Peter O'Reilly Diary - 1863
Date
1863
Authors
O'Reilly, Peter
Vancouver Island Local History Society
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
DIARY 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.
Description
Transcription of the diary of Peter O'Reilly for the year 1863. The original document is housed at the Royal British Columbia Museum & Archives, O’Reilly Family Fonds (MS-2894), Microfilm Reel A01907, Box 1, File 7.
Keywords
Peter O'Reilly, British Columbia, Victoria (B.C.), Point Ellice House (Victoria, B.C.), civil service, history, 19th century