JOURNAL FOR 1872

Chales Whitehead

Daily Journal For 1872

TORONTО: PUBLISHED BY BROWN BROTHERS, MANUFACTURING STATIONERS.

Monday, January 1, 1872

On the Death of "Margaret Tait" 1847

The sunbeams gild the woody heights

And through the evening branches play.

Unwished for dreamy night returns

I joyless view returning day.

I wander here alone forlorn

And care nae what may next begin

Tears trickling down to mix wi "Thine"

Lamenting Her that's taen awa

In vain for one the [illegible] blooms

And sweetly blossoms every tree

Pale Death has cast his shadow o'er

My Friend, my Sister, where is she?

Ye warblers cease your plaintive strains

Ye green leaves off your branches fa'.

Come dremy nature mourn wi me

Death's left your fairest flower awa.

See down her "Lover's" Manly cheeks,

The tears of woe are gushing fast.

The future seems a dreary Blank

He [illegible] view the blissful pact.

Oh haste, oh haste, ye wintry winds

And cloth the Plains in sleety snow

Oh spring nae mair return again

Ye [illegible] nae her that's taen awa.

- over -

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LAW TERMS

Hilsry, Ist Montay in February to Saturday of eusning week Eanter, ärd Monday in May to Saturday of 2nd week thereafter. Micbaelmas, Zed Monday in November to Saturday of 2nd swee'k thereafter. County Courte-Sittinge for the trial of issues of fact and assesssents of damages are hebl semi annually, to commitice un the Second Toeslay in the monthe of June and December; exe pt the County Court of the Counly d York, which holds three sitings in eaca year, cominencing respect Ively on the second Tuseday in the months of March, June and December. The several Courts of General Eerstons of the Peace are beil at the same time as the several County Courts Assizes-Courts of Astize and Nisl Prius are held twice a year in every county or union of countles in Ontario, between Hilary and Easter Terms, and between the end of long vacation and Michaelmas Term, and in the County of York an additional Court is betd, commene ing on the Thuredsy nest after the Municipal elections in January in each year Long Vacation from 1st July to 21st August.

TABLE OF STAMP DUTIES.

Stamps required on Notes, Drafts, or Bills of Kachange, executed singly: For $25 ... 1 cent. 850 and over $2) $100 aad over 200 each additional..8100 3 fraction of $100 3 On Deafis or Hills of Exchange in daplicate For ....$100 2 cents, each additional......3100 2 " fruction of $100 2 On Drafiz or Bille of Exchange in more parts than two: For... 100 1 cont, each addital.91001 H fraction of g1001" Interest made payable at the maturity of any Bill, ko, shall be cosuted as part of the princip Stampe must be cancelled at the time of alllx lng the same, by writing or stamping thervo the date. The stamps for Noter, Ae., to be aflxed by the maker or drawer; and in csee of any Draft oг BEt of Exchange drawn out of this Province, by the acceptor or first indoreeт.

BANK HOLIDAYS

OSTABIO-New Year's Day Ash Wodnes day (Feb. 14); Good Friday (March 29); Eater Monday: Queen's Birth Day; Christmas Daу. QUEREC-NOWw Year's Day; Epiphasy; A nunciation Good Friday; Anrenion; Corpuе Chrini: 8 Poter's; St Paul's; All Saints Conception; Christmas and Queen'e Birth Day aleo, any day appointed by Proclamation for General Fasi or Thanksgiving.

LIST OF SUNDAYS IN 1672

January.....1-14-21-28 Febeuary.....4-11-18-25 March.....3-10-17-14-31 April.....1-14-21-28 May.....5-12-19-26 June.....2-0-10-23-30 Jaly.....1-14-11-25 Augus 4-11-19-25 September..... 1-8-15-22-29 October.....0-13-20-27 November.....3-10-1-24 December..... 1-8-15-22-29

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 1872.

But the green grass is withered no flowers blooming there A few leafless branches are all that remain Like dreams of my boyhood now shattered & broken Tell all things are changed since the "days that are gone" I sought then the "Rock" that overhung the clear water And hoping that time there had lightly passed o'er But the brown moss had crept o'er the letters there graven And dark looked the waves as they rolled to the shore, It is vain then I tried to seek joy in the present The past were but visions, no traces remain. As nature has changed so the hearts have been faithless That vowed they'd be true "in the days that are gone"

E. -

Friendship's Valentine -

Written to Mary McGill Feb. 14th 1848 -

No tender tales have I to tell Of Lover's Joy and Pain When hopes and fears usurp the sway And both alternate reign No bleeding heart, a sacrifice I bring to Venus' Shrine No Mary this, alone accept- As "Friendship's Valentine"

TUESDAY, JANUARY 3, 1872.

In vain, were beauty, wit & grace They're shrouded a' in ceaseless gloom In vain were love or friendship's tears They drop but on her closing tomb - Fair blooms the flower at early morn Ere noon how oft the blossoms fa'! In sweetest friendship yet we'll meet Where Death nae mair can part us a' -

G. -

The Days That are gone -

Written on Revisiting Amherst Island 1849 -

Again Spring reviving her winter seared blossoms Now basks her green mantle in Phoebus' bright ray The wild forest songsters their notes are a pouring The wild flowers a blooming their beauties display- And I (like the Swallow from the land of her exile) Again have returned but to wander alone - Through scenes that still fling their sad memories round me Ah scenes! that were dear in "the days that are gone"- Again I have roamed through the grove & green meadow, By the rough winding shore where in years gone I strayed, I have lain 'neath the "Tree" that I well may remember, As it waved its green branches a sweet summer shade.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 5, 1872.

I bid you not- remember me, As I must- thee and thine. But ever count- me as a friend And Friendship's Valentine -

G. -

"Katie loe's me" ("My first attempt" - On parting with Katie McColl who left Fortingal for her home in the Island of Mull Nov. 1844 - ) - We never met again. -

Now bleak November's angry blast Roars through the stormy glen And winter drives his snawy car Out o'er the cheerless plain - But why should I fear then or wherefore be sad? Oh what makes the tear glisten oft in my 'ee? For what seems before me but joy and rejoicing Since weel I loe Katie, and Katie loes me. It's no the dreary winter storm That gies me now complain It's no the withered broomy knowe That gies me ony pain. But aye there is something that weel I could tell And frae that sma' something I've meikle to dree I look to the future wi care and wi sorrow Though weel I loe Katie and Katie loes me -

THURSDAY, JANUARY 4, 1872.

As Larks mount high on Morning Wings The rising sun to cheer So we with light and joyous hearts Oft hail the opening year - But Ah! long ere his noontide beams How cruel fates combine To blight the hopes we cherished ance And change a Valentine When first life's opening scene I viewed From boyhood's sunny bowers Joy spent its sweets in every grove My pathway strewed with flowers I sought a rose, a summer rose Around my heart to twine But blighting winter came and nipped My blooming Valentine - Time was when I could fondly love And kindly yours return But hope has spent its cheering flame Save memory's ashes burn. The withered flower, the blighted rose Will bloom with summer's shine But my lone heart must ever mourn A lang lost Valentine. Oh! Mary, not in future years My one request disclaim - Give me at times, a careless thought - A link in memory's chain.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 7, 1872.

And then I'd sadly sit and think How soon you would forget me And happy how I might have been Had I but earlier met thee Adieu my dear may joy be thine The day that knows no ending May you never feel the pangs of love That are now my bosom rending -

Lake Ontario - 1847 -

Come around me all ye fair maids Ye sprightly and aye gay Come fill your glass both one and all And pledge a sailor boy Then let it here go round and round Not one of you say no Here's a health to all the "Jackets Blue" On Lake Ontario - Chorus - On Lake On-ta-ri-o

On Lake On-ta-ri-o "Here's a health to all the Jackets Blue" On Lake Ontario -

SATURDAY, JANUARY 6, 1872.

For the Beltane licht will no be out Ere you are far awa And towering hills and rolling floods Will lie between us two - When many long years have passed and gane bye And Time's ruining hand has made baith fancies jee Wha then can tell when we next meet again, "If I will loe Katie or Katie loe me"? -

G. -

To Mary McGill - 1847 -

I must confes my Mary dear That your charms in love have bound me I'd give the World but for one night To lie with my Arms around thee - Oh! lightly would the hours slip past Aye the longest night in Winter If kissing and embracing thee But alas I dare not venture - For bonnier lads are courting thee And richer far than I am And truer love they yet may be For my sake pass not by them For I could smile and wish thee joy Though to another married One farewell kiss all I would ask Ere from me you were carried -

TUESDAY, JANUARY 9, 1872.

And when our Watch is ended We quietly walk below To dream we have them in our arms On Lake Ontario - The Old Sea Dogs may laugh at us And say we're something green 'Cause we never "Crossed the Line" mayhaps Or round "The Horn" have been But a thunder Squall off Cobourg Light Would better let them know I have seen the bravest hearts made quail On Lake Ontario -

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1872.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1872.

Playing Beau Tommy, lets play. That you're my Beau, Who's come to visit me "Good evening, what a great surprise! You're just in time for tea". Now Tommy you must squeeze my hand With all your might and main "Somebody" always does it so To my big sister Jane"; Gracious! You've hurt me horribly How dreadful you can be If other girls allow that style Don't try it sir with me, Then Tommy you must look forlorn As though I'd caused you pain "Somebody" always looks like that With my big sister Jane"- Forgive you, I don't think I shall - Pick up my Worsted please - You've made me drop them on the floor - You're such a horrid tease. I may forgive you if you stay, Quite still and hold this skein, "Somebody" never dares refuse, With my big sister Jane - "Kiss and make friends"? I've half a mind - To go and call mamma, "Kiss and make friends"? Of course I'll no - Oh what a scamp you are - Kiss you! indeed you awful man - You're crazy that is plain - "Somebody" always does it though - To my big sister Jane -

Author Unknown

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1872.

The Social Glass -

A glass of good Whisky I'll take when I'm weary My blood it'll warm and my Spirits will cheer, And when I sit down I intend to be merry, So fill up a bumper and Send it round here. I Scarcely Can take half an hour for my leisure To tell you the truth I am wrought very sair, My Spade and my lassie is a' my hale pleasure We'll baith take a rest and "We'll hae a drap mair"- Contented I sit and Contented I labour, Contented I drink and Contented I Sing, I never fa' out or dispute with my Neighbour For that is a mean and Contentious thing. There are few, very few, ever hear me complaining, Though Sometimes a load of Oppression I wear, But what is the use of a man e'er repining For, Aye when he tastes; he maun hae a drap mair. 'Tis little I know of the laws of this nation, There's one thing I know that my debts I must pay; While others are Cursing the heavy taxation But Since it's the law we are bound to obey - There's one thing I know very little of Politic Little I know and as little I Care, Happy's the man that is free from all knavish tricks, Push round the Jug and we'll hae a drap mair. Now I maun awa to my bonnie wee Lassie For Fear in my absence that She should think lang, Many a dreich Mile She is frae her Mammy, To vex her mither would be a great wrong -

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1872.

But the Whiskey's sae guid that I doubt- she maun wait a wee. Of Patience my lassie has got a great share Happy he's wedded to whae there's economy, Call in the Waiter "We'll hae a Drap mair"- Sae come noble waiter bring's in a big Noggin I mean a full pint of your best "Innishowen" And when that is done I intend to be joggin Wi the canniest- of care We'll gang merrily hame- Here's "God Bless us a'" and I hope that's nae treason The Whiskey begins for to speak in my ear, Guid nicht- and safe hame until some ither season, We'll a' meet in friendship and hae a Drap Mair. "A decidedly good Scotch Drinking Song although all the allusions seem to point to Ireland - Was he an Exile, or an Emigrant-?

Author Unknown -

"The Baby Died" They came together to see me The Old woman Said and sighed "One was tall the other was small I think the little one died"- She had a trick of sighing And she heeded not- what she said But Oh! how could she say to me "Is the little one dead"?

over

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1872.

For Strange to me seemed any doubt Of that which did betide; Because the light of my life went out When the little one died. And every leaf on every tree Since then to me has said, And will forever say to me "Is the little one dead?"- And every where I see the room And all the weeping eyes, I hear the tender terrible words While the little one dies. And every where I feel the blank, With empty arms out-spread - Till I would give all those that live "for my little one dead"- And if I hear that one is sick, I shrink and turn aside - Ever I fear that Death is near, Because my little one died - And if I hear that one grows well, I lift a cruel cry - "Why? Oh why? Should any get well, And just my little one die"- And through my heart the word went down, There ever to abide - Why? Oh why? Am I alive? Since my little one died.

While with her trick of singing Again the old woman said “Are you tall the other two small Is the little one dead?” (Terrible Significance) But if your Mother had two little heads? She had one [The youngest] her mother gave a shelter in her At the time came to see her, the song tell the rest—

                               “The fall Leaves

To them among the fallen leaves Young children, show they And laugh to see the yellow things So rustling on their way. They’ll twinkle in the hush-down, The autumn wind each one, For there is a place where sun should be, Or a rainbow gilt to see. They’ll dancing from the [illegible] song, And when they have all gone, The last of nature’s children [illegible] Is present to our own. The [illegible] among the fallen leaves—the little [illegible] That [illegible] [illegible] a little bird, [illegible] [illegible] The trees will [illegible] [illegible] beneath the [illegible] trees, And the colors kindle in our eyes. It leaves the air to [illegible]. While going for the cold gray sky, Clouds are in the rain. We wish the old ones all [illegible], And they go flying once again.

WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 7, 1872

We stood among the fallen leaves in Autumn’s bright prime, When just our [illegible] hearts begin to live the olden time. And as we grow old and think Of so many a year not passed, We may make the old and [illegible] too, [illegible] in the [illegible] past.

And the carnations now, perhaps Strangers forget a cheek. Come back to us those memories leaves we would have [illegible] or make. We stand among the fallen leaves in our own autumn days, And listening to our feeble hopes, [illegible] children say.

We look not back to long ago Yet all we know has been, For “we must” for we may not live To see our own children’s [illegible]. Yet as we see the years [illegible] lean of [illegible] in [illegible], Childhood without its return— The past fills our hearts.

— [illegible]

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 8, 1872

— A Crimean Incident — 1856

“Give us a song!” the soldiers cried, The sentry, tobacco guarding. When he heard a gun of the “Camp Alive” Had ceased for a time from firing. The dark Redan in silent sleep Lay, grim and threatening under, And the tawny muzzle of the “Malakoff” No longer belched its thunder—

“There was a pause”—the guardsman said “We storm the fort tomorrow; Sing while we may, another day Will bring enough of sorrow”—

They lay along the Battery’s side Below the smoking cannon— Poor hearts from Crimea—“The Clyde” And from the banks of Shannon— They sang of love, and not of fame Though that was Britain’s glory. Each heart recalled a different name But all sang “Annie Laurie.”

Once after [illegible] caught up the song, While it tender [illegible], Pure like an anthem rich and strong. Their “Battle-eve Confession.”

“Dear girl!” thy name, he dared not speak, Yet as the song grew louder, Something upon the soldier’s cheek Was washed at the thought [illegible].

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 1872.

Beyond the darkening ocean burned The bloody sunset's embers, While the Crimean valleys learned How British love remembers. And once again a "fire of Hell" (Feu d'enfer) Rained on the Russian quarters; With screams of shot, and bursts of shell, And bellowing of the mortars. But Irish Nora's eyes are dim For a singer, dumb & gone; And Highland Mary mourns for him Who sang of "Annie Laurie".— "Bayard Taylor"

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1872.

Rec.d Copies of "Christian Times" containing Picture and Biographical sketch of "Brother John" — am sorry that in sketching his life (that is the early part) they did not apply to "His Brother George" — I think I could have given, more particulars and guaranteed them all more reliable — No need then of "Soaring" paragraphs — — What I know of "Brother John" — My first recollection (a chubby boy 5 years old) I have of John is on a sunday evening after Mr Ross's school was dismissed (we were then was all worshippers of "Livery") the moon had risen, and it was a lovely night — My Brother & Miss Nichol had walked home together with "Dadd" in the background — "Brother John" was behind and as they parted at the "Gate" he came up, dresed in his smart new "Suit" — (provided by "Mr Miller of Pleasanthill") invisible brown with bright brass buttons — "a flunkey" He bowed to Miss Nichol, nodded to his mother, and took no notice of his "Brother George" — I was pleased — He wheeled and ran, and the only thing that remains distinctly embedded in my memory, is the shape of the "Coat-skirt" glancing in the moonlight — In my boyish fancy I had never seen anything "half so beautiful" — It was not a "Long tailed Blue" by no means — but it was something between the "Military" & the "Undertaker" which convinced me that "Brother John" was on the "high Road to promotion" — The next memory I have is "John as a Weaver" having left Pleasanthill he betook to weaving in the village of "Damhead" and passed the season there. This time is to me a very

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1872.

indistinct one and of which I have little recollection, only I remember him in the short "Fustian Jacket" and Pants of the same material which was then the invariable dress of the "Coarse Linen Weaver" - I remember my Father going to Kinfauns and the pleasure we all felt when John was duly apprenticed to the "Gardening Trade" for it was not then accounted a "Profession" - But it seemed then to be the object of his highest ambition and he gave his whole soul for a season to it - became an enthusiastic Botanist - and at the Annual Horticultural Show held in the "Fair City" came off as Second Class Prizeman for a "Bouquet" - and First Class for "Dried Specimens of the Native Flora". The Local Journal adding in an encouraging tone to the report "That John Wright was only a Two Years Apprentice". The fact of seeing his name in print seemed to us, as several steps up the Ladder of fame already, I saw little of John during these three years, but under the guidance of Revd Mr McLaggan Parish Minister and Mr Stewart Schoolmaster, He seemed to have prosecuted his studies to some advantage, several months before his Apprenticeship closed it was rumored he was to leave the Trade and go to College, this was in 1839 - Father and all his best friends tried to dissuade him from the rash venture, He had no money and Father was unable to help, but he had friends aiding and abetting that we knew not of - Mr Ross his "Sunday School Teacher" earnestly reasoned on the difficult undertaking and the all but impossibility of his being able to persevere and obtain a Standing at College

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1872.

without much preparatory training and without a Patron, "If my own talents will not patronize me, I will be willing to give in, but then I must first try" was his answer to all the reasons urged by Mr Ross to induce him to abandon the scheme— Till the old Gentleman with tears in his eyes confessed that "He had been only trying him" and the path he himself had chosen, was the very one that He (Mr Ross) had mapped out for him years before in the Sunday School, and that his labour could not be all in vain if He could live to see John Waight a successful Minister of the Gospel— this was followed by the gift of "Five Pounds" and several other "nameless presents" which must have proved extremely useful both to the pocket and scanty wardrobe of the would be student— He entered St. Andrews that season and was successful in gaining a small bursary (Ten Pounds I think) which also aided him through the session— His first vacation was spent partly at home and partly around Kinfawns. After this I saw but little of him. The "Voluntary Controversy" was then at its height and he at this time was a staunch "Established Churchman" Woodside had then a popular library, founded and supported entirely by "Thomas Ross" in connection with the Woodside School Open on Monday evenings "free to all" the Theologians & Politicians made the library their weekly head quarters. Much discussion in a desultory way, had been indulged in by both parties, Finally John was induced to challenge the leader of the Voluntaries a Mr John Haggart, a worthy man and an Elder in the U.P. Church of Coupar Angus (Mr Marshall's) to debate in public

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1872.

the basis of their belief and action - The debate lasted three consecutive nights and excitement ran very high - Tempers were lost and all but blows were exchanged by the backers of each - I was there every night but of course the debate "per se" made but a slight impression on my youthful brain - I mind of the terms "Voluntaries and Socialists" being hurled from "our side of the house" - "Erastians and State paid clergy" resounded from the other - "The lads in Fustian" (the Woodside Weavers) who at that time were as intensely "Established" as they afterwards became "Free" gave a hearty encore, when the half Poetic half Prophetic Rhapsodies of Isaiah were quoted as proving the base on which rested our State Churchism - "Lengthen the cords & strengthen the stakes" - for Kings & Queens shall be nursing Fathers & nursing Mothers (so they held to be the evident meaning of the passage) to this our "Established Kirk of Scotland" - while a clapping of hands and a shuffling of feet followed on Honest John Haggart laying down as an incontrovertible plank of his belief that "the example of the Apostle Paul was of far more importance to us as Christians," "who labored with his hands and was chargeable to no man" - This much of the general drift of the debate I do remember but little else - The "sword of the Civil Magistrate" and the Spiritual Power of the Head of the Church, were to me alike (in those days) a "Terra incognita" and I had no wish to explore, satisfied, like many of my elders with, what "our side" held was the truth and all else error - Strange freaks, however, were played with these "solid foundations" of belief during the next decade, and many a cherished opinion

WENESDAY, FEBUARY 28 1872

that knew them then, knew them, "no more for ever" - I remember - something broke up the discussion before it came to its natural conclusion, and neither party was exactley satisfied. A newspaper controversy was the result - in which stronger language was used than was either seemly or charitable - Daniel McIntosh the little knock-kneed schoolmaster of Woodside (a Baptist of the old school) taking a leading part - however the Churchmen proud of their young champion who in the language of their opponents had got "his hands clear of the trade" determined on a Testimonial - And I have no doubt that Dr Wright of Southampton, whatever may now be his opinions of the merits of the controversy, looks back with the highest pleasure, on that summer evening, when his old School fellows, and companions at the loom, met and under the guidance of James Strachan, presented him with a handsome "Silver Watch & Chain" both as a mark of esteem for the individual and also as an appreciation of the "fearless exponent" of the cause which they held so dear - But dark days were now lowering over the "Porter Lodge of Keithock". John had gone to college for the Winter Session our "Mother" took ill after harvest - and was bedfast - during the Winter he made one hasty visit during her illness and the next was to her funeral in March 1860, though remembering distinctly enough all the events as they happened there is a want of unity for a year at this time that I cannot account for - Brother William went to learn shoemaking - May & I & Baby Jim were left to keep house - Father ever at work from six to six. John paid us short visits - but I began to feel "He no longer

SATURDAY, MARCH 80, 1872 Stormy & Cold. had a vey buay day

SUNDAY, MARCH 31, 1872

stroncing und how none of us went to church Sam Mc Watten & Sarah weck at in the evening grandpa Polleje had a Anngte Patsagem Mc Watters getting woroea

MONDAY, APRIL 1, 1872

A terrible day, hail, rain & Snow during the night blaring a living Bale of Mind at same time actualy the very worst day of the Season- When will thehewi Come? Like the sttricth Shepherd Oh nocat and slow, the time t evime pats, The shadow of that trysting thorn is teth wed on the grass? mscand mc Watters been very ill all day Dr Kemeit over for Both-seems to be relieved a little-

Tuesday, April 2, 1872

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3, 1872

I begen keeping this diary stating in my 117 and now on looking it owtr in 1879 fl alt a blank I never eerme aga and Lece if im labter geavs i'll bl dnt hiue potofoe than my fomer

MONDAY, APRIL 8, 1872.

it is mine, after a time I laid it back across her bosom, and no perceptible movement was she seen to make. after this, about 3 O clock in the afternoon she ceased to breathe, friends gathered in but I turned my face to the Wall. The first death in our family— She was buried on Sunday 29th Dec'r 1872— Need I add more? Nelly is gone but her life work was finished, and she has left impressions on all that can never be erased, we are thankful for the few years she was spared to brighten and enliven our home, and through our tears can only exclaim "May we die the death of the Righteous and, my^our latter end be like hers"—

Feb. 14 Seven weary weeks have passed since "the funeral" and I am now able to be up daily, although I have not been out of the house it appears like an age. Sarah has suffered much but has kept up through all and all the family have done what they could to contribute to the general comfort. All felt the grief but strove to hide as much as possible. We had many letters of sympathy and of condolence none of which touched me more than one from^another J. W. Bell Reeve of Camden and from the Rev'd T. G. Smith. A public resolution of sympathy for one in affliction was also passed by the County Council Being unable to attend their meeting or to stand again I lost my seat as Reeve, and now I am not sorry for it, if ever I re-enter I can now devote all my time and attention to our home.

TUESDAY, APRIL 9, 1872.

Sunday Feb 23' 1879 "Our Silver Wedding day"

Twenty five years ago this day, Sarah Polly and myself were married, by Rev'd John Scott (now of Emerson), Annie, Nelly, & Susie had been giving us sly hints after Harvest of the coming anniversary but the events intervening had brushed them all aside and the day was spent in quiet melancholy, Sarah went up in the afternoon to the Manse and returned with a severe headache, I was affrighted for it seemed a "fac simile" of my own case, and we used the same treatment with effect— and recovered. Looking back over these years, though ours has not been an eventful history, it has not been all sunshine nor all dark as it once appeared to me— Just two years after our marriage and before we had anything "gathered" I was mysteriously struck with Epilepsy, which disabled me for 10 years, during which time I earned almost nothing— but got better during the year 1860 and began to keep a small store, which eventually developed into a larger one Thomas Polly going into partnership with me, this con- tinued for seven years when I continued alone for seven years more, in 1873 we bought the Farm and as the Boys were growing up it furnished them plenty of employment and up to this date has kept them together, we had now Eight Children in all, health and active, only our "Dear Nellie" was not to be spared, the smiling face looks down on me now from her frame on the wall, there is no sorrow or regret in it, that has been left for those who remained. My Poor Sarah through all these years was far from healthy or strong, and at many seasons failed to receive all the attention

WEDNESDAY APRIL 10, 1872

which she deserved and would have got from one more thoughtful than I have been. I have acknowledged it before & do so again with bitterness of heart – at my own want of feeling. Tender and kind she has ever been to me, and my love for her has ever been of the truest since our marriage. And even now when I look into her care worn face, I can discover no difference from the pleasing countenance which first attracted my regard. We have both faded since that, but married love fails to recognize these changes in each other which Thursday 10th 1872 Cool but thawing, snow gone from the fields and now nearly all in the roads and along fences, still crossing the ice on foot– We have as yet had no warm days- Capt of "Nancy Pratt" has arrived and taken charge -

youth so readily discerns. We are both wearing spectacles now and sometimes there is an interchange, which may account for this mutual forbearance. One thing I do know, almost the entire burden of raising the family devolved on her. For 16 years I was only in the house to eat and sleep. She has done her best to train them in the path of truth and virtue and now when I am at home and might assist in advice and education of the two younger, I feel like a passenger standing by the railway while the train is passing and anxious to be taken on board, but the train does not slow or come to a stand and while I am waiting it passes on – Such have been my feelings for years back. Even last harvest Hugh, John and the girls had it all

THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 1872

Cool cloudy weather no sprig as yet, Feb. 28th 1879 planned for a severe winters ttud a hustias,Nelly wr most anxius for this, as the joint Srese of being constantly at School was getting ahead in all he pout of techuecal education Dear. Nellie has goue where all problems are abready Jolnedanndt eve in an grief hane bee for two months looting after instead of befere us-ls yet I have been totall nakll to aid ane of them,And n Mamma again nar fell the brancten of guidancnee as of you Had a letter this week from Arctbald Cameron, old school fellow, solicitieng subroription for a testinoial à Doncan Canchbell our denchon of 36 yean ago! Iidnz Iel. 2 be Lözsin Somnth died this moming the tai viadhle ill lonon and it wus not unloothucd forhada wei pie dr Cwans today hopung it will he the lask, am waiting for a fine day to go out

FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 1872. Gloomy & cold, rained a little after

Saturday March 1st 1879 A hurricane of wind & snow, a very severe day were rather surprised to hear after breakfast that John Watson had died this morning about 4 o'clock, though ailing for sometime his death was rather unexpected. A sad family to leave behind -

Sunday 2nd Storm cleared off and day again pleasant

Monday 3rd March Walked out to the Barn today and already feel like a new creature. As I have been mercifully dealt with may I be thankful accordingly. May this bright day be a forerunner of what is before us but the will of God be done

Tuesday March 4th Day gloomy & unpleasant. Revd J. G. Smith arrived from Kingston to hold missionary meeting. A good attendance George drove him to the station after eight o'clock

Saturday, April 13, 1872

Raw and cool. heavy squall in the evening sleet and rain

Friday March 7th 1879

Alexander Stevenson arrested tonight,and to Napanee jail. william Mcdonald also but he made his escape.all this for severe beating given to Jack in the early part of winter still an invalid

Saturday, March 8th

officers returned this morning and again made search for McDonald, but by this time he is across the frontier Alex Stevenson & Wm Olley went to Napanee to give bail for Alex, but were unsuccessful-tial to be next Thursday. went to Kingston

Monday, March 10th

weather changed. thawing very fast,and fields getting bare. Olley began to thresh old wheet

Tuesday, March 11th

thaw still continues,water everywhere,roads impassable Stevenson's case settled today by paying $50 to Jack which he binds himself to withdraw all actions against either

SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 1872.

date are cool. Wete to church. No presents. Tuesday March 26 1872 1 Weather keeps cold and preissing much on us. Little done during the past few days and we seem to get a long way off Spring. George still working at the Wharf I feel some better of late and have been able to walk out times, how can a scarlet comprehend so much weakness The Ministers Stipends was raised last week. I hope that the difficulty is overcome

Sunday March 30

Had a severe relapse of headache a few days ago feel more helpless than ever, day cold and slight snow It is now 3 months today since Den II, was laid under

Tuesday, April 18, 1872

A lovely morning but air cool,thawing a good deal. was disappointed in not receiving any letters or papers by mail, all seems to have forgotten us. I sufferd much yesterday from headache and had to take a powder last night before I obtained any sleep, feel refreshed this morning but of that unsettled sort that ensures nothing for the future. Mrs.Costello hired today, the time passing away.

Wednesday April 2nd raw cold morning, almost a second winter frost. the doctor wants me to read nothing, write nothing, and in fact think of nothing but keep cool,calm, peaceful, the brain want wants perfect rest. I have been trying this regimen for some time,and last night actually dreamed I had accomplished it.all of us it seemed had joined with me in this mental abstinence, and last night we met in a grand walhalla of total ignorance.

TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 1872

Cool& frosty. commansed Apseping Poter finitere dge No one

Wednenday Apil 22 1879 passed before me and in tema I awatled wth my Brain on fire. and head thrrobing more firely Ha iof I and homied the medunput oil for a wuh netin Cegoing- this rest for the Brain.in a delicate question when man's years are 50 and his circunstances not what he at once time hoped ther would he at that age - Thrda ahie 3 Day vem Coled wite ssis Phawons in the moming.andl ano tw whebever duning the doy- rat a letten fom Brther aneco in whick he desewbes his hapte lipe ofter eie Selent Mamige ch will he has hud his share of tuebles anet l hape then ane ner ooir, with mary aschen gearn in sfore fon then and fomiily.his chaneable Weathen deems to afsech me ven rade extieneh nlmns, anct unsetlled and still Great tublo in my headd

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17, 1872

Weather cool ht Perwing& die Zriling= re maieleder

friday Apil 42 1879 Cold again edey no thaw, nor an afsearance of milder weather- qul very nevous toda hamg lepl mne all nigit acthap I had no pain tuble oz an eccaut Boslen ngele talken ven ile aschearlitite uchlnanze or what the doctors ponomce Muralgue of the Museliom

Saturday Apue 5 stile clear and cold, enjimad pood Rest Carhe nüpt and heand feeing all the brins move cool settled.

Sentar Ahil 28 clear and cold, leiger trying to run on wheate esmiten leighing um Waggoning- on Village Street was perfechh

Thursday, April 7th,1872 weather fine and pleasant.finished sec.no.two

Monday, April 7th,1879 weather fine & clear but still cold and sharp frost. in fact, there is no appearance of spring.only for the ever decresing straw stacks,it would pass for fine Dec.weather. boys still sawing and wood.

Tuesday,April 8th weather fine,south wind,and clear sun,thawing fast. had a poor sleepess night,and feel week nervous today wrote letters yesterday to Maggie capt.Middleton. the M.D. has not yet made his appearance,thouh advertised in Beaver as being on his way, but I cannot think that any resident M.D can succeed on this island until we all get better off and a combined movement be made in the direction of encouragement

Wednesday, April 9th Dr.M.arrived last night.in the morning has driven him around to see various parties, but as the roads are breaking up, it is not a favorable time for a meeting to start

Saturday, April 20, 1872

ice still on, no mail today

Sunday April 13th 1879

day gloomy and overcast,took the bugbuggy today for first time-sleighing gone altogether on the fences

Monday April 14th

Tuesday 15th

weather still cold and raw.mail crossed by boat today, in at the head of the island.

Wednesday April 16th milder,north wind, and snow in the afternoon, walked over the farm back to the base line,and enjoyed the walk altogether