Peter O'Reilly Diaries
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Peter O’Reilly (b. 27 March 1827; d. 3 September 1905) was a prominent settler and official in British Columbia who held a variety of government positions, most notably as the head of the Indian Reserve Commission struck to revise and allocate reserves throughout the province. O’Reilly’s personal diaries from 1858 to 1905 were transcribed by volunteers from the Vancouver Island Local History Society (VILHS) which operated Point Ellice House Museum and Gardens in Victoria from 2019 to 2023. Point Ellice House was home to the O'Reilly family from 1867 to 1975. These transcriptions are for informational purposes only and researchers are advised to consult the original documents housed at the Royal British Columbia Museum & Archives, found in the O’Reilly Family Fonds (MS-2894).
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Item Peter O'Reilly Diary - 1858(1858) O'Reilly, Peter; Vancouver Island Local History SocietyDIARY SUMMARY JANUARY “Grinding” (meaning unknown) – Peter O’Reilly attends dinners, concerts and pantomime theatre in Dublin FEBRUARY “Grinding” continues - examinations held – Peter goes on walks about Dublin and to dinner with acquaintances. MARCH No diary entries. APRIL Francis Ellis arrives in Dublin – Peter and Francis attend court martial at Royal Barracks, go to Queen’s Theatre and Punchestown horse races – Peter rides and exercises horses, takes Rarey lessons for training and calming difficult horses. MAY Peter O’Reilly visits the Francis & Louisa Ellis family of Faccary House near Mountfield, Ireland – horse riding with Ellis daughter Charlotte – trains horses using Rarey techniques – visit to Royal Fusiliers headquarters – dinner with Captain Knox - band concerts in Omagh with the Ellises. JUNE Peter trains other horses – plays “rackets” and goes fishing – rides horses with Charlotte - visits with Mrs Ellis JULY Return to Dublin – Ellises visit Peter in Dublin with daughter Charlotte and son Tommy. AUGUST No diary entries. SEPTEMBER Return to Faccary House. OCTOBER Hunting for grouse, hares, and snipe – Peter evaluates hunting dogs. NOVEMBER Hunting with friends – horse training – rides with Charlotte. DECEMBER Trips to Omagh with Mrs Ellis and Charlotte – exercises horses – receives “Valuable present from mistress” on Christmas Day - illness of Mrs Ellis and Charlotte.Item Peter O'Reilly Diary - 1859(1859) O'Reilly, Peter; Vancouver Island Local History SocietyDIARY SUMMARY JANUARY Peter O’Reilly purchases ticket to New York for £18 – requests transfer of pension – visits childhood home of Ballybeg – visits with friends, trains horses, and returns to Faccary one last time to see the Ellis family. FEBRUARY “Busy Packing” – travels to Galway to catch New York bound ship – boards the Prince Albert in the “Saloon” (First Class) section - “Very ill nearly all on board sea sick” – “sea running mountains high” - “a hurricane rough all night” - icebergs and field ice seen – arrival in St Johns, then New York. MARCH Peter attends the theatre in New York City - posts letters to Mrs Louisa “Mamsey” Ellis in Ireland - arranges $125 passage to San Francisco via Panama – arrives in Aspinwall (Panama) in one week – travels by train to Pacific coast to board San Francisco-bound ship – observes rough weather, sharks, whales, porpoises – stops in Acapulco – attends two plays in San Francisco. APRIL Departs for Victoria aboard the Brother Jonathan with stops in Astoria and Portland - “Beautiful wooded senery all the way” – arrival at Esquimalt – unable to obtain meeting with Governor James Douglas for a few days - appointed “Resident Magistrate” for Langley - temporarily lodges at Langley courthouse - takes charge of post office. MAY Receives trading licences for Fort Langley - settles disputes - holds trial for Indians accused of assault, another trial involving robbery of Indians - establishes permanent lodging and starts garden - travels to Queensborough (New Westminster) for Queen’s Birthday celebrations - dinner with Royal Engineers. JUNE Meets with Gov Douglas - attends church services by Reverend Crickmer - writes to friends in Ireland including Mamsey – dines with Dr Pears and Rev Crickmer - grand jury in court. JULY “American Independence - Firing off guns all night.” – four cases heard at Fort Langley - “musketoes in millions - remained in house all day” - Fort Langley village destroyed by fire – prepares fire report for Gov Douglas. AUGUST Tensions rise over the boundary dispute between the US and Britain in San Juan Islands – prepares list of all British subjects - “Queensborough” name changes to “New Westminster” as promoted by Queen Victoria - receives appointment as “assistant Register” - travels to Victoria to meet with Gov Douglas – becomes High Sheriff of BC at increased salary of £300 per year. SEPTEMBER “Felt very lonely all day - cannot help thinking of my old & dear friends” – travels to Hope and encounters two “Yankees” who think Peter intends to arrest them – travels to interior via Hudson’s Bay trail - “fearful hard work - at every turn a dead horse or mule”. OCTOBER Holds court in Hope – issues miner’s certificates - travels to Port Douglas to hold court - convicts Indian of murdering Frenchman and sentences the man to death – travels to Fort Langley - worries about Mamsey and Charlotte, “I wonder if I shall ever be with them - It is what I wish most for in this world”. NOVEMBER Winter sets in at Hope - holds court and issues mining certificates – ice skating – Steamer Colonel Moody runs aground causing all mail deliveries to stop - “If I were back at home once more it would take a deal to induce me to leave it”. DECEMBER Suffers bad headaches - purchases a 5-acre lot in Yale - holds court – disapproves of new Methodist clergyman Robson and prefers Anglican minister Pringle - mail deliveries resume – no news from the Ellis family in Ireland.Item Peter O'Reilly Diary - 1860(1860) O'Reilly, Peter; Vancouver Island Local History SocietyDIARY SUMMARY JANUARY Rev Pringle opens library at Hope - Peter O'Reilly pays subscription and entrance fee its use - discussions with miners about new 1859 mining rules. FEBRUARY Issues mining licences and records claims up and down Fraser River - Hope town lots laid out by Royal Engineers. MARCH Peter sets up animal traps and frequently inspects them - attends church services and discusses funding of a church and rectory - issues court summonses and holds court - writes to Mamsey in Ireland - Gov Douglas offers £1500 to build a trail to the Similkameen - Peter becomes treasurer of committee to raise funds for Quaquealla (Coquihalla) River bridge near Hope. APRIL Contractor selected to build Coquihalla bridge - Peter inspects bridge progress - plants vegetable garden including potatoes - purchases newly created town lots in Hope. MAY Meets with Gov Douglas to discuss repairs to Boston Bar trail and an expedition to the Similkameen - Douglas tours British Columbia with stops at New Westminster, Fort Langley, Port Douglas, Hope, and Yale - Peter partakes in Governor's luncheon - "I dont think I shall ever get reconciled to remain out here." JUNE Rev Sheepshanks visits Hope and selects site for cemetery - clearance of new burial ground begins - Revs Pringle and Sheepshanks file for pre-emption claims of 160 acres each - Pringle's claim including an Indian village is rejected by Peter- freight duty rates are set for the Boston Bar trail - Peter inspects trail to determine repairs. JULY Repairs to Boston Bar trail begin - starting point of Similkameen trail construction determined - most white miners leave Fraser River for Similkameen - Peter purchases ten more lots in Hope. AUGUST More pack trains of horses and mules leave for Similkameen on rough foot trail - Edgar Dewdney signs contract for £ 1000 to build Similkameen pack trail - Royal Engineers blast rock for Boston Bar trail - Peter travels to Rock Creek, site of a new gold camp, to assess conditions - encounters resistance to paying for trading and mining licences. SEPTEMBER Returns to Hope to hold court - prepares a report on state of Similkameen trail for Gov Douglas - travels along Fraser River to collect fees and issue mining licences - invests in a silver prospect with Philip Nind - inspects mining ditches at Comish Bar. OCTOBER Attends Rev Pringle's singing class - Gov Douglas arrives with drunken assistants and boards with Peter - Peter requests pay increase and another constable - attends blanket tearing and potlatch - travels Similkameen trail again. NOVEMBER Peter feels uneasy as no letters received from Ireland - derives comfort from visiting friends, reading, or spending evenings at Fort Hope - lends money to those in need - receives income from rental properties in Hope - receives a pay increase - buys 100 lbs of beef for the winter - discussions about keeping Similkameen trail open during winter. DECEMBER Attends consecration of Trinity Church in New Westminster and attends church meetings - visits Glennie family in Hope and their newly constructed home - "I have been thinking of home & feel anything but cosey at the prospects of my getting back." - receives letter and package from Mamsey, posts his twentieth letter of the year to her.Item Peter O'Reilly Diary - 1861(1861) O'Reilly, Peter; Vancouver Island Local History SocietyDIARY SUMMARY JANUARY Meetings held for keeping the Similkameen trail open during winter, committee to assess trail costs - "horrid low spirits - spent a most lonely evening". FEBRUARY "Two years since I left home which appears more like ten God grant that I may be back before another. Cannot read or apply myself to anything." - robbery of blankets and bedding by four Indians - Peter O'Reilly holds inquest regarding death of Harrison White whose business partner is later arrested based on evidence - invests in Hope properties on behalf of his friend Knox in Ireland - inspections of Philip Nind's lots resulting in a survey and land clearance. MARCH Peter attends Rev Pringle's church services and records money collected - Lady Jane Franklin, widow of famed Arctic explorer Sir John Franklin, visits Hope and Yale - Peter escorts Lady Franklin around Hope and gives her gold specimens - a salute to Franklin is fired - first two miles of Dewdney's new road inspected- sixteen apple trees planted - gold is discovered in the Okanagan. APRIL First theatrical performance in Hope - Peter issues mining certificates issued and records claims - issues warrant for arrest of two Chinamen for stealing potatoes - Steamer Fort Yale explodes near Hope killing its captain and several others, and wounding passengers - inquest held - reward offered for body of Captain Jamieson - money raised to pay for the medical expenses of injured - freight salvaged from wreck site - Peter works in garden. MAY $1700 bid accepted for new church - Peter enjoys concert given by Royal Engineers band - receives long-awaited letter from Mamsey with upsetting news, " .. .I cannot describe my feelings of grief - Mamsey cannot mean it, [she] must not have understood me & I cannot explain ... " - Gov Douglas arrives for an eight-day visit and Peter must tend to the governor's needs and wishes. JUNE Plagued by a feeling of guilt for Mamsey's misunderstanding, Peter is depressed, lonely and miserable - negative feelings are added to by frequent visits of Rev Pringle who is fidgety and "full of grievances as ever" - holds court held and issues mining licences- inspects Dewdney's wagon road - workman killed by falling trees on the road during a storm. JULY Great Comet of 1861 - murder of Dr Fifer of Yale causes Peter to recruit 35 men and Royal Engineers to search for murderer - $500 arrest reward offered - construction of a new Anglican church in Hope begins with ceremony attended by Bishop Hills - Peter makes several fishing trips. AUGUST Two white men and two Indians found guilty of murdering Dr Fifer - Peter continues to purchase lots and acreage around Hope - pays to clear Nind's 18 acres. SEPTEMBER Gov Douglas returns to Hope and Yale for ten days - Douglas does not commit to constructing road to Kamloops and Yale, making repairs to courthouse, or increasing constable salaries - horse races at Yale. OCTOBER Peter inspects Royal Engineers work on damaged Boston Bar trail - makes a 10-day trip to the Similkameen- North American Boundary Commission led by Colonel Hawkins arrives in Hope. NOVEMBER Bishop Hills and Rev Sheepshanks consecrate new church - powerful storm causes damage in and around Hope - Peter resigns his position as Church Warden - first snow of winter - "What a wretched look out for winter - I wonder how long I shall have to live in such a place!" DECEMBER Travels by sleigh - inspects Dewdney's road and a nearby silver prospect - despite having "A regular good Xmas day," Peter repeatedly thinks of home and loved ones in Ireland.Item Peter O'Reilly Diary - 1862(1862) O'Reilly, Peter; Vancouver Island Local History SocietyDIARY SUMMARY JANUARY Cold weather dominates with occasional thaws - purchase of Glennie's house and piano at auction - newspapers report 1861 death of Prince Albert. FEBRUARY Three years since leaving the Ellis family in Ireland - "God grant that I may not have to remain another dreary year in banishment." - bad headaches, depression, and loneliness continue - Peter O'Reilly's usual companions are the Glennie and Charles families and Edgar Dewdney. MARCH Two tons of potatoes harvested and sold from Nind 's property - inspection of new silver mine tunnel - purchase of more land on behalf of Bishop Hills. APRIL Spends three weeks in New Westminster and returns to Hope - court sessions and gardening resume - orders received to go to Cariboo after a trip to Victoria. MAY Conducts government business in Victoria - buys horses for Cariboo trip - meets with Gov Douglas - Arthur Bushby's wedding - picture taken with Judge Matthew Begbie - introduction to "Miss Trutch" (Caroline) - returns to Hope finding little activity there. JUNE Peter leaves Hope for Cariboo passing through Yale, Boston Bar, Lytton, Lillooet, Williams Lake - arrives at Quesnelle Forks "a wretched hole" and issues mining and trading licenses, settles disputes, holds court, and goes fishing for trout. JULY Issuance of mining licences and recording claims continue - purchases a 25 ft portion of a claim for $1000 - one hundred miners show up on a Sunday morning wanting Peter to conduct business to which he declines - summer thunderstorms with heavy rain create travel challenges. AUGUST Frustration at not receiving letters from Ireland - "What wretched lonely work this is if I could but get my letters I should be contented." - travel to mining areas of Cottonwood, Antler, Lightning Creek, Williams Creek - hold court, settle disputes, registers claims - witnesses the amount of gold being found and decides to partner in a 1/3 portion of a claim operated by Billy Barker's company - witnesses another comet. SEPTEMBER Peter O'Reilly issues summonses for assault- visits mining claims and notes gold produced - winter sets in with hard freezes and snowfall. OCTOBER Conducts court business and issues licences along the Fraser River from Quesnelle Mouth to Williams Lake, including Fort Alexandria - pack horses frequently wander off during the night and cannot be found. NOVEMBER Peter O'Reilly returns to Victoria to meet with Gov Douglas. DECEMBER Peter attends church, theatre, musicals, dances, dinners, and spends time with Trutch family - saddened by not being able to be with loved ones in Ireland at Christmas.Item Peter O'Reilly Diary - 1863(1863) O'Reilly, Peter; Vancouver Island Local History SocietyDIARY SUMMARY JANUARY Remaining in Victoria, Peter O'Reilly meets with Gov. Douglas - attends dances, church, theatre, and visits friends - helps to organize Bachelor Ball and attends the Ball - visits frequently with the Trutch family. FEBRUARY Discussions regarding changes to the mining law with Gov. Douglas - Douglas promotes Peter to position of Gold Commissioner with increased salary - Peter becomes member of Freemasons of Victoria. MARCH Office work continues while in Victoria. - days pass without a diary entry. APRIL Peter departs Victoria to return to Cariboo traveling by way of Hope, Lytton, and Lillooet - issues mining certificates, licences, and records lots while at Williams Lake - continues writing numbered letters to "Mamsey" Ellis in Ireland and commences writing to Caroline Trutch in Victoria. MAY Travel to Quesnelle Mouth (Quesnel), Cottonwood, and Van Winkle - Williams Creek courthouse in disarray - headaches persist and work difficult - cold weather and frequent snow. JUNE A "tremendous rush" for mining certificates, trading licences, and land records keep Peter busy - invests $1000 with 7% interest - weather turns hot with several strong thunderstorms. JULY Money is raised by subscription to build a new church - Peter lends money to others - continues to write and receive letters from Caroline Trutch in Victoria and Mamsey in Ireland. AUGUST New church building opens - enters 57 new cases in county court - Mamsey is informed of the unlikelihood of Peter's return to Ireland - first snowfall of season occurs August 16th - Peter attends three lectures about the fate of the 1845 Franklin Expedition. SEPTEMBER Ten members of mining board elected - an escort travels to Victoria with $100,000 worth of gold - Peter's request for a leave of absence starting October 1st is approved. OCTOBER A month-long return trip to Victoria commences - Peter hunts for "Prairie Chickens", ducks and grouse along the way - "Origon Jack" sentenced to two years hard labour for breaking out of Richfield jail. NOVEMBER Back in Victoria and situated at the "French" Hotel, Peter frequently meets, socializes, and dines with Gov. Douglas - attends theatre and social events with the Trutches - horse "Tom" dies - temporary appointment as Stipendiary Magistrate for Vancouver Island during illness of Joseph Pemberton. DECEMBER Marriage of Peter O'Reilly and Caroline Trutch on December 15th at Christ Church in Victoria - following the ceremony they travel to Belmont near Victoria both suffering from bad colds.Item Peter O'Reilly Diary - 1864(1864) O'Reilly, Peter; Vancouver Island Local History SocietyDIARY SUMMARY JANUARY Peter O'Reilly attends police court in Victoria and meets with Gov Douglas - his salary increases from £500 to £600 per year - leaves for New Westminster to represent the Cariboo district as appointed member of Legislative Council for Colonial Assembly of British Columbia. FEBRUARY Returns to Victoria and settles into routine with wife Caroline "Carry" of visiting friends and his wife's family, the Trutches - attends church regularly and the theatre. MARCH Resumes attending Legislative Assembly meetings in New Westminster - Arthur Kennedy becomes governor of Vancouver Island succeeding James Douglas. APRIL Departure for the Cariboo - Carry travels with Peter as far as Yale before returning to New Westminster. MAY Nineteen days of horseback travel to reach Williams Creek - "dreadful massacar" by Indians of some members a road building crew working on the Bute Inlet trail - Peter's winter replacement and fellow gold commissioner William Cox is sent to Bute Inlet to deal with the "murderers". JUNE Court business resumes at Richfield and two inquests held - Walter Moberly, Joseph and John Trutch start laying out a new wagon road from Williams Creek to Quesnelle Mouth (Quesnel). JULY Peter writes to Tommy Ellis, son of Francis & Louisa Ellis in Ireland, about his intent to come to British Columbia - works through heavy case load - attends hospital committee and mining board meetings - inspects Trutch's work on new road. AUGUST Governor Kennedy and Victoria mayor Thomas Harris visit Williams Creek. SEPTEMBER A busy court schedule continues - an accidental mining death occurs - Peter continues writing numbered letters to his wife Carry. OCTOBER George Walkem elected to the Colonial Assembly for the Cariboo East district - Williams Creek hospital kept open during the winter - at Quesnelle Mouth Peter arranges the execution of five Indian chiefs found guilty of murder in Bute Inlet incident - returns to Victoria for the winter while William Cox takes his place. NOVEMBER Peter's pension from the Irish Revenue Police stopped - return trip to Victoria takes three weeks. DECEMBER Peter and Caroline move their household from Victoria to New Westminster- resumption of participation in Colonial Assembly of British Columbia.Item Peter O'Reilly Diary - 1865(1865) O'Reilly, Peter; Vancouver Island Local History SocietyDIARY SUMMARY JANUARY No significant diary entries. FEBRUARY No diary entries. MARCH No diary entries. APRIL Peter O'Reilly and his traveling companions leave New Westminster for Wild Horse Creek in the East Kootenay - arrival at "Sooyoos" (Osoyoos) by month's end - procures horses from John Haynes. MAY The group travels east to Rock Creek, follows Kettle River before turning south to cross Columbia and Spokane Rivers (Washington), Lake Pend Oreille and Kootenay River (Idaho), before re-entering British Columbia - north to Joseph's Prairie (Cranbrook), then the mining area of Wild Horse Creek - Peter immediately starts working as Gold Commissioner one month after departing New Westminster. JUNE Purchases cabin to be used as office and searches for suitable buildings for jail and constable's quarters - miners begin leaving Wild Horse Creek for other prospects at Elk River (BC) and Coeur D'Alene (Idaho). JULY "Fearful commotion, awake half the night from the row in the town.", American miners celebrate Independence Day July 4th - a three hour fishing trip yields 57 trout for Peter - a week-long illness requires three doctor visits. AUGUST Trout fishing and duck hunting - miners leave for the Blackfoot Valley (Montana). SEPTEMBER Blackfoot Indians steal horses and drive them across Rocky Mountains - negligence by a constable results in escape of three prisoners from jail - Tommy Ellis arrives for a visit - Peter writes his twentieth letter to his wife "Carry". OCTOBER Peter and five others depart Wild Horse Creek for New Westminster. NOVEMBER Route through the mountains covered in snow - arrival in New Westminster after 18 days and 401 miles of travel. DECEMBER At home in New Westminster - Christmas Day spent with Joseph and Julia Trutch, Tommy Ellis, and others.Item Peter O'Reilly Diary - 1866(1866) O'Reilly, Peter; Vancouver Island Local History SocietyDIARY SUMMARY JANUARY Peter O'Reilly meets with government officials and friends in Victoria - opening of the legislative session with official dinner in New Westminster - tennis at Government House. FEBRUARY Birth of first child Francis Joseph O'Reilly on February 9th in New Westminster. MARCH Funds received to purchase leg irons, handcuffs, and safe for Columbia district - Peter 's district plans opposed by Nonus Birch and Matthew Ball - wife "Carry" (Caroline) attends church for first time since giving birth. APRIL Christening of Francis O'Reilly at Sapperton (New Westminster) church by Rev Percival Jenns- Peter departs for Big Bend to deal with gold rush - three weeks of travel to Big Bend on poor roads - tent camp established. MAY Peter rents 10 ft x 12 ft cabin to issue mining licences and hold court - after initial flurry of activity, issuance of licenses subsides as miners leave for other areas - seventeen men perish at Death Rapids on Columbia River - no attempt to celebrate the Queen's birthday by miners. JUNE "Head still most painful. .. could not even write my usual letter to Carry." - sudden death of Constable Gompertz - beef cattle driven to supply mining camps - a mining company brings in $1500 in one week - heavy rain causes significant flooding and damage to mine operations. JULY Departure from Big Bend to return to Wild Horse Creek - unavailability of Steamer Forty-Nine causes change in travel plans - Walter Moberly persuades Peter to take Columbia route to Fort Shepherd- Dewdney's trail followed eastward to Wild Horse Creek. AUGUST Peter oversees magistrate John Gaggin at Wild Horse Creek - decides to depart after two weeks - retraces route to Fort Shepherd, then southward to Fort Colvile to avoid fire on Dewdney's trail - arrival at Sooyoos (Osoyoos) Lake. SEPTEMBER Peter visits Tom Ellis at Penticton ranch before proceeding northward via Fort Kamloops, Thompson River, and Shuswap Lake to the Big Bend - poor reports on Big Bend mining - Peter organizes an election and works on court cases at Big Bend. OCTOBER Legislative Council election held - remaining court cases held over until June 1867 - winter sets in and Peter departs for New Westminster - heavy rain and deep snow slow the journey. NOVEMBER Arrival at New Westminster in two weeks - meetings with Governor Seymour - hunting with friends at Pitt Meadows. DECEMBER Peter and Carry depart for Victoria in a storm and are forced to lay over at Saltspring Island - ball held at Government House.Item Peter O'Reilly Diary - 1867(1867) O'Reilly, Peter; Vancouver Island Local History SocietyDIARY SUMMARY JANUARY Peter O'Reilly attends regular meetings of Legislative Council of British Columbia as sitting member - Peter & wife Carry frequently visit Sapperton, the former Royal Engineers camp near New Westminster, BC. FEBRUARY Peter notes that eight years have passed since leaving Ireland - proposed governmental budget reduces Peter's salary by $1000- meets with Gov Seymour to protest wage reduction - learns of governor's desire to station Peter closer to the seat of government, not at Big Bend. MARCH Peter plays frequent games of fives at ball court - dinners held at Government House in New Westminster. APRIL Governor Seymour prorogues Legislative Council - Peter is offered Yale district replacing Edward Sanders instead of returning to Big Bend - Sanders bookkeeping at Yale is poor and Peter must reconcile before taking over - Peter prepares his Yale house, plants garden, joins church committee. MAY Arranging the Yale home continues - delivery of a piano - court held in Lytton and Ashcroft - Peter and Carry entertain the Seymours at their Yale home. JUNE No significant diary entries. JULY Departure for Kootenay area and Wild Horse Creek with John Trutch and assistant Mashell - lame pack horse treated with "Brandy & Ceyenne" - due to a missing bridge over Okanagan River horses must swim across, John Trutch narrowly escapes drowning - visit with Tommy Ellis - John Trutch accidently cuts leg and must stay at Fort Shepherd. AUGUST Meeting with constables at Wild Horse Creek - examination of record books, cash accounts - four Chinamen fined for mining without licence which causes rush by others to obtain mining certificates - an assault and murder occur. SEPTEMBER Peter departs Wild Horse Creek to return to Fort Shepherd to reunite with John Trutch - visits with Tommy Ellis at Penticton- returns to New Westminster. OCTOBER Travels to Victoria to see wife and young son Frank where they have gone to prepare for moving from New Westminster to Victoria - returns to Yale and Lytton to hold court - investigates four Indians for alleged assault on Father Le Jacq at Lytton. NOVEMBER Settles Le Jacq assault case fining four Indians $25 each - two Indians sentenced to death for murdering a Frenchman and two years of hard labour for killing a horse - Peter holds inquest and determines a death is caused by exposure and starvation. DECEMBER Execution of two convicted Indians - four Chinese men investigated for stealing $3300 from safe - Peter returns to the New Westminster home to prepare furniture for the move to Victoria - new home in Victoria burns down before moving in - another house is found, and they move in after preparing two rooms - birth of second child Charlotte Kathleen O'Reilly on December 31st.Item Peter O'Reilly Diary - 1868(1868) O'Reilly, Peter; Vancouver Island Local History SocietyDIARY SUMMARY JANUARY Peter and Caroline O'Reilly start 1868 with a new home and new infant born on December 31st - many visitors call at their Rock Bay home in Victoria - ice skating on Harris Pond - Peter travels to New Westminster to arrange accounts and meet Governor Seymour. FEBRUARY Edgar Dewdney visits the O'Reilly's in Victoria - Peter writes to Major Ellis in Ireland enclosing a list of clothing he desires. NOTE February 20th is the last known diary date for 1868. All diary dates between February 21st and December 31st are missing. The transcribed diary resumes for the year 1869.Item Peter O'Reilly Diary - 1869(1869) O'Reilly, Peter; Vancouver Island Local History SocietyDIARY SUMMARY JANUARY Peter O'Reilly attends Legislative Council of British Columbia in Victoria as a sitting member. FEBRUARY Peter inquires about purchasing adjoining lots near their Rock Bay home - attends several plays - regular meetings of the Legislative Council, confederation is a topic. MARCH Auction at the Wallace house on Pleasant St - field across street from O'Reilly home fenced- visits to the Trutches at their Fairfield estate - dinners at Government House. APRIL Court held at Yale and Lytton - Peter writes numbered letters to wife Carry - Carry and the children travel to Yale to be with Peter. MAY Court held in Lytton with "a heavy Calendar." - few diary entries. JUNE Few diary entries - death of Governor Frederick Seymour aboard the HMS Sparrowhawk - Peter returns to Victoria after being away for three months - Carry and the children remain in Yale. JULY Returns to Yale after ten days in Victoria to hold police and county courts - on July 25th, "Thermometer 100 in the shade" - "Smoke as thick that with difficulty the opposite bank of the river could be seen". AUGUST While traveling to Hope, "very much damaged many of the bridges & Corduroys (wooden roadbeds) having been burnt & an enormous quantity of fallen timber, rendering it in many places almost impassable." - fires and smoke continue for three weeks - coloured man sentenced to three-month imprisonment for giving liquor to Indian woman. SEPTEMBER Peter conducts an inquest after a steamer employee falls overboard and drowns - investigates shooting of John Alway, a Yale-based freighter, by his Indian guide. OCTOBER While traveling through mountains to Yale, Peter digs up rhododendrons to plant in his Victoria garden - Indian guide Moutsaic put on trial for shooting John Alway, found guilty & sentenced to be hanged. NOVEMBER Hen house and stable built - Caroline's mother, Charlotte Trutch, turns 70 years old - four days after departing Victoria for Yale, Caroline gives birth to their third child Mary Augusta O'Reilly on November 23rd. DECEMBER County court held at Kamloops - Peter negotiates a dispute of water rights - "the whole day lost in hearing the charge against the Chinamen for stealing Skukums (Indians) blankets." - returning to Victoria Peter learns of Governor Anthony Musgrave's intent to reduce his salary - Peter is expected to return to work immediately.Item Peter O'Reilly Diary - 1870(1870) O'Reilly, Peter; Vancouver Island Local History SocietyDIARY SUMMARY JANUARY Peter O'Reilly remains in Victoria awaiting further instruction from Governor Musgrave - attends two plays at Victoria Theatre with John Trutch. FEBRUARY On his fourth birthday Frank O'Reilly wears knickerbocker pants for the first time - Legislative Council opens with Peter in attendance, "a large attendance of spectators." MARCH Legislative Council debates confederation. APRIL Peter and his wife Carry attend a Beacon Hill cricket match - Peter attends meeting "on the subject of Responsible Government, an abusive affair." - leaves Victoria to work at Yale and Lytton. MAY Travels to Cache Creek, Kamloops, Ashcroft - receives offer to purchase house on Fort St in Victoria, "sent a cheque for $1000- to ensure the bargain." - holds court at Lytton - sends ninth letter to Carry. JUNE Peter requires a "Lunatic" from Quesnel, to be escorted to New Westminster - deals with man who attempts suicide by poisoning - Yale house cleaned in preparation of arrival of Carry and children - Peter returns to Victoria, "Went to the Gorge in the Governors Carriage to see the Regatta, spent a most miserable day." - Tommy Ellis proposes a partnership with Peter to buy 1/3 interest in his Penticton property. JULY Few diary entries - court held at Lytton. AUGUST Few diary entries - court at Lytton - telegraph line to Yale established, first message sent. SEPTEMBER Peter and Carry travel from New Westminster to Hope by canoe - while traveling to Penticton by horse Carry is thrown from horse but suffers minimal injury - Peter lays out Indian reserves north of Yale and at Cheam and Popkum on Fraser River - returns to Yale for court. OCTOBER Reserves laid out Chapmans Bar on Fraser River - John Trutch assists in laying out reserves between Hope and Yale - Peter travels to Ashcroft to attend horse races - first snow of the season on October 28th. NOVEMBER While in Yale Carry becomes very ill, recovers, then Frank becomes sick - "Carry & children, servants horse cow & baggage left...in a down pour of rain" to return to Victoria - alone in Yale Peter notes, "everything dirty & so lonely that I could not bear to go near the house." - Clement Cornwall from Ashcroft is elected to the Legislative Council. DECEMBER John Trutch marries Sarah "Zoe" Musgrave, daughter of Governor Anthony Musgrave - anxious to return home Peter engages two Indians to navigate ice-filled Fraser River in canoe - arrives in Victoria in time to spend Christmas with family - daughter Kathleen very ill and in pain, Dr Helmcken prescribes "hot bath, & powders" which provide little relief.Item Peter O'Reilly Diary - 1871(1871) O'Reilly, Peter; Vancouver Island Local History SocietyDIARY SUMMARY JANUARY Terms of confederation agreed to by Legislative Council - Queen Victoria is asked for entry into Dominion. FEBRUARY Hudson's Bay Company ship The Prince of Wales arrives from England after 128 days at sea - Peter O'Reilly receives shipment of wine, pays freight and duty charges. MARCH Peter O'Reilly plants asparagus, sea kale, radishes, lettuce, cress, turnips, mustard, and potatoes - prepares for trip to the Omineca region in northern British Columbia, site of another gold rush - leaves for Hope and Yale. APRIL Court at Ashcroft, Kamloops, and Lytton - returns to Yale to meet his wife Carry who has traveled from Victoria. MAY Receives $500 from Treasury for Omineca trip - travels north to 100 Mile House and Soda Creek - takes steamer to Quesnel and Fort George - travel by horseback, then canoe along swift flowing rivers - Indian packers leave - Germansen Creek reached. JUNE Peter establishes a tent camp - holds mining court, records claims, issues licences, settles miner's disputes, and deals with pre-emption land claims - plants a small garden despite regular freezing weather - the weather warms, creek and river flood, mosquitoes become "very troublesome" - tenders submitted to build trail from Germansen Landing to new townsite. JULY Gold discovered on Manson River, Germansen site deserted in favour of new discovery - Peter records numerous new Manson claims - "intensely hot", forest fires start - purchases 11 lbs of mutton for $6.60, "ruinously extravagant" - sends numbered letters to Carry - beef cattle and pack train arrive overland to supply area - considers discharging Mashell for giving whiskey to an Indian. AUGUST Mosquitoes "more numerous & more vicious than at any previous time" - hears assault case, an incident involving stolen gold dust, and holds court of revision regarding voter registration - Joseph Trutch is appointed Lieutenant Governor - freezing weather returns, fresh snow on mountains. SEPTEMBER Peter and crew travel to Takla Lake, Trembleur Lake, then the Tachie River enroute to Fort St James on Stuart Lake - continues to Babine Lake and Fort Babine - lays out reserves before returning to Trembleur Lake - receives authority to spend $2000 for trail maintenance. OCTOBER Returns to Manson River in the Omineca - hears mining cases and settles disputes - inspects trail maintenance - snow falls and miners depart for the south - nine court cases in one day - river frozen solid by month end - leaves October 28th with small crew, supplies, packs, canoes, and boats. NOVEMBER The group travels southward to Fort St James - official papers accidentally left behind - tent blown over twice by strong winds, temperature -17 F - only flour, pemican, and dried salmon available at fort - forgotten papers delivered - journey across partially frozen Stuart Lake - dying horses seen, goods strewn about lakeshore - travel to Babine Lake, then Skeena River - larger canoes abandoned in favour of smaller ones - men fall through ice and deep snow, sub-zero temperatures continue - partially frozen Skeena River reached - diversion northward to Nass River for ice-free passage to Metlakatla mission on Pacific coast. DECEMBER Snow nearly 5 ft deep - men make snowshoes of brush and sticks - a packer tries to desert - Naas River becomes ice-free and heavy rains fall - canoes and guide obtained from local Indians - arrival at Fort Simpson, then south to Metlakatla and Skeena River where steamer Otter awaits - weather turns stormy, Indian packers refuse to proceed - delay causes group to miss steamer which has departed previous night - group cannot return to Victoria and Peter misses being with family at Christmas - Peter returns to Fort Simpson feeling depressed, unable to do anything, hopes another steamer will arrive.Item Peter O'Reilly Diary - 1872(1872) O'Reilly, Peter; Vancouver Island Local History SocietyDIARY SUMMARY JANUARY No scheduled passenger service forces Peter O'Reilly to remain at Fort Simpson for three more weeks - Peter learns of the murder of two white men in 1862, investigates, has the Indian suspects arrested, trial to be held in Victoria - steamer Otter does not arrive, "I cannot describe my feeling of depression" - attends William Duncan's Indian Church at Metlakatla - arrives at Victoria on January 30th, friends and family welcoming him. FEBRUARY Frank O'Reilly receives a new saddle for his sixth birthday - Legislative Assembly sworn in by Judge Matthew Begbie, Lieutenant Governor Joseph Trutch opens session - Peter holds two inquests - mountain ash, horse chestnut, black locust, and maple trees planted at home. MARCH Workmen prepare croquet ground and repair house gutters - Peter works in garden - writes report on the Omineca district - Caroline and all three children, Frank, Kathleen, & Mary have sore throats and colds. APRIL Peter sells his gold bars to Bank of British Columbia - leaves Victoria for Yale with bad cold and feels "lonely and miserable" - arranges purchase of 250 pack horses and mules for railway survey - the case of two Indians accused of killing a Chinaman goes to trial in Yale - roses and lilac plants brought back to Victoria - reserve maps distributed to Indians. MAY Peter holds court at Lytton and Yale - observes Judge Begbie "behaved in his usual excentric manner, & was disagreeably facetious." - holds court at Kamloops and Ashcroft - suffers another bad headache and medicates with salts - returns to Victoria, attends Queen's birthday festivities aboard HMS Scout - attends regatta and dress ball at Government House - Dr Helmcken aids O'Reilly employee Tom who possibly suffers effects of opium - "Tom very violent - & tried to commit suicide by jumping into the sea." JUNE Very few entries. June expense accounts show a purchase of land in Penticton for $491 and three lots at Point Ellice for $450. JULY Peter and assistant Mashell depart for the Chilcotin country by way of Bute Inlet, meet the railway survey crew, prepare to proceed up the Homathko River - Indian packers refuse to work preventing the group from leaving - Peter warns of the possible failure of his "mission" - a group of 17 finally departs, but are again delayed when a recalcitrant packer strands the party on a river island taking their canoe and provisions - meeting with surveyor Hermann Tiedemann whose questionable knowledge the crew relies on - search for the survey trail which cannot be found - slow progress made through rough and rocky terrain, streams and swamps, trees cut to create bridges - Indian guide and packers needed "regardless of the cost". AUGUST Passage through the mountains surrounded by dramatic peaks and glaciers - Peter nearly swept away while crossing a glacial stream - coming out of the mountains the crew encounters Indian settlements, three horses procured - within a week the men and horses arrive at Fort Alexandria, all worn out - Peter investigates disturbances between a white settler threatened with death and the Chilcotin Indians blamed for the killing of a steer - takes statements from the accused and witnesses - return to Victoria - writes report on Chilcotin Indians - issues lease on 500 acres for silver mining - tries to attend funeral of Captain William Irving in Yale but arrives too late. SEPTEMBER Prepares for Yale election of Member of Parliament for House of Commons - court business continues at Hope and Langley - expense accounts show payments for 4000 bricks, sinking and bricking a well, and cleaning old well at home - returns to Hope, Lytton, Ashcroft. OCTOBER Edgar Dewdney elected MP for Yale - Peter hunts for snipe and ducks near Fort Langley - sends election results to Ottawa - receives payment for election expenses. NOVEMBER Repeats court circuit of Yale, Kamloops, Ashcroft, Lytton, and back to Yale - letters from Carry not received for three weeks. DECEMBER Peter & Caroline attend consecration of rebuilt Christ Church Cathedral, and witness event that leads to church schism, "Archdeacon Reece preached a sermon advocating Ritualism after which the Dean [Cridge] got up & protested against such doctrines being promulgated in his Church a painful scene insued & a number of ladies left the Church." - Peter deposits $1300 into savings bank for his children - Dr Helmcken examines daughter Mary, "who has been a great sufferer of late & has caused us much uneasiness." - departure of Lena Burgess leaves the O'Reilly's without a servant, "what a nuisance not being able to procure domestics." - Peter witnesses Legislative Assembly opening with throne speech given by Lieutenant Governor Joseph Trutch - Trutch's chosen premier, John McCreight, resigns days after a vote of no confidence - O'Reilly and Trutch families celebrate New Year's Eve together and Kathleen's fifth birthday on December 31st.Item Peter O'Reilly Diary - 1873(1873) O'Reilly, Peter; Vancouver Island Local History SocietyDIARY SUMMARY JANUARY Drs Helmcken and Ash examine Mary O’Reilly regarding her back and determine “no particular treatment should be adopted” - Mary’s illness continues - Mrs Mullett becomes nurse and house servant - Peter O’Reilly travels to New Westminster, then back to Victoria - niece Carry Pinder stays with the O’Reillys - Peter suffers from headaches and earaches. FEBRUARY Family members ice skate at Skinner’s Pond - croquet ground is mowed, new grass seed sown - maple trees planted outside house gates - Peter hunts at Langford’s Lake. MARCH Court business at New Westminster – Peter meets with Bishop Hills and attends church, “the singing excruciating” – at home in Victoria work commences on building cribbing and a fence around the property. APRIL Birth of Peter and Caroline’s fourth child and second son, Arthur John O’Reilly, on February 4th - vegetables and roses planted, apple trees pruned - Peter has three teeth “stuffed” by dentist - leaves for Yale, Lytton and Kamloops to hold court. MAY Peter mediates dispute between John Haynes and Tom Ellis regarding grazing land boundaries – Peter spends time with Tom and Georgie Ellis at their Penticton ranch - death of Constable and Omineca Gold Commissioner William Fitzgerald. JUNE Frank has measles – another servant departs without warning, “in confusion all the day” - several picnics occur. JULY Two servants quit, a previous servant returns, another servant hired as children’s maid - Peter attends shareholders meeting of Victoria Gas Company - Arthur John O’Reilly christened at St John’s Church - Peter departs for Yale, Lytton, and Kamloops to hold court. AUGUST Peter and Caroline “Carry” attend picnics, a concert, and a ball - Peter, Joseph Trutch, and Captain Richard Hare travel to Nanaimo in Hare’s ship HMS Myrmidon to fish and shoot. SEPTEMBER Naval review at Colwood - Peter & Caroline attend dinner aboard HMS Repulse, a ball at Government House, and hold dinners at home for friends - seven-year-old Frank starts attending school - Peter departs once again for Yale, Lytton, Kamloops. OCTOBER “Prairie chicken” hunting - horse races at Ashcroft – Peter sees the Tommy & Georgie Ellis and their baby daughter. NOVEMBER Court held at New Westminster, Lytton, Clinton, Lillooet, Kamloops, and Yale – Peter visits several acquaintances along the way and goes hunting. DECEMBER Winter conditions clog the Fraser River with ice - steamer Enterprise curtails service - Peter arranges with Indians for an “Express Canoe” to take him back to New Westminster - the family witnesses the continued suffering of Mary “Pop” from her back ailment - travel to New York or London is considered to seek advice - Drs Helmcken and Dr Ash discuss her treatment and recommend against moving Mary due to weakened condition - Mary is restrained to a board by splints and bled with leeches - Dr Moss investigates obtaining back brace - New Year’s Eve dinner party canceled.Item Peter O'Reilly Diary - 1874(1874) O'Reilly, Peter; Vancouver Island Local History SocietyDIARY SUMMARY JANUARY Mary O’Reilly continues to suffer from back pain – Caroline “Carry” O’Reilly is exhausted from Mary’s care, requires bed rest - Peter O’Reilly organizes the Yale district election. FEBRUARY Peter delivers ballots and ballot boxes to Yale - counts votes and determines Edgar Dewdney re-elected MP for Yale. MARCH Peter returns to Victoria and resumes domestic activities, works in garden – Mary is fitted with back brace to relieve pain. APRIL Peter collects additional election ballots at Yale – travel to Boston Bar in buggy made difficult by four to ten feet of snow – court held in Kamloops, Lillooet, Clinton, Lytton, and Yale. MAY Illness of 74-year-old Carry’s mother Charlotte Trutch, two doctors treat her with brandy and champagne, her health improves within a week - Peter attends Victoria Gas Company director’s meeting - trains a young horse. JUNE Horse training continues - boathouse constructed at Point Ellice - Peter returns to Yale, Lytton, Kamloops, Clinton, Lillooet to hold court – Peter listens to group of 300 Indians with Dr Israel Powell asking for “more land”. JULY Wedding of Captain Richard Hare and Carry Pinder (O’Reilly niece) at Christ Church Cathedral, thirty-six people attend the wedding breakfast - picnic on the “Arm” (Gorge waterway) - ball at Government House. AUGUST Peter temporarily replaces Magistrate Elliott in Victoria – departs for court circuit and places his horse “Archie” on board the steamer – goes bird hunting with dog “Gypsy” who lacks a hunting instinct – delays return to Victoria to take care of friend Edward Sanders who has typhoid fever. SEPTEMBER The Bishop’s Court trial of Dean Edward Cridge of Christ Church Cathedral for repudiating authority of Bishop Hills lasts five days - Peter participates in the trial in an advisory role as “assessor” – another court circuit proceeds with a stop in Ashcroft to see the Cornwalls and go hunting. OCTOBER Court in Kamloops, Lytton, and Yale – Peter visits friends in Hope before returning to Victoria – hires Indian boy “Dock” at $5.00 per month plus clothing - two tons of carrots, straw, and hay delivered - Supreme Court trial of Dean Cridge held, Judge Begbie grants injunction against Cridge. NOVEMBER Cridge conducts services in association with the Reformed Episcopal Church – clothing and boots ordered from Ireland – Fraser River steamer service stops due to ice – Peter hires Indians to take him upriver, continuous rain hampers trip to Hope – Yale road impassable, no further travel until conditions improve. DECEMBER O’Reilly and Trutch families celebrate Christmas at Government House - New Year’s Eve spent with Trutches, Hares, and Dewdneys at the O’Reilly home.Item Peter O'Reilly Diary - 1875(1875) O'Reilly, Peter; Vancouver Island Local History SocietyDIARY SUMMARY JANUARY Travel by sleigh around Victoria due to prolonged snow and low temperatures – ice skating on the upper Gorge – encouraging results from Dr Moss’s examination of Mary O’Reilly’s back - Dr Moss sails for England to join the British Arctic Expedition. FEBRUARY Chinese employees absent while celebrating new year “much to our discomfort” – after 150 days at sea the Lady Lampson arrives from London. MARCH Photos of the O’Reilly children taken – strawberry beds replanted – one ton of oats, two tons of hay, and four tons of coal delivered. APRIL Peter O’Reilly departs for New Westminster, Yale, and Lytton for court – visit to the Cornwalls at Ashcroft – court at Kamloops – visit to the Vernons at Coldstream Ranch and Ellises in Penticton. MAY Peter returns to Kamloops, Ashcroft, Lytton, and Cache Creek for court – visits ailing Arthur Bushby in New Westminster before returning home – death of Arthur Bushby – Queen’s birthday celebrations on the Gorge and at Government House – dinner on board the HMS Repulse battleship with Admiral Cochrane. JUNE Croquet ground prepared and a party held at Point Ellice – Cornwall and O’Reilly family receive vaccinations – Carry (Pinder) Hare gives birth to a son – ball on board the HMS Repulse, “Got home at 4 AM” – USS Saranac sinks in Seymour Narrows after striking Ripple Rock. JULY Court at New Westminster, Yale, Lytton, Kamloops – Peter purchases the “Jackson” lots adjoining the house for $600. AUGUST Peter attends police court in Victoria on behalf of Elliott who is away – Point Ellice property fence and gate in progress – departs for Cassiar gold mining region by steamer to Fort Wrangel (Alaska) – travels by canoe up Stikine River, then to Dease Lake and Laketon where he meets Gold Commissioner John Sullivan. SEPTEMBER Court case load coordinated with Sullivan at Laketon and McDame Creek – travels back to Fort Wrangel – waits for Victoria-bound steamer to arrive – a storm occurs and 70 recently arrived miners are without shelter – Peter arrives in Victoria a week later and immediately treats a sick horse at Government House. OCTOBER Peter learns that Tom Ellis is in debt – wire fence completed – Trutches return from Bute Inlet on board the HMS Repulse – Joseph Trutch sponsors a dance at Government House – Mrs Lethbridge commences teaching Kathleen and Mary at home – Peter goes bird hunting at Langley with friends. NOVEMBER After leaving Victoria, San Francisco-bound passenger ship Pacific collides with another ship off Washington coast, 273 passengers and crew are lost, some known to Peter including John Sullivan – court at Yale, Lytton, Kamloops – a visit with the Cornwalls and hunting – travel hampered by extreme cold.Item Peter O'Reilly Diary - 1876(1876) O'Reilly, Peter; Vancouver Island Local History SocietyDIARY SUMMARY JANUARY The O’Reilly children see Professor Herrmann the “Wizzard” at the Theatre Royal – Peter O’Reilly consults with architect John Teague regarding repair and alteration to Point Ellice – Walkem government defeated on a vote of no-confidence – stones brought in to use for the house alteration. FEBRUARY John Teague consults again about “raising the house” – Peter holds court at New Westminster and tours the “old Govt house grounds a painful sight to see the trees fences gardens &c in dilapidation cattle & horses running at large”. MARCH Peter O’Reilly continues to deposit money with the Loan Investment Society – attends executive meetings of church synod and raises money for the synod and diocesan fund – holds court at New Westminster. APRIL Court at Yale, Lytton, and Kamloops – serious illness of Carry’s mother Charlotte Trutch and her recovery, “Very favourable report of the Old Lady...” – Peter pays off and discharges servant Ah Bat – purchase of the cow “Lady Tick”. MAY Peter discusses with Joseph Trutch the recovery of Charlotte Trutch after he leaves office and Government House – holds assize and county courts at New Westminster, Yale, Lytton, with Judge Begbie participating. JUNE Court at New Westminster – Carry Hare intends to move to Sandwich Islands (Hawaii) – as a church trustee Peter signs marriage settlement of Bishop Hills and Mrs Hills. JULY Peter coordinates auction for the Hares – inquires for Capt Richard Hare’s assignments as commander of HMS Myrmidon - Carry Hare departs Victoria – Peter attends synod conference of clergy and laity – arranges with Tom Ellis the sale of interest in Penticton property for $7500 – visits Joseph Trutch in office at Government House one last time – court at New Westminster – Albert Norton Richards sworn in as Lieutenant Governor replacing Trutch. AUGUST Water pipes laid from the street to the O’Reilly and Drake homes – court at Lytton, Ashcroft, Kamloops – Peter meets with new Lieutenant Governor. SEPTEMBER Lord Dufferin, Governor General of Canada, and Lady Dufferin visit Victoria – Peter meets with Lord Dufferin for 1¾ hours and discusses building a railroad in western Canada. OCTOBER Improvements made to the croquet ground – auction at the Trutch estate “Fairfield” – Peter’s usual court circuit yields little business and he returns home when he learns of the serious condition of his daughter Mary (“Pop”). NOVEMBER Deaths of Mary O’Reilly and Caroline’s mother Charlotte one day apart – few diary entries are made for this month. DECEMBER A Wellingtonia or giant sequoia tree is planted in the garden – court at New Westminster - Mrs Ward “dangerously ill” and the Ward children are taken to stay at the O’Reilly home.Item Peter O'Reilly Diary - 1877(1877) O'Reilly, Peter; Vancouver Island Local History SocietyDIARY SUMMARY JANUARY Peter O’Reilly as a member of the church synod executive meets with lawyers and the bishop regarding the removal of Rev Thomas Blunden from his pastoral duties – receives dividends from the Victoria Gas Company and Loan Investment Society – holds court at New Westminster. FEBRUARY A visit to the Ross Bay Cemetery to see the grave of Charlotte Trutch and Mary O’Reilly – executive meeting of the synod – court in New Westminster. MARCH An angry discussion takes place regarding paying Rev Blunden to leave the province – Peter gives evidence to a committee investigating the Indian reserves at “Sooyoos” (Osoyoos). APRIL Court at Lytton, Ashcroft, Kamloops, and New Westminster – Peter responds to an urgent request from the Hudson’s Bay Company which results in placing two Indians in jail – Judge Matthew Begbie informs Peter of the loss of compensation for judges while travelling. MAY Clement Cornwall stays with the O’Reilly’s in Victoria for several days – Peter attends police court in Victoria – frequent croquet games – court in New Westminster. JUNE Synod executive committee gives $200 to Rev Blunden to enable him to leave the diocese – Tom Ellis pays interest on the $7500 loan from Peter – court at Yale and New Westminster. JULY Peter buys six tons of hay harvested from Fairfield – attends Victoria Gas Co meeting and receives a share dividend – reelected to the synod executive committee – court at New Westminster, Yale, and Lytton. AUGUST Death of Sir James Douglas – court at Kamloops and New Westminster – robbery at Point Ellice – bird hunting on several occasions – Peter takes his son Frank hunting. SEPTEMBER Three weeks of work commences on building a cellar and repairing the foundation – consultation about altering the dining room – hunting at the North Dairy farm – court at New Westminster. OCTOBER A cook and house maid quit within a week, another house maid quits after one day – at Point Ellice steps are rebuilt at house – carpenters and masons continue to work on the cellar and foundation – court held at Lytton, Ashcroft, Kamloops, New Westminster – Peter goes bird hunting while traveling between court locations. NOVEMBER 11-year-old Frank O’Reilly and 10-year-old Lindley Crease escorted by Arthur Vowell depart Victoria to attend school in England – one year anniversary of the death of Mary O’Reilly – death of Mrs Bulkley – court at Yale, Lytton, Ashcroft. DECEMBER Court at Kamloops – steamer Reliance strikes a rock and sinks, and Peter finds a canoe to take him to New Westminster to hold court – Frank arrives at Liverpool – after the death of his wife Thomas Bulkley auctions his belongings and departs Victoria sailing to England with his children.
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