1874

Moved into the “Big” house at Mines in January 1874 where I am now writing and feeling very grateful to God for all His goodness unto me — past, and especially the present moment.

Dr. Jeptha Ross attended Bessie regularly and thus became acquainted with Maggie, and temporarily I lost another pet for they were married on 2nd March 1874, and removed to Kingston River [N.B.] about July.

15th November

Last year about 11,000 tons were shipped while 30,000 could have been sold. This year at least 30,000 could have been delivered if it could have been sold, and owing to the depression, not much over last year's shipments will be made. Nevertheless, I believe the Company are pretty well satisfied with the management of the “old clerk. “ Sidney went away a year ago to sea in the Mabel of St. John, got the smallpox in Cardiff and was glad to get home again in April last and he is now clerk and paymaster, while Cliff assists me at South Bar. I purpose for Cliff to give up the store this winter for good and be able to give more assistance to me next season, and Vibert to go over to the Bar to learn to be a Telegraph Operator. The Mines are looking blue and if no provision is made to work this winter there will be much distress.

Christmas

We were greatly surprized and rejoiced this morning over a letter from Maggie and the Dr. conveying the joyful news that we old folks were made grandparents of a glorious little girl. It has made a happy Christmas for us out of some otherwise uncomfortable drawbacks, not the least of which is the feeling that there are so many around us who are at the moment pinched for the comforts of life. So many that it is useless to endeavour to begin to alleviate their wants, and altho’ I have strongly urged the Company to prepare largely this winter for next season, I fear they will not supply sufficient means but for a small output — and that therein they will miss it.