March 1835
Saturday – 14 – Boisterous day. Left my happy home – had a very rough passage to
Sunday 15 – Took a post-chaise with Tom as far as Bridport, from there took – fly to
16 Not well all night and in very low spirits.
17 My things not arrived yet – Do not feel well.
18 Called to see Mrs. Barnard. Many Visitors called here, not at home – received letter from home, and one from
19 People calling all day, walked to the Hoe with Robert.
20 Tozer arrived at last. Found all my dresses and bonnet ruined. Very sad day, Oh more than sad! – Wrote home.
21 Called on the Footes, Mrs. William Dickinson, and Richards etc. Beautiful day, was introduced to Capt. Spry.
22 Sunday – Went to
23 Returned visits, Herberts, Freeman, Barnard, Parnther.
Walked to hear the Marine band, beautiful day. T.K. [Tom Kennedy] walked with us.
25 In the evening went to the Pieds – thought them a noisy vulgar set.
26 Heard from home. Emily cried and said she wished to go back to
29 Sunday – Went to the Stonehouse Chapel in the morning, in the evening to the old
30 Received a letter from [P......] Green not gone yet – went to
31 Left Plymouth at twelve in the mail for Exeter arrived there at seven – Dined and started again for Salisbury, travelled all night, very tired arrived at 8 in the morning, at Jones, had a good breakfast, walked about – to see the Cathedral. Left
April, 1835
2 April – Walked about the town, was shocked to see such a number of bad girls about the streets, alas! What depravity.
3 Not well all night – a letter from
5 Sunday, no
6 Packet arrived, went on board at 9. Fine morning. Was disappointed when I saw the ship. Sent a letter home. In the evening very sick, not well all night.
7 Got up with a bad headache. Fine day – not much wind but fair. Made a good dinner - beef à la Mode. Very well all the day. Beautiful moonlight night, dead calm. Felt quite at home.
8 Slept well – Made a good breakfast – fine mild day.
9 Weather rather rough, felt a little alarmed and dull. Could not dine at table, many of the passengers sick.
10 More rough – but fair. Could not walk or stand without giving myself blows.
11 Very rough day. After dinner two of the gentlemen played I felt very low, could not sleep. Rolled about dreadfully.
12 Sunday – still very rough – all the things upset on the table, can scarcely write, wind fair, S-W. Think of my dear
13 Mild weather, quite a calm in the afternoon – I still feel very depressed.
15 Fine day, I saw several whales. Worked on the poop all day.
16 Very rough day, went 10 miles an hour. Very bad night. Could not stay in bed, thought we should be drowned. Capt. on deck all night. Many of the gentlemen sick and all the ladies, only one dined at table – felt very unwell.
17 Still rough wind E.S.E. – Going about 6 miles. The ladies had their breakfast in bed, except one. Do not feel well, how any one can make this voyage twice seems to me wonderful – alas! Unless I do it myself I shall never see my home again!
18 Very bad night, blowing a gale of the wind, was up all night, could not sleep with fear.
19 Sunday – More calm, but wind against us.
20 Wind – W. almost calm – feel in wretched spirits.
21 Fine day, went 8 miles an hour.
22 Very bad night, did not sleep. In the morning wind against us, passed a ship going to
23 Contrary wind – Played whist after tea.
25 -
26 Blowing a gale of wind. Very much frightened. Regretted having ever consented to make this voyage.
27 Fine day – but cold, went on deck and caught cold. The Gentlemen made a lottery. Robert’s number was for the sixth of May.
28 Quite a gale of wind. Thought we must be drowned, sea mountains high. Very much alarmed – cried, and prayed all the time. We are all tired of the ship, and half frozen, ever since we crossed the Banks.
30 Fine day, but contrary winds, a very bad cold. One of the Ladies on board today, giving a description of Mrs. Wood’s (Lady Lennox’s) arm said, “Her harm was like a rolling pin!” – thinking it an elegant, refined simile I write it down, for fear of forgetting it. Just now we saw two large birds, and bits of sea weed. The first we have seen since we left
May 1835
1 Contrary wind, my cold much worse; we are now 600 and 50 miles from
2 Fresh breeze and fair, did not go on deck, the weather very cold.
3 Remained in bed almost all day; going 5 miles an hour.
4 Very fine weather but cold; found this the longest day since I am on board. Two or three ships in sight.
5 Monday – One month today since we left
6 Very bad night, thunder & lightening. Was much alarmed.
6 Expected to arrive today, but no such thing.
6 Land just in sight, but a calm - we shall not leave the ship today, busy packing up.
7 Not much nearer land, and very cold morning, got up early with a bad headache. All disappointed not to be arrived. “High
8 Left for
9
11 Left
12 Robert and myself took a long walk from five till seven, lovely morning. Passed through
12 Went on very slowly, wet day – all displeased with our accommodation, the Captain & crew abused us, and we abused them, remained in the cabin, played cards etc. Passed the most beautiful scenery I had ever seen – in the evening played whist till eleven, all very friendly together.
13 Passed
14 Wet disagreeable day – thought we would reach
16 Disagreeable day, two of the sailors came in the cabin to insult us – were obliged to sleep without sheets etc. and also to stop all night near the Captain’s house instead of reaching our journey’s end as expected.
17 Left the Oswego boat at 3 in the afternoon, after having suffered six days of misery and insults, being obliged to sleep 11 ladies in a small cabin with only six beds, and every day receiving insults from the Capt. & his men – we are now at the Oswego Hotel with very civil people, and everything clean. Dr. Matthew’s family and Messrs. Roy are with us – very amiable people.
18 Mr. Scobell & Allan dined with us – very warm day – our Capt. and one of his men were discharged, the command of the boat given to one of the sailors who was not quite so insolent.
19 Took a drive, up and down, I wonder how we were not killed. Went to see Mr. Scobell’s house, was quite delighted with it. Robert and Messr. Roy dined there – beautiful day, very hot.
20 Mr. Scobell dined with us.
22 Left
23 Arrived at
23 Dined at Sir John Colborne’s, were fifteen, the Messrs. Roys dined there also. Sir John advised to settle in Flamborough.
25 Left
26 Arrived at Pattersons on our Land, 10 miles from Mr. Crook’s, came in a waggon on a very bad road – found we might have two rooms, took them for (Sent a letter to Sophy) one month (5 dollars) but they are obliged to get their water a mile off – such dirt & misery I have seldom seen, feel quite wretched. We are all three as miserable as we can be – sent a note to Kennedy & one to Matthews.
27 Was obliged to help
28 None of our things arrived yet. Disappointed about our Land, all the lots near the road are sold – Wrote to Mr. Poor. Thunder & lightening.
29 Robert wrote to Mr. Draper. Stayed in bed till twelve very ill, dear Roby took a walk. Had ham and [.......] for dinner.
29 Tom Kennedy arrive to stay with us. I feel in very low spirits, would I were at home.
30 Very dull all day. Robert determined to go to
31 Mr. J. P[oor] rode down to
June 1835
1 Mr. Poor stayed with us all day at Patterson’s.
2 Arrived at Mr. Poor’s house, miserable log house. Did not go to bed all night, Robert was covered in immense bugs, such a bed I never saw.
3 Cool day – Robert went to look at some Land with Tom K. and cousin John rode to
4 Slept at our Lodgings, bugs again. My whole body covered with bites. Robert & myself feel wretched. There was thunder again last night. J. Poor & Tom came to see us.
5 Market day, quite close to our Lodgings. I still feel very low. Wept when I read Sophy’s and Uncle Irving’s kind letters, such kind prayers for my happiness, dear friends may God bless you all.
6 Went to Church. Took a walk after tea to see some Land on the
7 Went to look at Lodgings, where we might stay while our house is building. John and Tom called, all going to
8 Robert gone to
9 Very, very hot, scarcely bearable, I am still miserable. Wish I had gone to T[oronto] with Robert. Sent him a note this morning.
10 Lightning and thunder, very dull. Thinking of my absent friends.
11 Last night received a letter from Miss Matthews, and also a note from Robert, gone to Cobourg and I am very, very unhappy – sent him a note.
12 Very long dull day, alone all the time.
13 Saturday, three days more before I see my love, what an age!
14 Sunday, very dull, went to church in the evening, and took a walk with Dr. & Miss Albing on the
15 Sent a note to Robert to say we would walk to the
16 Rainy rain, expect my dear Robert home, this evening. Nancy annoyed me, wished she had never come out with me. Robert arrived.
17 -
18 Called on the Poores.
19 Left
20 Stayed at the
21 Taken very ill in the night. Pain in my sto[mach] – not well all day.
22 Blowing hard, were going to
23 Arrived in
24 [An ‘X’ has been written next to the number 24] Dined with Lady Colborne, and Robert with Mr. Draper. Sent a letter to Papa, Rosa and [Tardif].
25 Left
26 Arrived at eight last night, very hungry & tired. Made a good tea & went to bed early. Sent a letter to Sophy by Miss Young. Robert rode on Kitty twelve miles to see for a house.
27 Saturday,
“The heat & cold of this climate chill or wither everything, and almost all the flowers which are most common and sweet, growing in the moist soil of England, seem reared with difficulty here and lose their fragrance, their soul as it were, under the extreme influences of this sky.” (Fanny Kemble)
28 Sunday, rainy day, said our prayers at home – so cold we were obliged to have a fire lighted – vile, uncertain climate! Every day I dislike this country more and more.
29
30 Rode, and Robert walked to our land near Rice Lake – beautiful rich soil, and the situation very pretty but dull, two miles from the road or from neighbours, - coming home called at a cottage to buy eggs, were received (for the first time in Canada) with a hearty welcome, gave us wine and biscuits, such kindness is pleasing at all times but here it is so rare, so new it makes the heart grateful indeed!
July 1835
1 Fine day, but cold – still undecided what to do.
2 Took tea with Mrs. Brown, one of our neighbours. Very nice friendly people – the mother is eighty and is come across the
4 Not very well, pains in my chest. Took a short ride in the evening.
5 Called on Mr. Banks with a letter from Mr. Draper – received us very kindly – Miss is a pretty and appears a nice girl. Robert wrote to Capt. Fitzgibbon and Williams.
6 Sunday – Fine day – returned Mrs. Brown’s call.
7 Dined with Mr. & Mrs. Banks, very nice people – Robert not well - obliged to come home early, sick all the way.
8 Colonel Browne called, dined and had tea with us – had been in the same regiment as Major Champion, spoke most highly of him. We had no bread in the house, gave him pancakes, nothing new in
9 Rode with Roby to see some parts of our land, Mr. Allan and another young man called on their way to
10 -
11 Robert went to our land and made an agreement to have it cleared. The frame of our house put up.
12 Sunday – received letters from Kennedy, Colonel Fitzgibbon and J. Matthews. Wet day. Nancy was saucy, and we told her to go, says she’ll go tomorrow – she is an ungrateful girl.
13 The frame of our house put up.
14 Rose at five, had breakfast, and rode down to see the first tree off our land cut down. The Banks and Brown called.
14 Received a letter from Sophy, all well. Felt happier than I had done for some time.
15 Dull, cold day.
16 -
17 Rode with Robert as far as McKonkey, a man who has very boldly settled on our land without paying a sixpence. Rode thro’ very thick trees in the woods – beautiful situation. Robert made an agreement with another man, to have trees cut.
18 Very warm day. Took tea at the Banks. Returned late.
19 Mr. Allan and his friend came here on their way to Cobourg. [‘Sent a letter home dated 15th and 20th July – told them we would return in two years.’ has been crossed out by the writer and she has written the word ‘answered’ below it]
20 Went to our land. Were caught in the rain. 10 men chopping, quite amusing to see the trees fall. Robert went again after dinner, rain & thunder. Lost two of our keys – Robert went to see them again after dinner, got wet through.
21 Sent my letter to Papa of the 15th and 20th July – to say we would return in 2 years.
21 Robert rode to our land – [I] did not, very hot day. Colonel Brown called on his way to Cobourg.
22 Wednesday, Rode with Roby to see the men chop our land.
23 Rode to our land after dinner, Mr. Banks and his daughter joined us there in their boat. Returned late, lovely evening – very hot.
24 Roby rode to Peterboro’ seventeen miles, did not return until dark, thunder and rain. Very uneasy about Roby returned not at all well.
25 Saturday – Thunder and rain. Roby not well.
26 Sunday – Said our prayers at home, no church here, so that even God is forgotten by the vulgar people we see about us, the public house is full of men laughing away their time, and God is never in their thoughts. I feel very unhappy, more so every day, my home, my happy home, my parents, oh! why can I not forget you. Very close, warm day.
27 Fine day, not too warm. Called on the Browns.
28 Received a letter from Kennedy, wrote to him, Robert wrote to Burley about our things.
29 Robert upset in a wagon, nearly killed, horse ran away, were going to Port Hope, could not go.
29
30 Robert rode to Mr. Banks to ask him to lend his wagon. Took a drive in it, were caught in the rain. Joe Bennett stopped.
31 Went to Port Hope, very sick returning, bought several things. Robert sent a letter to DeLisle etc.
August 1835
1
2 Sunday – very cold night but fine day. Had to do all the work.
3 Cold night and rather cold day. A servant came to offer, refused her, intend trying to do without one, work keeps me alive in this dull disagreeable country.
4 Heard
5 Rode to our land – another girl came to offer, declined again.
6 Slept in our cottage for the first time, very cold night, our bedstead not arrived, slept on the floor, very restless night.
7 Had a convincing proof that
8 Called on the Browns – and walked as far as Armstrong.
9 Very hot – our Table and bedstead arrived – no chairs – very tired, Roby rode to our land.
10 Excessively hot, Roby has a headache. Had a chicken pie for dinner.
13 Thunder & lightning, with heavy rain – carpenters at work here all day.
14 Rode to our land – receive no letter from Papa or Agnetta – Robert measured the land.
15 Received the little cap
16 Sunday – Fine day – Low spirits still prevail to a most painful degree.
17 Every thing went wrong today, our bread spoilt, our cake spoilt, our dinner good for nothing. In the evening took a ride, gathered beautiful wild flowers.
18 Dreadful storm all night. Thunder, lightning and rain. Robert and myself prayed and were much alarmed, most terrific weather. Robert says he never had seen anything of the kind before, oh! this horrid climate, represented as so beautiful! As a wonder had some turnips for dinner. Sent a letter to Jane Matthews.
19 Rode to our land, cold evening.
20 Saw
22 Disagreeable day – no letters from home, cried bitterly all day, could eat no dinner – very, very unhappy.
23 Not very well, headache – fine day.
24 Robert rode to Mr. Banks. Very busy baking, etc. Rainy day.
25 Received a letter from Colonel Fitzgibbon and one from Mr. McCrone asking to buy some [of] our land. Saw, and eat cabbage for the first time in
26 Received a nice long letter from Sophy, dated June 23rd and 25, very, very happy – may God continue to bless and preserve my friends! Mentions Agnetta’s husband’s death – and also poor Corbetts.
27 Robert sent a note to Mr. Bedford. Very warm day – with rain – Yesterday sent a letter to our best friend here, Colonel Fitzgibbon.
28 Very busy day, and a very rainy one.
29 Received a letter from Kennedy. Much rain.
30 Sunday – Said our prayers. Rainy day, had two partridges for dinner, which Roby shot the day before, were delicious. Did not feel very well.
31 The washer woman came to us. Very cold day.
September 1835
1 Roby shot two partridges. Cold day.
3 Took a short walk – cold evening.
4 Walked to our land, felt very unwell returning, not well all night – very warm.
5 Fine and very warm day. Sent Mr. Parker 4 pounds. Sent a letter to Agnetta, via
6 Read prayers. Very rainy day.
7 -
8 Called to see
9 Headache all day – took a short walk with dear Roby, cold evening.
10 Old Graham’s funeral, all the neighbours assembled to go, some dressed in green, some in red etc. etc. No letters from home very much disappointed – got up at twelve, bad headache. Young Sharp called – Roby shot a partridge.
11 Roby shot a partridge – rode to our land with Mr. and Mrs. Brown. Not at all well.
12 Disappointed in having no letters from home. Rainy day.
13 Sunday – Got up late, said prayers, etc. Very cold day.
14 Very busy, baked, cooked dinner and all the etc. Walked as far as Batesons for butter.
16 One year today since I am a wife. The Browns take tea with us.
17 Called on the Browns – not very well, headache.
18 Took a ride, returned late – Joe B.
19 -
20 Sunday, Rainy day – not well.
21 Miss Banks called, stayed dinner and tea, rainy day, both Roby & myself have headaches.
22 Tuesday. Sent a letter to Sophy and one to Colonel Fitzgibbon, Very miserable in not getting one from home.
23 Roby went shooting – Cold dull day, crying day – Miss Brown came to us in the evening.
24 Cold, rainy day – Paid for Kitty’s feed up to this day, also for shoeing.
29 Snow two inches deep.
30 Not well, very severe cold, and depression of spirits.
October 1835
1 Expected a letter from home, knowing there was a packet arrived, but again disappointed – received one from Colonel F.
2 My dear Roby not well, Mrs. Pringle & Miss Brown arrived, how joyful was the meeting with their friends! God grant I also may one day see mine.
3 Received two letters from Sophy half of one from
4 Sunday – Rainy day, took a short walk – read my letters over and over.
5 Got some wood in with Kitty – rode after dinner to see our washer woman who has the ague, never saw such misery – sent her some honey etc. [they] were so very thankful.
6 Wet day and cold – Colonel F. sent us two newspapers.
7 Not at all well – very cold – Ice an inch thick.
8 Called on Miss Brown and Mrs. Pringle – Very cold, damp day.
9 Took a ride alone, cold weather.
10 Rode to our land – very fine day – woods looking beautiful, so rich and such variety of colours.
11 Sunday – very fine day – walked before and after dinner.
12 Miss Brown called, rode to the Banks, Mrs. confined of a girl – last week.
13 Tired and bruised from my ride.
14 Rode to Peterboro’ 17 miles with dear Roby – very warm day – dined, and slept at Cleghorn’s
15 After breakfast went to the Roaches, very kind people – remained until Roby returned from the sale – started at half past one, arrived here before six, very fine day – Took tea at the Browns.
16 Received a note from our friend the Colonel – rode to buy some apples – Taken Joe B.
18 Sunday – Rainy day did not go out.
19 Rode to our land, were burning the trees – very fine warm day – Mr. Roach and Miss Brown took tea with us.
20 Disappointed in not getting letters from home.
21 Roby rode to Cavan to get letters left at the post office – one from Jane Matthews giving me a pressing invitation to go to her.
23 Rainy day – very busy at home.
24 Sent Papa a newspaper, with uncle’s name mentioned in it. Roby sent his affidavit to DeLisle.
24 Roby rode to Port Hope to draw a bill of 30 pounds – Mrs. Brown sent for me – dined there, very ill all the evening and night.
24 Busy taking wood in, took a walk with Miss Brown.
25 Sunday – fine day, walked to Masons.
26 Sent a letter to Sophy and one to Colonel F. by Mr. Smart – Roby rode to Bradshaws, Kitty ran away from him, made him run six miles after her, caught her near Parkers. He had the key of the house, I could not get in, remained at the Brown’s ‘till he returned, it was nearly dark.
27 Roby rode to our land, after dinner we both walked with Miss Brown as far as Mr. Cleig, four miles.
28 -
29 Bought a side saddle, 5p took a ride – fine day.
30 Called at the Browns, took tea then – saw Mrs. Pringle the disconsolate widow of the poet.
31 Rode to the Banks – expected to dine there – did not ask us – cold day.
November 1835
1 Read prayers. Beautiful day but cold – Mrs. and Miss Brown called.
2 Sent a letter to Lady Colborne. Rode to our land – Miss Brown went to Cobourg.
3 Rode to our land – bad headache – Mr. Roach and Banks took tea with us.
4 Thursday – Received letter from Sophy and Agnetta. Wept over it like a child, tears of heartfelt joy – my heart thanked Heaven for the happiness it gave me – Agnetta was at Bonair – poor creature how everything there must have reminded her of other days – received also a letter from dear Colonel Fitzgibbon whose kindness to us my grateful heart can never forget – sent a letter to Draper and one to T. Kennedy.
5 Busy at home – cold day.
6 Called at the Browns – and to the post – no letters.
7 Rode to “Brockland” – dined there – fine day.
8 Sunday – Had prayers and went to “Brockland” – name of our land near
9 Called Miss Banks and all three rode to Mr. Faulkner, near Rice Lake – very hospitable family – very cold returning – rode twenty-six miles – very much tired.
10 Received a newspaper sent by Colonel F. – sent him a letter – very cold day.
11 Cold day, blowing a gale of wind.
12 Post day – no letters, snow on the ground. Roby not well, gave him his breakfast in bed, washing day.
13 Received a lady from Lady Colborne. Not well – went to bed early – In low spirits and disappointed – Joe B. Walked to the Parkers to buy apples.
14 Sunday – Did not go out – Mr. Roach called in the morning.
15 Busy at home – ironing etc.
16 Called at the Browns.
17 Rode to our land. Sent a letter to Papa – dated 17th November – in the evening bad headache.
18 Miss Mary, Jane Banks dined with us, on roast beef – remained till the evening.
20 Mr. Banks and a friend of his, came to tea – dirty day – rode to our land.
21 Mr. Banks called in the morning. At one, Mr. White arrived by the stage from Peterboro’ – both remained to dinner and tea – no letters from home – disappointed.
22 Sunday – Snow on the ground – and bitterly cold – everything looks still and dead – and we must look on that gloomy scene six months more – such is Canada, “that country of snow and vermine.” Mr. Banks and White dined with us – had roast beef – the latter remained till ten – a nice young man.
23 Snowing all day – sleighs beginning to be seen – look pretty and snug – but I think the fire-side more so – very cold – bad chilblains – Mr. White dined with us.
24 Mr. White went to Mr. Banks – called at the Browns – had a fall.
25 Snow on the ground and sleighs going – colder than ever – Kitty put in our stable.
26 Received a note from Mr. Draper – none from home – not so cold but slippery.
28 Sent a letter to Draper for the Deed of our land – very cold day – milk and water all frozen.
29 Sunday – Received a most kind letter from Papa dated 31st August – Took a walk, very cold but fine – Roby had a bad headache.
30 Monday - Coldest day we had yet – everything frozen – it makes one cross and discontented.
December 1835
1st In low spirits – my chilblains very painful, did not give me one moment’s rest.
2 Extremely cold – a girl came to offer very anxious to come – a letter from Jane Matthews.
3 Rain and a thaw – not so cold – men working at the house.
4 -
5 -
6 Chilblains better but fear going out.
7 Not well all the morning. Colonel Brown took tea with us, brought us a message from Nancy, who is very anxious to come back to us. Refused to take her.
9 Robert gone to a sale – snowy day.
10 Received a letter from Sophy, dated 2nd October – very short and cost us 5s. Called to see the Browns.
11 Colonel B. returned to Cobourg. Called to see us.
12 Miss Susan Brown called – also Mr. and Mrs. Holland – very fine day – took a walk.
13 Sunday – not very well.
14 Wind and snow – very busy at home.
15 Blowing very hard – had a goose for dinner very well cooked, “though I say it to myself” – I am getting a very good cook – my last loaf is bad owing to the cold weather – we can get no milk for love or money – here at all events we shall learn to be pleased with little – and how to appreciate comforts if ever we have them again.
16 Received a letter from Sophy of the 18th October – all well.
17 Roby has a bad headache – cold day – thermometer 30 below zero – things frozen as we eat and drink them close to a roasting fire.
18 Very busy washing, cooking etc. Bad headache.
19 Mr. White and Banks called, the former on his way to Peterboro’ – the latter dined and stayed tea with us, also Mr. Brown.
20 Sunday – very mild day – a thaw, and rain in the night – Too wet to go out.
20 Busy at home – weather continues mild. Sent a letter to Papa in answer to one from him – also to Colonel F.
21 Mr. White arrived from Peterboro’ – had purchased no land. Rather cold – Mr. and Mrs. Holland came this way.
24 Called to see Mrs. B. – took a long walk – in the evening had both headaches.
25 Did not go out – mild day and a thaw.
26 Received a most kind letter from Colonel F. also John Bull - Rainy day – very mild.
27 Sunday – Mild day – did not go out.
28 Headache and in low spirits – Went to Mrs. Brown for a few minutes.
29 Walked as far as Graham’s to see a very pretty young deer – also at a cutter – my favourite Miss Brown came up to her mother’s for a few days.
30 Beautiful day – took a short walk with dear Roby.
31 Mrs., Miss & Mr. Brown took tea with us. Lovely moonlight night – thought of home, the longue veille and vin brulé! – nothing of the sort here, only poor emigrants talking of better days – and thus ends 1835 in wild, wooden Canada.
January 1836
1 First day of another year – and how passed? – alone, and busy – no fond Mother to smile upon me, no kind Father to wish me many returns of this day – Oh! how I miss both, tho’ I have the smiles and love of a very dear husband. This day reminds me of home more than any other – it is also the month I was born.
2 Walked as far as Bateson – still mild weather. Roby sent a letter to John and his affidavit.
3 Walked and rode to
5 Miss Brown called, washing day. Weather still damp – had a bad night and in low spirits.
6 Washing day – not cold – Roby has a headache.
7 Mrs. Sharp and family called. Apparently a most kind amiable family. Dear Roby still very poorly.
8 Friday – J.B. – very unwell – Mr. Holland dined with us.
Saturday –
10 Took a drive in Mr. Holland’s sleigh. Cold, unpleasant day, dined here.
11 Rode across the River Otonabee as far as Mr. Holland’s house, very cold.
12 Bad headache all day and night – did not go out.
13 Mr. Banks came to dinner – Roby advanced 5£ for the Bank – Miss J. Brown came to tea.
14 Not very well, stayed at home all day.
15 Took a drive in our cutter, delightful sleighing – Kitty went beautifully – bought a bear and racoon skin. Mrs. Brown called.
16 Took a drive to see the
17 Sunday – Roby not well, did not go out – cold day. Received a John Bull from the Colonel.
18 -
19 Took a drive to the post, no letters.
20 Received a long letter from Sophy, and one from John. Roby had to ride 22 miles to get them – not very well.
21 Lend Mr. B. 4£ - 10s. Were going to Port Hope, but snow came on and disappointed us – took a short drive.
22 Went to Port Hope in our cutter -- Drew for 15£. Sent a letter to Sophy about Agnetta, etc.
23 Very cold night & day – called to see Mrs. Brown – drove to the post.
24 Drove as far as Brockland – pleasant day. Sophy’s last letter, gave me too much joy and sorrow, I cannot sleep at night. Poor Agnetta, I fear she begins to feel that to be out of sight, is to be out of mind also, she does not write to me – and she has no one to advise her, no one to stand her firm friend as I have done through good, and bad report – Sunday evening –
27 Went to Cobourg in our cutter, beautiful day – called on the Banks, and Faulkners, dined with Colonel Brown’s family. My birthday.
28 Left Cobourg for Brighton 24 miles, passed thro’ Grafton, and Colborne, two small towns, beautiful road all the way to Brighton, slept at the latter place – sent a letter to Kennedy.
29 Rode to see our land in
30 Started from Brighton at nine, snow and wind all the way to Cobourg – half frozen – dined at the
31 Sunday – Left Cobourg at nine, called on the Colonel Browns. Lost our way on the plains, went more than 12 miles on another road, stopped for an hour at the Banks – poor Kitty very tired – arrived in Monaghan at eight in the evening – Miss Brown made us some tea, and they received us avec une amitié! on ne peut plus aimable. Thus ends January in
February 1836
1 Monday – Did not go out, Robert drove to the post – a man called to buy land.
2 Received a
4 Colder than I ever felt it – Miss Banks came to dinner & tea. Mr. Faulkner called.
5 Friday, received John Bull, from the Colonel – not well J.B. – dear Roby very busy, had scarcely time to eat or drink.
6 Sent the
7 Sunday – Asked to spend the day with the Faulkners, did not go, snowing – Roby in low spirits – made me so! – it is indeed a dull monotonous life for him, and for me.
10 Went to Cobourg in our cutter, snowy day – slept at Cobourg – Miss Brown took tea there with us.
11 Sent a newspaper home, about Sir John. Left Cobourg for Brighton passed through Grafton, Haldimand and Colborne. Slept at
12 Roby rode to our land, snowy day, remained alone at the
13 Left
14 Arrived home at three p.m., the Browns received us very kindly, had prayers and went to bed early – delighted to be home again.
15 Post day no letters, took a short drive – mild day.
16 Called at Mrs. Browns. Worked hard all day.
17 Drove 24 miles, bitterly cold – but beautiful sleighing.
18 A letter from Kennedy, and two from our kind friend the Colonel. Major Sharp & son dined with us.
19 No letters, que ce long silence me rend malheureuse!
21 Drove as far as Mrs. B. five miles, thought we would dine there, did not prepare any dinner at home, but not a morsel was offered us and we had to return home and make dinner – so much for Canadian Hospitality.
22 Dined with Mr. & Mrs. Holland, very amiable people – lovely mild day.
23 Major Sharp & family dined here on their way to Peterboro’, drove to the post, disappointed and very uneasy.
24 At home all day – a very monotonous, dull life to be so much alone.
25 Received a letter from Jane Matthews, bitter cold.
26 Mr. Banks called, did not go out – fine day, but very cold.
27 Made sure of letters, none, shed very bitter tears, Roby had a bad headache.
28 Took a drive near the Otonabee.
29 Colonel B. called, large ball at Peterboro’ – To me a dull day, full of ennui and presentiments of evil.
March 1836
1 Tuesday – Post day but no letters, Colonel Brown called.
2 Cold day, took a short drive and called to see Mrs. Brown.
3 Drove to Cobourg in our cutter – called at Colonel Brown’s – will never go there again! Bought a horse 14£. Sent a letter to Papa & Sophy about taxes, land etc. Kitty lame, could not walk back. Left her at Bletchers, arrived home at half past ten at night, Roby unwell – altogether a very disagreeable day.
4 Drove with our new horse to get Kitty back, not pleased with the former, goes too slow.
5 Post day, God grant I may hear from home – No letters, very unhappy.
6 Sunday – Roby took a short ride. Did not leave the house.
7 Not well – at home all day – read the life of the Rev’d Waugh, every word of which is beautiful.
8 No letters again – I must bear it with patience, though my fears are maddening.
9 Mr. Banks and friend called, also Burnet about a house, could not build one for less than 120£. Not well all day, and tired of seeing so many strangers. Took a drive with dear Robert, mild day & snow.
10 Bad cold.
11 -
12 Sent a letter to Colonel F.
12 Received a letter from John, of the 11th January – none from home – alas!
13 Had prayers, and wrote home.
26 Very unwell and in bed, ever since the 15th.
27 Sunday – Got up for a few hours. Very weak and my legs bad.
28 Much better, cooked dinner, etc.
29 Miss Brown called, such a fine day, was tempted to take a drive – post day. Received a letter from dear Papa and one from Agnetta – Sophy gone to Bath on a visit to Aunt Irving, Uncle very ill – made me unhappy, but thank God my parents were well. Mr. Roach called.
30 Sent a letter to Agnetta, and Robert’s affidavit – J.B.
31 -
April 1836
1 Mild day – not well enough to go out.
2 Rode to the Post, which has given me a headache, sent a letter to Mr. Draper – none from home – very fine day but roads are very bad – dear Roby does not feel well, and to hear him complain makes me truly unhappy.
5 This day last year we sailed from
7 Expected Mr. & Mrs. Holland to dinner, did not come – drew for £15.
8 The Browns, seven in number came to tea, mild day with lightning & thunder in the evening.
9 Rain but mild – dear Roby has a headache again.
10 Sunday – The earth covered with snow – very cold day.
11 Miss Brown called – no letters – Lent Mr. B. £5. Bought mocasins and boxes from two Indians.
We do not know what transpired between April 11 and June 4 when Harriet Pengelley died. Robert had her buried in St. Peter’s Anglican Church cemetery in Cobourg,