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| Field name | Value |
|---|---|
| Title | [James Macleod to his wife about her departure from him in Fort Benton] |
| Archival Reference | M-776-14a |
| Sub-collection | Macleod, James F. Family |
| Author | Macleod, James F. |
| Date | 18 May 1882 |
| Document Type | Correspondence |
| Contents | James Macleod about his wife's departure from him in Fort Benton and his own journey via ferry to a camp on the Bluff River. |
| 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 | Travel and Transportation Marriage and Relationships Land Transaction and Property Children and Family |
| Places | Fort Benton; Montana |
| People | Macleod, James Farquharson Macleod, Mary |
| Themes | Exploration, Expeditions & Travel; Land & Property; Children & Family |
| Library | Glenbow Museum |
| Copyright | Glenbow Museum |
| Transcript | My own darling MaryYour forlorn husband is here still, but we will get off tomorrow morning. I was a disconsolate chap that morning that the “Helena” steamed away taking all that was dearest to me on earth away. She appeared to be unwilling to do it. Perhaps you don’t know that she floated down the river ever so far and refused to turn round. At last when she had tantalized me sufficiently she danced round the bluff and you were gone. I do pray and trust that you are having a comfortable trip and that all is going well with you.It took me ever so long to get across the river. The confounded ferry man would not come over. At last he came and I had to run the gauntlet of the whole front street with muddy boots and dejected mien, as the people were opening their stores and repairing to the nearest saloon for their morning cocktail. After breakfast I went down to the Nellie Peck to see the Scobies. The boat had been put into quarantine and moved down opposite the old Fort. I was allowed to see them on the bank. Afterwards the passengers were placed in tents down by the Bluff. Upon hearing that they had to go into camp I at once had our tents pitched some distance away from the others, and had [ ? ] comfortable fixed before the others. Since then I have been living with them - with Shurtleff and Allen. I have attended to the mess arrangements and all has gone on swimmingly. The people here are very much down upon the officers of the Peck and particularly upon the clerk for asking us to come aboard. The quarantine was raised last night but we all preferred to remain in camp. I have got Christian’s acct from Conrad and will pay it. It amounts to $ 58.45. I have got the mover and rake - the plough + harrow will follow. Conrad promises to get the plan of the house made and an estimate prepared. The man was in Town for only a short time and I did not see him. I have left all the necessary information with Conrad. Poor [L?..] - I pity her very much. She does not like the new departure at all. He does not appear to know what he will do, and I am afraid he is not a wrestler [?]. One can judge of a fellow about camp pretty well. Don’t repeat this. I will know more of him before long. Now my own darling wife good bye. Give my dear dear little Nell and Norman heaps of kisses and love from me and with endless love to yourself I remain as everYour devotedJimKindest remembrances to the Archdeacon and your father and love to [?] and Christian. |