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Place: Red River Settlement, Hudson Bay, North America

From: Daniel Aillud, St. Mary Gray

To: Reverend John Smithurst

Details: 1pp with integral address

Notes: Daniel Aillud writes about going to Navigation School and preparing for an upcoming voyage.


Place: Red River Settlement

From: Mary Hodgson

To: Reverend John Smithurst

Details: 1pp

Notes: Mary Hodgson writes from Whitby to tell him of her recent marriage. The embossed letterhead was likely a wedding present.

The small-sized letter with a lack of seal indicates it was enclosed within a larger letter forwarded to the Church Missionary Society in London. The mail was carried by Hudson Bay Company's spring supply ship to York factory and from there the letter would travel by boat up the Nelson River, across Lake Winnipeg and then up the Red River to the Indian Settlement.

Place: Red River Settlement

From: Mary Hodgson, Sycamore Cottage in Lea

To: Reverend John Smithurst

Details: 3pp

Notes: The writer Anne Alsop discusses family matters in great length and asks Smithurst to take an "Indian bride". Smithurst was a roommate to be involved with his cousin Florence Nightingale but the relationship was stopped by family members.

The letter would have been forwarded to the Church Missionary Society in London. The mail was carried up by Hudson's Bay Company Spring Supply Ship to York Factory and from there the letter would travel by boat up the Nelson River, through Lake Winnipeg and. up the Red River to Indian Settlement.

Place: Red River Settlement

From: [?] Parnell

To: Reverend John Smithurst

Details: 1pp

Notes: The letter acknowledged receipt of money on several occasions and stated that the rate of interest of the money deposit is £2 percent per annum.

Place: Byron [Ontario]

From: Marion [Griffith]

To: Alf / T. A. Patrick, M.D., Saltcoats, Assiniboia, N.W.T.

Delivery: Canada Post, postmarked

Details: 4 pp + envelope; note on envelope “No. 239,” envelope is bordered in black

Notes: Marion writes to her fiance, Alf. Her Grandpa died at 3 p.m. She describes it as a relief as he suffered so much.

As Alf asked to set their wedding date as Saturday, February 22 in his letter, Marion explains that it is too soon for her to be ready to travel to Birtle and Saltcoats. She asks Alf if February 28th would work as a compromise.

Place: Byron, Ontario

From: Marion [Griffith] and M.J. Griffith

To: Alf / T.A. Patrick M.D., Saltcoats, Assiniboia, N.W.T.

Delivery: Canada Post, postmarked

Details: 8 pp + envelope banded in black; note on envelope “No. 241;” and a page banded in black

Notes: Marion writes to her fiance, Alf [Dr. T.A. Patrick]. She is recovering after being ill for several days. She is otherwise making progress on the packing to move to Saltcoats and marry Alf.

A second item in the envelope is a sheet of lined paper, folded in half, first page banded in black. It is a letter from Marion's mother, Mrs. M.J. Griffith, to her soon-to-be son-in-law. She and her husband, James, give their blessing to the upcoming marriage.

Place: Regina, N.W.T.

From: T.A. Patrick

To: Mrs. Marion G. Patrick, Yorkton, N.W.T.

Delivery: Canada Post, postmarked

Details: 1 pp on North West Territories Legislative Assembly letterhead, watermarked, & an envelope

Notes: T.A. Patrick writes his letter to his wife, Marion, while sitting at the Statute Labor Ordinance. Letting his wife know that she might see it in the Regina Leader, he states that he got another "shot at the Manitoba and North Western Railway Company." He then writes that he has to sit in Assembly every night for the next week. He inquires about the children and whether they liked the gift he sent to them. Ending his note he states that he "gave notice of my Village Ordinance today."

Place: Regina, N.W.T.

From: T.A. Patrick

To: Mrs. [Marion] Patrick, Yorkton

Delivery: Canada Post, postmarked

Details: 1 pp on North West Territories Legislative Assembly letterhead, watermarked, & an envelope

Notes: T.A. Patrick informs his wife, Marion, in one of his frequent letters that he spoke on the second reading of his Prairie and Forest Fire Bill, which met with some opposition but passed. He also mentions that the Windsor Ball the night before was a success and that he has been reading compliments regarding his Fire Bill. He states that one was "an opinion or rather an expression of hope that I will soon be a member of the Government."

Place: Regina [N.W.T.]

From: T.A. Patrick

To: Mrs. T.A. Patrick, Yorkton, N.W.T.

Delivery: Canada Post, postmarked

Details: 1 pp on North West Territories lined letterhead, watermarked, & an envelope

Notes: T.A. Patrick writes to his wife that the House has adjourned for the week and he is trying to catch up on work and prepare for the last part of the Session. He mentions writing the business letter to Marion [his wife] and informs her that he sent her "stray dry goods in another envelope." He also informs her that Mr. Fitzgerald [from the business letter] will contact her gain with more money to purchase more land, which T.A. Patrick tells her to get Jack [his brother] to do.

He ends his letter stating that "I take dinner with Meyers tonight at the Windsor and hope to paste in part of my "Honored" lakes."

Place: Regina [N.W.T.]

From: T.A. Patrick

To: Mrs. T.A. Patrick, Yorkton, N.W.T.

Delivery: Canada Post, postmarked

Details: 4 pp; second piece of paper is blank; paper watermarked with crown, crest, and “Antique Parchment Note Paper;” & an envelope

Note: Patrick writes to his wife that he is sorry that the "Village adjourned its meeting for it can't hold another one legally as the town of Yorkton began to exist yesterday.” He then tells his wife that he is anxious to "see the Enterprise to see if the proclamation was published" and asks who the candidates are for the mayoralty and for Councillors.

Patrick states that "Billy Miller has no moral or legal claim on the Hudson and Co. and the policy was issued no delay of mine affected the matter in the least. Mr. Bull is merely playing a game which will reach on himself." He inquires if Jack [his brother] can discretely find out who will be appointed into the Public Administratorship of Yorkton as the last Administrator had passed away. Near the end of his letter he mentions that he wrote a letter to [J.A.] Magee for the next Enterprise [newspaper].

Place: Regina, [N.W.T.]

From: T.A. Patrick

To: Mrs. T.A. Patrick, Yorkton, Assa.

Delivery: Canada Post, postmarked

Details: 1pp on lined North West Territories letterhead, watermarked “Old Hampden;” and an envelope

Notes: T. A. Patrick writes one of his frequent letters to his wife, Marion. He writes that he should have stayed in Yorkton for a few more days as the House had adjourned before he had arrived. There is still much work to be done "as many bills have been introduced, and these require consideration." He finishes his letter by mentioning the cold weather.

Place: Regina, [N.W.T.]

From: T.A. Patrick

To: Mrs. T.A. Patrick, Yorkton, Assa.

Delivery: Canada Post, postmarked

Details: 2pp on lined North West Territories letterhead, watermarked “Old Hampden;” and an envelope

Notes: T.A. Patrick writes a letter to his wife, Marion. He writes that "the Stock Association Bill was in Committee today and most of the clauses were passed." He, then, expresses his anger over the way Bruce has acted. Patrick states that Bruce "had agreed to come when sent for and I think Cash must have tampered with him." He mentions the amount of water that remains and his surprise that it hasn't went down quicker. He, then, states that he is "trying to listen to Rosenwall's proposal to amend the Exemption Ordinance and write at the same time."

He states that he has "sent copies of [his] Marriage Amending Bill to several parties at Devil's Lake and Yorkton and copies of the Stock Association Ordinance to several parties." He then advises his wife that she "had better send a messenger for Bruce in case of the kind you mention."

He ends his letter stating that he "can not consent to satisfy [Marion's] curiosity relative to my moustache at present. When you arrive you will see for yourself."

Place: Regina (N.W.T.)

From: T.A. Patrick

To: Mrs. T.A. Patrick, Yorkton, Assa.

Delivery: Canada Post, postmarked

Details: 1pp lined North West Territories letterhead, watermarked “Old Hampden;” and an envelope

Notes: T.A. Patrick writes to his wife, Marion, that he will start for Calgary in the morning. He mentions the hot weather and hopes that Yorkton has got a few of the rain showers that Regina has had and then talks of the lakes filling up and the grass growing.

He writes that he sees that "F.P. has an editorial on [his] Marriage Bill which will be in Committee today."

Place: Yorkton

From: Papa, [T.A. Patrick]

To: Mrs. T.A. Patrick, Byron, Ont.

Delivery: Canada Post, postmarked

Details: 1pp and envelope

Notes: T.A. Patrick writes to his wife, Marion, from Yorkton while she is away in Byron, Ontario. He writes of visiting a patient in Ebenezer whose boy "accidentally or carelessly shot him this afternoon putting a 22 caliber bullet into his chest." He states that he has been busy since his return: "Last night Mrs. Lamb a daughter, today Mrs. Blakely a son." He informs her that he has "to go to the Hospital tonight before going to bed," as his "typhoid patient" is very ill.

He ends his note updating his wife on the children: "George shot a deer across the road" and "Edith is improving."

The note ends with a P.S. "letter from Jack [his brother] tonight. He feels confident he has passed."

Place: Yorkton, Ass.

From: T.A. Patrick

To: Mrs. Marion G. Patrick, Lucan, Ont[ario]

Delivery: Canada Post, postmarked

Details: 1pp on paper watermarked with “Merchant;” and an envelope. Envelope is scribbled over with pencil, possibly by a child.

Notes: T.A. Patrick writes to his wife while she is away to Ontario. He informs her that he "went to the farm on "28" today and shot a chicken. Used up a box of matches setting and fires which cleared things up a little. Yesterday went down to good acres and wasted some cartridges at ducks but gone none. Killed four partridges. Intended to go Northward for wild geese but just as I got ready Charlie Beck came for me. There is now another Miss Beck. Have been doing about $25 worth of work per day." He worries about his bronchitis, stating "I sound like McLean when I cough."

Patrick's second paragraph states that he "had an urgent letter from Brandon again to address meetings in the Mormon settlement. Two telegrams and two letters so far urging me to come. They advertised meetings and had to post pone them as I could not go. Will have to go after the session." He writes that he had a letter from Marion's friend "Senator Perley urging [Patrick] to run for the Commons, and intimating that I will not be at a loss financially."

Place: Regina [N.W.T.]

From: T.A. Patrick

To: Mrs. Marion G. Patrick, Byron, Middlesex Co., Ont[ario]

Delivery: Canada Post, postmarked

Details: 2 pp on The Alexandra Hotel letterhead. Envelope is printed with the words “Return to the Alexandra Hotel, F. Nash, Proprietor, Regina, N.W.T.” in black ink.

Notes: T.A. Patrick writes to his wife while she is away in Ontario stating, "last night the Provincial Autonomy resolution passed after a splendid speech by Haultain. Today we may have the budget and in that event I may leave for Edmonton tomorrow morning so as to get there on Saturday night. Otherwise I might have to remain in Calgary over Sunday. There are still rumours of a row but I believe the Liberals will swallow the next dose as readily as they swallowed the dose given them last night."

Patrick then lays out his travel plans stating, "it will take two days to Edmonton two days there; one day at Wetaskiwin, one day en route from Edmonton to Calgary. Lethbridge via MacLeod. Four or five days or perhaps a week around Cardston and Lethbridge and three days to reach Winnipeg so it will be the 6th December before I can get to Winnipeg should I meet you [Marion] there then, but I don't know your plans are and after I leave here it will be sometime before my mail reaches me." He then writes that he will keep her "advised as to [his] whereabouts from time to time but the farther west I go the longer it will take for my letters to reach you."

He finishes his letter, "the weather continues cold but with no lack of sunshine. Love to the bairns and you all.

Place: Regina

From: Alf [T.A. Patrick]

To: Mrs. Marion G. Patrick, Yorkton. Box 122

Delivery: Canada Post, postmarked

Details: 1 pp on lined North West Territories letterhead and envelope. Envelope has a broken piece of a red wax seal still attached to it.

Notes: Alf [T.A. Patrick] writes a short letter to his wife, who is back home in Yorkton. He informs his wife that her letter was received late last night. He continues, "I telegraphed last night to Jack [his brother] that I will return Saturday night by way of Winnipeg."

Patrick writes, "pleased to hear of the Wilsons and Young Anderson. Jim Ross told in Calgary that I will be elected." He then changes the subject stating, "have the girls take the German lessons."

He finishes his letter stating, "have to go to Balgonie tonight to a meeting. Hope the weather will permit threshing. Love to yourself and the children."

Place: Regina

From: Dad [T.A. Patrick]

To: “Wife and son,” but envelope addressed to Mrs. T.A. Patrick, Yorkton, Sask[atchewan]

Delivery: Canada Post, postmarked

Details: 2 pp on King George Hotel, Saskatoon, Canada letterhead. Envelope is printed with the words “King George Hotel, Saskatoon, Canada” and a crest all in blue ink.

Notes: Alf [T.A. Patrick] writes to his wife and son in Yorkton from Saskatoon, stating, "I arrived yesterday at noon and taking a quick lunch went to her lodgings and saw Gertrude [his daughter]. Went to school with her, and met Mr. Pike who is a member of the 'Drugless Practitioner's Committee' of the senate of which I am chairman. We dine together here tonight. Dr. Law of Regina is here for the committee meeting too."

He then addresses his son, stating, "I learn you passed in French George. The other results come out tomorrow. I have refrained from inquiring." He continues, "George I wish you would look after the storm windows and storm doors, and see that they are put away carefully in the place provided for them and have the seven doors and windows put on. The keys for the padlock should be in the drawer of the office table. Yes the tenants started on the spring 'clean-up.' The town will take away the ashes for road building. See Mr. Pilkington about that.

He ends his letter, stating, "I am eager to return and give word."

Approximately twenty (20) items regarding the regulation of liquor in the North West Territories of Canada in the late 1880s and early 1900s. The difficulties faced by the North West Mounted Police (NWMP) in enforcing the unpopular permit-based liquor laws of the time are given particular attention.

A nine (9) page mimeographed copy of an 1888 draft report written by L.W. Herchmer, Commissioner of the North West Mounted Police. The Commissioner makes reference to the “liquor question,” the ongoing law enforcement issues within the North West Territories with regards to controlling the sale of liquor. The report shows some handwritten corrections and margin notes indicating the portions which were printed in the final report and submitted to Parliament.

A single sheet of paper onto which three (3) letters to the editor of the Regina Journal newspaper have been typewritten.

In red type:
“Copy file No. 302/1888. REGINA ARTICLE IN JOURNAL RE SEARCHING LANDSDOWN HOTEL FOR LIQUOR 15 Feb. ’88:”

In black type:
“Regina, 21 Feb. 1888
Sir: With reference to the article which appeared in the Regina ‘Journal’ of the 18th instant respecting a recent search of the Lansdown Hotel in this Town, for liquor, conducted by Insp. McGibbon, I have the honor to inform you that I have had the matter of the statements made in the article above referred to thoroughly investigated and find them to be untrue.
Mrs Arnold, the wife of the proprietor of the Hotel, informed Supt. Deane that the Editor of the Regina ‘Journal’ while sitting in the bar room of the Lansdown, read out in her hearing what purported to be an account of the police visit to that Hotel, and she then said to him: ‘Oh! Mr Atkinson, I cannot allow you to publish such a thing as that, the men did not come inside my bedroom at all, and were perfectly civil.’ Or words to that effect.
The Comptroller, Ottawa
I have, etc.
(L.W. Herchmer) Commr.

5th Mar. 8
Sir, Referring to your letter of the 21st ultimo, respecting the searching of the Lansdowne Hotel at Regina for Liquor, I am glad to be placed in possession of the statement of Mrs Arnold which exonerates the police from the charge of incivility. The article in the Regina Journal of the 16th ulto states on Mr Arnold’s authority: ‘Only last Sunday drunken policemen bothered him to such an extent that he was compelled to lock the door. The police threatened to break the door in but dared not do it.’
It would be gratifying to know that this statement also can be contradicted.
I have the honor, etc.
The Commr, NWMP, Regina.
Comptroller

Regina 10 March 8
Sir: In reply to your No. 302 of the 5th instant, on the subject of the searching of the Lansdowne Hotel at this place for liquor, I have the honor to inform you that there is no proof that the men who threatened to kick Arnold’s door in were policemen.
If they were, I am of the opinion that Reg: No- 2041 Constable Lynch was one of the party as he was punished for having overstayed his pass the night the alleged disturbance is stated to have taken place.
I have the honor, etc.
The Comptroller, Ottawa
(Sgd) L.W. Herchmer
Commissioner”

An article from the Lethbridge News of 5th April 1888 concerning the recently released North West Mounted Police Commissioner's Annual Report dealing with the difficulties faced by the NWMP in enforcing the unpopular permit-based liquor laws: "the liquor question."

Two (2) clippings from the Lethbridge News newspaper dated April 5, 1888. The clippings make up the editorial response to NWMP Commissioner L.W. Herchmer’s annual report printed elsewhere in the same issue.

Newspaper Clipping from the Macleod Gazette, dated July 4, 1888.

“A Fierce Affray. / Hungarian Miners Resist The Police. / A Free Fight the Result, in Which Several Police and Civilians are Injured – Eighteen Arrests Made.”

Byline is “Lethbridge News.”

“On Sunday last the celebration of a wedding took place and a large amount of beer was consumed, quite a number of the participants becoming intoxicated. At around 21 o’clock three of them came outside the house and commenced fighting. Sergt. Ross was soon on the ground and arrested the principals in the fight, when a swarm of Hungarians, headed by one Geo. Czaperalich, rushed out . . . Czaperalich came out with some others to inform the sergeant there was no picnic going on there, whereupon the sergeant immediately arrested him. Directly he was arrested a swarm of Hungarians rushed out of the cottage armed with clubs, stones, bottles and other weapons. . . . A prominent feature in the fight was the part taken by the women, one of whom particularly distinguished herself by her agility in high kicking.”

“Prohibition v. License” newspaper clipping. Black ink handwriting indicates the clipping is taken from the Moosomin Courier dated July 19, 1888.

The writer objects to "the subpoenaing of a number of our fellow-townsmen to give evidence for the Crown against two of our hotel keepers for selling liquor without a permit from the Lieutenant-Governor of these Territories."

“Liquor in the West” newspaper clipping. A typewritten note identifies this clipping is from The Toronto Mail February 23, 1889.
Quotes and comments on North West Mounted Police Commissioner L.W. Herchmer’s report of 1888 [see 2011.002.003).