“Camp near Tatla Lake, Sunday July 4th, 1875
My dear Wife, I start tomorrow early and two days ride will bring as far into the mountains as horses can go- when I shall have a hard walk of 60 miles or more through… “
Camp Near Tatla Lake 4 Jl 1875 2.5 page Marcus Smith letter to Anne
Realized $2,600 Lot 91 in our auction Saturday 22nd May 2021
Camp near Tatla Lake
Sunday July 4th, 1875
My dear Wife
I arrived here on Friday evening and camped with Mr.Canby’s party- and as an express will be sent off to Soda Creek to-morrow I take the opportunity of writing- We have had cool weather with frequent rain and hail showers. But my eight days ride has much improved my health. The last two days have been warm and all our spare time is spent in whipping the mosquitos, which are irrepressible- I start tomorrow early and two days ride will bring as far into the mountains as horses can go- when I shall have a hard walk of 60 miles or more through
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the deep rocky valley of the east branch of the Hamalko to Bute inlet where I shall meet Mr. Gamsby’s party- I have 5 Indians with me to pack and expect to get through in ten days- You will have all the children home with you now and I hope you are enjoying yourselves-
I have been thinking about Letty going to Miss Dupont’s school and remember you have often expressed doubts whether the health of the scholars is sufficiently cared for, or whether they are not too hard worked- and as Letty is not strong I should have preferred her staying at home another year- but if you come out to British Columbia it would be as well to get her forward in her education as fast as yo she can bear it- But you will 3
learn more about it by cross questioning Eloise and others of the scholars and act according to your judgement.
Love to all the children and I shall write again as soon as I arrive in Victoria- the steamer is ordered to meet one at Bute inlet on the 20th inst.
Yours ever
M. Smith
