Peter O'Reilly Diary - 1861
Date
1861
Authors
O'Reilly, Peter
Vancouver Island Local History Society
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
DIARY 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.
Description
Transcription of the diary of Peter O'Reilly for the year 1861. The original document is housed at the Royal British Columbia Museum & Archives, O’Reilly Family Fonds (MS-2894), Microfilm Reel A01907, Box 1, File 4 & Microfilm Reel A01913, Box 8, File 1.
Keywords
Peter O'Reilly, British Columbia, Victoria (B.C.), Point Ellice House (Victoria, B.C.), civil service, history, 19th century