Winnipeg 1 June 1880 Marcus Smith 3 page letter to his wife
Lot 34 in our auction Saturday 21st August 2021
#marcussmith #bcsurveyor #canadianrailways #bchistory
Winnipeg June 1st 1880
My dear Wife
I have been very poorly ever since I came here got a bad cold on the way- was getting better but there were two or three miserably cold wet days lately- and I have had a relapse what with headache and fever. I am hardly able to get about the street- but have to be up as I am getting one party off this evening- You will have seen the announcement of Schreiber’s appointment. The minister never mentioned it to me but gave me instructions verbally to do the work of an Engineer in Chief over that large Division of the line from Manitoba to British Columbia that is to say the whole of the north west territories- to have full control-and all the responsibility
Two days ago I received a letter from Schreiber announcing that he had been appointed Engineer in Chief and with a patronizing air giving me instructions as if I were simply an assistant of his- I have written a strong letter of remonstrance to Sir John which Doctor Schultz has taken with him and will plead my cause I have positively refused to take instructions from Mr. Schreiber or Report to him the result may be that I shall be recalled and return home next week, or if not I shall simply go on with my work and ignore Schreiber altogether
This will get me 6 months salary or more so that we shall have the house in our hands less than a year and may possibly rent it if necessary- I had a telegram from Brophy yesterday saying he has reason to believe Schreiber’s appointment is only temporary and he is writing particulars so I shall do nothing rash- especially not resign- I have written another letter to D.Schultz today enclosing a copy of Schreiber’s which was forgot yesterday- call on him as soon as you get this and tell him so that he may get it at once
Love to all Yours best
M. Smith
Dr. Schultz M.P.
6812 Alberst Street
Ottawa
P.S. I shall not leave till early next week-
*Back of letter: Papa’ 1880
