. Joe has changed considerably both in appearance and mind and is not the would be dandy be was when just he came to Peace River. You may now see him in a pair of overalls and shirt sleeves with L'assumption belt dangling in front, in fact he would never make believe he is one of these rebellion 1/2 breed, those turbulent spirits of the [?]. Dec. 25th - A many [?] to you old fellow and plenty of them - What a composition the [?] is, but I will not change it now, as the packet will be leaving in a hour or so. Joe is here now and can hardly move about having no less than a [?] in his fundamental. We have a mighty dull day today, we all seem to be in a the blues and no possibility of having any [?] at all to brighten us up. The only pleasure I have today was to groom my horse and feed my train of dogs for I [?] that they at any rate enjoyed their extra attention. I mentioned in Part I of this effusion that I was longing for all help meet for me now old chap that is Joseph and down let out on me especially to Mrs Traill as she would tease the life out of me when she came back - as I always pretend to be averse to matrimonial life as far as I was concerned. A merry Christmas to you again, and if by chance you see her loveliness Harriet Ibister present her my humble complements of the Season. I remain Yours ever so muchly, Albert Tate"
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Call Number
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385 McKay - Corr Albert Tate
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dc.publisher
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Title
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Letter to Angus McKay from Albert Tate:
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Institution
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Univesity Library, University of Saskatchewan
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Description
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Letter reading "Slave Lake Oct 4th/83 - My dear Angus, With infinite pleasure I acknowledge the receipt of your favor of 14th August which came to hand this morning most unexpectedly per expenses from E - 14 days on the road. Accept of the sincere congratulations of our old friend in your being so luck as to be at P. Albert's and in particular having so comparatively lately - basked in the sunshine of the smile of the lovable H.L.J. while I poor devil can only worship the memory of Aude Lang Syne and sigh and hope for days which may and may not come, when I may do homage to the "Goddess of thy Heart Queen and Mistress, Chaste and fair". I sigh for the memory - I say knowing that I shall never again spend such happy days as those past....the only society one get out this way is cheap strumpets among whom visited is unknown. Now if you would only play on the goodness and missionary spirit of some nice girl and persuade her to come out this way to visit this heathen land. You would be doing an old friend a very great favor and under the rude of "Set in stone a rolling &c &c" others would soon follow and I might have a [?] otherwise I will be obliged to take the "beaded leggings" style of a girl. Not if this child knows it [?] [?] or better than that. Say I. Mr Traill has just arrived from Dumergall[?] and I can see from his General tone of speaking of matters in [?] that he is utterly disgusted with the state of management of affairs. The Honorable H.B.C. represented in Peace River by Dr MacKay simply disgracefully. There are no provisions to be had in [?] for love or money and if one has not managed to import some he is unfortunate indeed and to be pitied. The Dr gives a clerk, with wife and family the liberal ration of 3/4 lb Bacon and 1 pint of flour - all told - per diem - such is the state of affairs. I'll turn over this page as I could not continue on other subject on this page except Dr MacKay. I have received a letter from Joe. He is full of a Betsy McDonald a niece of John Sinclair's wife - a pretty girl of Edmonton but like the balance of the Roulands - I should very much like to be in Edmonton [?] but I expect I will not be able to manage that, unless I leave the H.B.C.....As I have written only two days ago I think I deserve credit for it and again, many thanks for your long letter and I hope [?] H. will come back to P.A. again and that you will sail in old boy and [?] Such are my wishes, I remain as of old ever true and faithfully Albert Tate - P.S. I can scarcely write as you will notice I have hurt my hand and it's swollen and can't hold the pen tight"
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Call Number
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385 McKay - Corr Albert Tate
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dc.publisher
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Title
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Letter to Angus McKay from C.C. McIntyre:
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Institution
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Univesity Library, University of Saskatchewan
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Description
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Letter reading "Green Lake June 22nd 1880 - My dear Angus, Paul Laroude tells me you are at Battleford but [?] you are back at Carlton by this time. The razor you sent me in the winter is a splendid a great deal better than the one I gave you I used it for the first time last Sunday. I am stationed at the South end of Green Lake at present. There is no news at all here. Mr Simpson is going to try and go home this summer. If he goes this will be a a very lonely place, it is great from where old Laliberte and I get together he cannot talk english and you know how much french I can talk. I had a great time with a priest last winter at Lake Assinboine on came out to see the Indians then he camped with me for two night. I was talking French to him all the time he could not understand [?] of english, where he was going off he was thanking me in french for allowing him to camp. I says to him in english "oh never mind that old cock that's all right" I knew he would not understand but my men nearly killed themselves laughing. Write me along letter and tell me all the news. Hoping this will find you with a stiff cock. I remain yours sincere friend C.C. McIntyre.
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Call Number
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385 McKay - Corr CC McIntyre
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dc.publisher
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Title
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Letter to Angus McKay from William Kennedy:
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Institution
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University Library, University of Saskatchewan
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Description
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Letter reading "May 23rd 1880, My dear old Angus, I suppose you have, bu this time [?] forgotten that there is any such person as N. T.B.K. in existence, and no wonder. I however have not yet forgotten that there is such a distinguished personage as Angus McKay Esq. still living to honor Carlton House with his presence as this letter proves. I have often wondered during the past year which of us was the worse. The year, commencing August 1st 1879, began with strong protestations on both sides, that a good and continued correspondence should ensue between myself and thee, most noble Angus. Time has shown how these good resolves have been kept. I write a letter and send off to you by mail a set of razors, about the middle of September 1879. I get the answer to my letter and receipt for the razors about the 2nd of January 1880. Then I write an answer to you immediately thereupon, but I leave it unfinished in my mothers desk which she sends away to you in its unfinished state: and at that point all correspondence drops. Don't you that this is a truthful statement of the facts of the case? Well then who do you think is the more at fault? We'll say that we are about six of one and half a dozen of the other, and then we quit. Will that satisfy you? I guess we both consider letter-writing a horrid nuisance, and that lies at the bottom of the whole affair. But at any rate you ought to let a fellow know how you are getting along once in a while at least. Perhaps it's because you think that you have no news to tell me of. That doesn't matter. You have a knack of inventing news as it were, and you always make your letters enjoyable to read owing to that ever-flowing fountain of whit and humor which you possess. So then you must write sometimes (indefinite) and I will do the same. Don't abstain from writing because you hate corresponding with religious persons. I am not a "parson" yet and till then, I give you open freedom of speech. Well old fellow I suppose you would very much like to know what I am doing with myself now-a-days: whether I am still the same indolent and stupid old Kennedy you knew in days of yore. Well I am not quite so lazy as I used to be - although certainly I don't rise till eight o'clock in the morning. I am working at Classics and Mathematics. I intend going up for Honors in both subjects. Don't you wish me joy and success? Next summer I am going up for the Final Exams for B.A. MacLennan or as we fondly style him Micawher - is going in for Classics your brother Jimmie and Alfred and Davie are going up for the Previous Exam in a weeks time I fully expect that Jimmie will be the Bronze Medalist of the University this year. I had a letter from "Scout" a few weeks ago, in which he says he should very much like to come back here again, enter the Univ. and study Mathematics, although he says he has forgotten nearly all the maths that he once knew. I'll bet you thought if Scout were to come back again, he would do credit to this old institution in the shape of maths. By jove I think you ought to write to him Angus. He is at Fraser's Lake, New Caledonia, B. Columbia. He is in charge of two posts in that district. He tells me that he lives alone at the post at Fraser's Lake in a large house with no other occupant but himself, and that there is no one there who can talk English to him. He says that he is lonely, but that the has any account of hunting to compensate for his loneliness. If you do write put the above address on the envelope and write via Quesuelle and send the letter down to Winnipeg. I say a few weeks ago I had a letter from your noble brother Gilbert, which he closes by telling me that "his wife joins him in kind regards" or something to that effect. Is he really married? and if so who is it to? He ends a letter to McLennan in something the same manner, and from that I infer that he is married. But he may be only joking. Your epistle of last winter made me at our time suspect that your worthy bro was my 2nd cousin-in-law and that you therefore were a little closer connected to us than by this tie of forty-fifth of fiftieth cousinship; but I afterward reflected upon your quizzical and jovial disposition, and I therefore reject the [?]. You will be surprised to hear that the Rev. [?] Pinkham is to be married on the 24th of next month, and also that Prof. Bourue M.A.; A.I.M.; C.E.; D.L.S; T.C.D. and the devil knows what else besides, has already dabbled in matrimony. And now I must close, as it is getting late. Be sure and write soon, like a good fellow as I am dying to hear from you. Give my love to Mr and Mrs Taylor and all her family, and Believe me Ever your faithful friend, Wm. T.B. Kennedy"
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Call Number
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385 Corr - William Kennedy
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dc.publisher
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St. John's College