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Title [James Macleod to his wife about an his prospective travel plans and of his suffering with rheumatism]
Archival Reference M-776-14a
Sub-collection Macleod, James F. Family  
Author Macleod, James F.  
Date 28 Apr 1879
Document Type Correspondence
Contents James Macleod to his wife about an his prospective travel plans, his suffering with rheumatism, and social life in Ottawa.
Sub-collection Information James Farquharson Macleod, 1836-1894, was born in Scotland, the son of Martin Donald Macleod and Jane Fry. The family moved to Upper Canada in 1845. James received his BA from Queen's in 1854 and was called to the Bar in 1860. He served under Col. Wolseley during the 1870 Riel Rebellion. In 1873 he accepted the position of Assistant Commissioner in the newly formed North-West Mounted Police, and the following year led a police column to southern Alberta and established Fort Macleod. In 1875 he sent troops to establish Fort Walsh and Fort Calgary. He served as Commissioner of the NWMP from 1876 until 1880. As Commissioner he successfully negotiated Treaty 7 in 1877. When he resigned in 1880 he moved to Pincher Creek and devoted himself to judicial duties. He was one of only three magistrates in the North-West Territories. From 1887 until his death he was a judge of the Supreme Court of the North-West Territories. He married Mary Isabella Drever, 1852-1933, in 1876, and they had four daughters and a son, Helen (Cross), Jean (Montgomerie-Bell), Mary M. (Townshend), Roma (Sharpe), and Norman T. Macleod. His older brother, Norman Torquil Macleod, 1822-1885, served as the first Indian agent in southern Alberta from 1880 to 1882. Colonel Macleod School in Calgary was named in his honour in 1955. Macleod Drive in Lethbridge, Alberta, Macleod Manor at Fort Macleod, Macleod Island, Alberta, Macleod Mall in Calgary, Macleod Plaza in Calgary and Macleod Trail in Calgary are also named after Colonel Macleod.
Region Canada  
Subjects Domestic Life and Living Conditions  Children and Family  Travel and Transportation  Canadian Mounted Police  Leisure, Entertainment and Social Life  Women's History  Health and Medical  Rheumatism  
Places Ottawa; Ontario
People Macleod, James Farquharson  Macleod, Mary  
Themes Health & Medicine; Industry & Technology
Library Glenbow Museum  
Copyright Glenbow Museum
Transcript Ottawa Monday Evg [evening]

My dearest Mary,

I am sorry to say that I cannot yet tell you definitely what my movements are to be. There are such a lot of things to interfere with Police matters that the Minister has not been able to give much time to them today. The programme will I think be as follows. I will go to Toronto say about Thursday and be there for a few days. From there, I will go to Montreal where I expect to be on 23rd, 24th and 25th. Then straight back to Toronto where I will remain for three days - perhaps more. I will then, I think, have to come back here for a day or so and then back to the North West, via Duluth, Bismark and Benton to Fort Macleod.

I intend if possible to go from Toronto to Montreal by boat so that you will have an opportunity of running the rapids which I have no doubt you will enjoy.

Henry and I went to church at St. Albans last evening. It is a very pretty church and the service is very nice.

Today, I am sorry to say, I have been a good deal bothered with rheumatism in my left shoulder. It is better this evening but still I did not feel inclined to go to the theatre with Henry and Emily.

I hope you have been to hear Lothian [?] and you have enjoyed yourself. This afternoon I paid a visit to Miss Goth. She is rather a nice girl - they are all very anxious about her going out to Battleford. She talks about not being able to make bread. This sort of talk makes me feel so happy in my own pet who is willing to go with me anywhere to any part of the North West.

I also called on Mrs. Scott wife of the Minister. She is very anxious to see you. I asked her why - did she expect to see a Half-breed or a squaw. She said "No, not at all" - she had already heard enough about to you to know that you were nothing of that sort, but she would like to see the fortunate woman who had married such an inveterate flirt as I was reputed to be.

I was awfully taken aback as it was the first time I had been accused of such a thing and blushingly stammered out some reply.

I am in hopes of getting a letter from you tomorrow morning. I am awfully lonely. Tell Maggie that I will take young Osler on - there is no chance whatever for the others.

With endless love ever your own

Jim.

My uniform has arrived and is very pretty - no bugs yet.