Altho’ I had no prospect of another place (at all certain) I was not sorry when it became necessary for me to leave, as I had become weary of the situation, and sighed for relief of any kind. At first my anxiety about another place, to give sustenance to my large family, was very considerable - failing to look aloft with that abiding faith that I ought to.

In a few days or a week or two at most, I had charge of the Brunswick T.M. Company, prospecting at Mt. Uniacke at $1,000 with liberty to take another company. Very shortly after, the Queen, a sister company, was offered me (by the failure of the gentleman in charge to fulfil his duties, through that curse, strong drink) which I accepted conditionally, at my request, that he should be reinstated if he could make his peace with the Company. This he failed to do, and I was confirmed in charge. The Brunswick bargain was that if I got another company the salary from the Brunswick should be only $800 and I naturally concluded that the Queen's would be the same. Judge of my happy surprise when the Secretary said that my salary was fixed at $1,000! (Making $1,800 in all) if I was contented! At, or about the time I took charge of the Queen, my pocket book contained two other offers for my services - one for the “Montreal” and another for two properties in Sherbrooke, besides, I had also expectations of another at Uniacke. By the way, I may as well mention that I am sitting in a snug little office at Mount Uniacke, Hants County, belonging to the Queen Company, and that it is Good Friday 1868.

1869

6th April

Sidney, who had been up to last fall engaged at Wine Harbour as sometimes Amalgamator, and at others Engine Driver, came home then and I procured a situation for him at the Montreal Company, on same employments. He has not yet learned the value of time and money. Bessie was at Wolfville Seminary for one term and came home freshened up in General Knowledge, and obtained specially some proficiency in the use of the Guitar.