Transcribed by Marv Worden (2005), Carol Hill (2013-4)
Transcriber’s Notes: Upper case A in August 1855 different after Aug 7th, November 20th seems a handwriting change
Wednesday, August 1st, 1855
A.M. Light variable airs from West and fine clear weather. 3:30 [Comox?] canoe arrived bringing letters and two boxes for Mrs. Johnson, Engineer (Beaver) likewise bringing the intelligence that the Cogwells had had a skirmish among themselves owing to the death [Manwaashen?]. It is however an uncertain rumour. 4:30 the "Otter" left with the "Cadboro'" in tow, the "Otter" with 144 tons of coal, the "Cadboro" with 55 tons. People today variously employed. Some of the Nanaimo Indians commenced working with the miners in the pit. Noon, strong wind from the East. Lebine and gang employed making booms for saw logs. Carpenters variously employed. Midnight - light airs from the East with clear weather.
Thursday, August 2nd, 1855
A.M. Steady breeze from Northeast - clear sky. Miners employed at coal. Carpenters as yesterday. Noon - Breeze continues. Midnight calm.
Friday, August 3rd, 1855
A.M. Calm, with a fine clear sky. Two miners employed at the mill in boring holes for the dam. The other miners and carpenters at their usual occupation. Noon - slight breeze from the North. Midnight calm. Saturday, August 4th, 1855
A.M. Slight breeze from the Southeast - sky cloudy. All the men employed as usual.
Sunday, August 5th, 1855
A.M. Very calm, sky clear, atmosphere sultry. In the afternoon a breeze sprung up from the Northeast which again died away in the evening.
Monday, August 6th, 1855
A.M. Calm, cloudy sky. Lebine and gang completed the booms. A band of Nanaimo Indians employed at cutting saw logs. It is rumoured the Cogwells have been committing depradations upon the Company's Cattle near Victoria. Miners and carpenters as usual. Noon - a slight breeze from Southeast. Calm towards evening.
Tuesday, August 7th, 1855
A.M. Calm - clear sky. Discontinued searching for coal at the back of Level [free] owing to the workmen having come in contact with a large quantity of sand and water which rendered it impossible to proceed with the operation. Made preparations for ”Boring” on Newcastle Island in search of the Douglas Seam of Coal, commencing where Mr. Gilmore unsuccessfully attempted to find that seam with the Rods. he only having proceeded 6 1/2 fathoms. Several [Seashells?] arrived bringing a quantity of deer for sale - also three Northern canoes from Victoria. Noon a slight breeze from the North. Evening calm.
Wednesday, August 8th, 1855
A.M. Dull and cloudy - wind from Southeast - with slight [passing?] showers of rain.
Commenced boring at Newcastle Island - The miners steadily engaged in putting out coal, from the Shaft to the South of No. One pit, the output averaging thirty tons a day
The booms for enclosing saw logs completed. The saw mill had been stopped this last week owing to the small supply of water. Lebine still employed in constructing the dam.
Noon: wind veered to the North. Evening dark, cloudy, cold.
Thursday, August 9th, 1855
A.M. A slight breeze from the North which continued all day, dying away towards evening - clear sky. All the workmen employed as usual. The Indians brought four scow loads of hay from the Nanaimo River which was cut on July 10th and July 25th. Lazard employed constructing beacons for buoying the harbour
Friday, August 10th, 1855
A.M. A Northerly wind, clear sky. The miners in boring at Newcastle Island passed through two feet of coal - at the depth of eight fathoms from the surface -
Mitchell (the Blacksmith) unable to perform his duty owing to a pick having run into his hand
Saturday, August 11th, 1855
A.M. Calm - clear sky. The miners in proceeding with their operations at Newcastle Island have bored through a seam of coal - to the distance of eighteen inches - supposed to be the main "Douglas Seam". Workmen employed as usual. Night slight breeze from North.
Sunday, August 12th, 1855
A.M. Calm - a dense smoke exists. Two canoes of [Clohoos?] Indians arrived. Evening calm.
Monday, August 13th, 1855
A.M. Light airs from the South. Walker employed repairing the "engine rope" - others as usual Indians gathering Hay from the village in the bay. P.M. 3:30 The U S Steamer "Active" arrived, and proceeded to Newcastle Island to coal. Carpenters employed as usual.
Tuesday , August 14th, 1855
A.M. Light airs from the North, sky clear. The "Active" took in fifty tons of coal - Passed through a nine inch seam of coal in boring, then struck on a hard stone. Lebine and gang employed about the dam. Lazard making new doors for store, the old ones being destroyed by the heat of sun. Evening calm.
Wednesday, August 15th, 1855
A.M. Calm and clear. The "Active" took in about 50 tons of coal. Miners employed as usual. The platform scales having broken caused considerable detention in weighing the coal.
Thursday, August 16th, 1855
A.M. Calm - The "Active" took in about thirty tons of coal completing her cargo. Miners and carpenters employed as usual
Friday, August 17th, 1855
A.M. Calm - 9:30 observed four or five large canoes passing outside Newcastle Island apparently hastening (by paddling and sailing) to their homes. 10:.00 a Nanaimo canoe started off in pursuit followed by two or three others, as the Indians were reported to be "Idas"- and seeing the Nanaimos were hostile towards them fired a cannon to warn them from our territory - as a collision between the parties would no doubt materially interfere with the business and tranquility of the place. The reason assigned by the Nanaimo for pursuing the supposed Idas - was, a report had been circulated that four or five of their tribe had been stolen or killed while obtaining provisions near the rapids. P.M. 1:30 the Nanaimo returned having succeeded in capturing one canoe, (containing four men, two women and two children) without firing a shot - which people they intend detaining until they have obtained correct information as regards the fate of the missing members of their tribe. 6:30 (A.M.) The "Active" left and proceeded on to Port Townsend. Carpenters and miners employed as usual. Lebine [Labine] and gang at mill dam. Night - a breeze from the North.
Saturday, August 18th, 1855
A.M. Light breezes from the North - fine clear weather. Thermometer 69º. Relinquished "boring" on Newcastle Island having come to conglomerate thereby supposing the small seams that were passed through to be the outcrop of the "Douglas Coal". Commenced to bore on "Protection Island" not having anything else to employ one or two of the miners at 10:30 the Nanaimos released the prisoners, which proved to be "Kiteskews" - and not Idas [Haidas?] as was supposed. Also the report of as few of the Nanaimo tribe being missing was totally unfounded - it appears however they retain a portion of their property amounting to the value of about twenty blankets. The rest of mining population - carpenters and labourers employed as usual.
Sunday, August 19th, 1855
A.M. A breeze from North. Observed a large fire which seemed to rage on Newcastle Island, immediately proceeded to examine it and found it to be situated on the mainland.
Monday, August 20th, 1855
A.M. Calm, smoky. Thermometer 69º. Carried away the flat engine rope at the South pit. Blacksmith employed repairing it. No coals were therefore wound up. Carpenters and labourers as usual. Night - a slight breeze from South
Tuesday, August 21st, 1855
A.M. Calm, smoky. Thermometer 65º. Miners engaged at coal [?] Sent a canoe to examine the coal that had been put out at Newcastle Island since owing to it’s being in the vicinity of a very large fire on the main land, it is not improbable that sparks might, being wafted by the wind, set on fire the dry bush, leaves, etc. that surround the coal, and which once igniting would of course destroy the coal as well. A slight fire was discovered which was without difficulty however extinguished. Carpenters and labourers as usual. Night breeze from North East.
Wednesday, August 22nd, 1855
A.M. Calm, Thermometer 68º. Two canoes of Colmuck Indians arrived, who reported that it was the intention of the tribe to visit Nanaimo after the fishing season was over - an event much to e desired, as we labour under much difficulties for want of Indian assistance. Passed through 14 inches Coal in boring on Protection Island then came upon a bed of sandstone. P.M. squally with very changeable wind finally settling down into West.
Thursday August 23rd, 1855
A.M. Squally from West. Thermometer 72º. Commenced boring at Newcastle Island again. Discontinued the bore at Protection Island. Carpenters etc. employed as usual. P.M. slight breeze from South with gusts.
Friday, August 24th, 1855
A.M. Steady breeze from Northwest - Thermometer 69º. Miners, Carpenters etc, employed as usual. P.M. calm
Saturday, August 25th, 1855
A.M. Slight breeze from Northwest. Thermometer 68º. Workmen employed as usual. 4 P.M. a lad by the name of Ganner was accidentally drowned while playing on the saw logs. It appears that the log he was on rolled over and immersed him. There being several hundred logs in the place, it is supposed he went underneath them and the timber prevented him coming to the surface. Assistance was at hand but it was at least ten minutes before he was got out, which was accomplished by one of the Northern Indians diving for him, although previous to that one of the white population had unsuccessfully attempted to find him by diving - and from witnesses of the event we elicited that life was apparently extinct when he was taken out of the water. All means were used to recover him but unsuccessfully.
Sunday, August 26th, 1855
A.M. Calm. Thermometer 68º. An inquest was held upon the body of the lad Ganner before Charles E. Stuart, J.P. and twelve jury men - all of whom pronounced universally the verdict of "accidental death by drowning" - The following are the names of the Jury men John McGregor, Thomas Green, William Isbister, Jesse Sage, Robert Dunsmuir, John Meakin, Edward Walker, Thomas Cole, Leon Lebine, Matthew Miller, John Biggs.
Monday, August 27th, 1855
A.M. Slight breeze from West - with one or two passing showers of rain. Thermometer 65º. 3 P.M. The funeral service was read over the body of Elijah Ganner's son, who was drowned on Saturday - Capt Stuart officiating. P.M. 6 A steady breeze from West
Tuesday, August 28th, 1855
A.M. steady breeze from Northwest. Thermometer 58º. Miners steadily employed in putting out coal. Carpenters, labourers - as usual. 6 P.M. calm
Wednesday, August 29th, 1855
A.M. Calm. Thermometer 58º. Despatched [sic] an Express to Victoria by the Indian priest.
Lazard, Lebine, Fortier, Isbister and Rich employed about the Mill Dam. The Nanaimo Indians bring us large quantities of saw logs. None less than fifteen inches in diameter at the small end and fifteen feet long. At the tariff of eight for a blanket delivered at high water mark when required. If an occasional one arrives under that size it is bought by us at the tariff of sixteen for a blanket. Indian [women?] carrying clay for Mill Dam. [Mr?] Fraser employed at Mill Dam. [Mr?] Green Engineer employed at the Saw Mill not being required in the coal department at present.6 P.M. calm and clear.
Thursday, August 30th, 1855
A.M. Calm. Thermometer 59º. Miners, Carpenters, Labourers etc. employed as usual. A slight breeze arose about 10:30 from the South which continued all day - dying away in the evening. The ground was covered this (as well as yesterday) morning with hoar frost. Repairing stone work about the boiler, and found a flaw in the North boiler.
Friday, August 31st, 1855
A.M. Southerly wind with heavy rain. Thermometer 58º. A canoe arrived from Victoria conveying [Mr. Oliver?] (late mate of the H.B.C. Schooner "Recovery") and a Canadian. Miners, Carpenters, etc. at work as usual. Evening calm with slight showers. [Mr. Oliver?] reports that the "Trincomalee" and the "Monarch" (a ninety four) are at anchor at Esquimalt
September
Saturday, September 1st, 1855
A.M. steady breeze from the south with heavy rain. Thermometer 60º. Lebine and Mr. Oliver left for Victoria. Sent a despatch by them for the Governor. Miners, Carpenters etc. as usual. P.M. the wind has decreased. Rain continues.
Sunday, September 2nd, 1855
A.M. Southerly wind with squalls and rain. Thermometer 60º. P.M. 3:30 the Express Canoe returned from Victoria bringing intelligence that the Otter" intended leaving for Nanaimo on the following Monday - (tomorrow) Evening - a continuance of the weather
Monday, September 3rd, 1855
A.M. Wind from the South - and fine. Thermometer 58º. Miners, carpenters employed as usual. 6 P.M. The Steamer" Otter" arrived - Mr. Cameron, Capt. Broche and Mr. Farquhar aboard.
Tuesday, September 4th, 1855
A.M. wind North - fair, clear sky Thermometer 59º. the cargo being discharged from "Otter".
Wednesday, September 5th, 1855
A.M. steady breeze from Northwest. Thermometer 60º. Otter discharging cargo as well as taking in coal. Twenty one tons put on board.
Thursday, September 6th, 1855
A.M. gentle breeze from North - Thermometer 62º. Otter taking in coal. In the course of the day forty two tons were shipped.
Friday, September 7th, 1855
A.M. a breeze from the North. Thermometer 63º. The "Otter" took in thirty one tons of coal Three Canoes arrived from "Stikin" conveying Baptiste [Bottineau?] and one or two other Canadians who had been searching for Gold. They reported they had been unsuccessful. The miners complain a great deal of the quality of the Flour and Butter served.
Saturday, September 8th, 1855
A.M. a light wind from North. Thermometer 59º. "Otter" took in 20 tons of coal.
Sunday, September 9th, 1855
A.M. stiff breeze from Northwest . Thermometer 58º.
Monday, September 10th, 1855
A.M. slight breeze from North. Thermometer 58º. Miners employed in mines as usual. 3 P.M. Otter left for Victoria - after having taken twelve tons of coal as part of cargo and eight tons for Mr. Cameron's private use. Mr. Cameron and Mr. Farquhar left [per?] Otter.
Tuesday, September 11th, 1855
A.M. light air from the North. Thermometer 62º.
York, Webb, Dunn, Harrison, Bull, John Baker, and Incher all on the strike - refusing to work. P.M. calm.
Wednesday, September 12th, 1855
A.M. Airs from the South East. Thermometer 60º. The eight miners mentioned yesterday deserted leaving their wives families here. One of the miners, Meakin, loaded his gun with the intention of shooting his wife. Several of the people applied to Capt. Stuart that he might be placed in confinement. On Capt. Stuart's attempting to handcuff him he was dragged off by several of the English miners who proposed there should be a "fair fight”. The conduct of all the English miners and one or two of the Scotch miners was disgraceful in the extreme. P.M. the wind veered [south?] to north clear sky.
Thursday, September 13th, 1855
A.M. steady breeze from South East. Thermometer 61º. Lebine left for Victoria.
Humphreys and three other men arrived with potatoes for sale. A few of the miners only at work. The rest too lazy to work. Carpenters employed as usual. P.M. breeze continues - dull and cloudy.
Friday, September 14th, 1855
A.M Steady breeze from South East with heavy rain. Discharged John Elliott from the Service - being a dangerous man to law and order. Miners and carpenters employed as usual. P.M. rain and wind continues. Capt. [Brotchie?] left this morning (11:30) for Fort Rupert with several Cogswell women. Also accompanied by a Kitteskew Canoe.
Saturday, September 15th, 1855
A.M. Steady breeze from South East. Thermometer 57º. Miners and Carpenters employed as usual. P.M. wind continues with heavy rain.
Sunday, September 16th, 1855
A.M. calm – cloudy. Occasional showers of rain. Thermometer 57º. P.M. ditto.
Monday, September 17th, 1855
A.M. steady breeze from North West . Clear. Thermometer 58º. John Elliott having expressed himself sorry for his conduct and wishing to return into the Company's service - Capt. Stuart reengaged him. Miners, carpenters etc. employed as usual. P.M. calm - clear sky.
Tuesday, September 18th, 1855
A.M. Light breeze from North West - Thermometer 58º. Walker's Boat left for Victoria with 2 1/2 tons Coal and other cargo (on his own account). Capt. Stuart forwarded a Despatch at the same time. Miners and carpenters engaged as usual. P.M. calm – clear. Edward Walker's contract having expired on the 10th of last August he did not feel disposed at present to renew it, and left for Victoria this day with his boat. The American boat that conveyed Mr. Oliver here, left today in charge of the owner (a Scotch carpenter) who has been engaged here for some time lengthening Walker's boat. Three strangers apparently sailors who were brought here by a man of the name of Humphreys a day or two ago also left in the boat for Bellingham Bay.
Wednesday, September 19th, 1855
A.M. breeze from South East with heavy rain. A Canoe arrived from Victoria bringing a Despatch from the Governor. Miners and carpenters employed as usual. P.M. heavy rain continued. Large flocks of geese are daily making their way to the South. Also the Harbour contains numbers of different Species of Divers - the large northern as well as other small ones.
Thursday, September 20th, 1855
A.M. light breeze from South East with occasional showers of hail and rain. Thermometer 54º. The Dam completed. Warned the wives of those miners who have deserted to quit their houses and seek lodging in other quarters as the Company require their dwellings. P.M. fine clear with occasional showers.
Friday, September 21st, 1855
A.M. slight breeze from west with heavy showers - Therm 53º. The Indian women having finished carrying clay for Dam are employed bringing seaweed as manure for garden. Miners and carpenters as usual. P.M. a continuance of weather.
Saturday, September 22nd, 1855
A.M. southeasterly wind. Thermometer 51º. Four Assistant miners employed cutting poles for pit by contract. Miners and carpenters employed as usual. P.M. cloudy
Sunday, September 23rd, 1855
Incessant rain Southeasterly wind throughout. Thermometer 55º
Monday, September 24th, 1855
A.M. Southeasterly wind with occasional showers. Thermometer 53º. Workmen employed as usual. P.M. cloudy 7:30 All the miners who the other day deserted returned (with the exception of John Baker) it is supposed from Bellingham Bay.
Tuesday, September 25th, 1855
A.M. Southeasterly wind with rain - occasional flashes of lightning with the rumbling of distant thunder. Miners, carpenters and labourers employed as usual. P.M. cloudy with rain. NB the carpenter Padre has been off duty since Thursday.
Wednesday, September 26th, 1855
Southeasterly wind and fine - Thermometer 55º. Miners and carpenters employed as usual. P.M. calm
Thursday, September 27th, 1855
A.M. southeasterly wind and fine. Thermometer 60º. Workmen employed as usual
Friday, September 28th, 1855
A.M. Southeasterly wind with rain. Thermometer 58º. 11:30 the Barque "Leonesa" Capt. Howard arrived to take in a cargo of coal on the Victoria Depot [aft?]…The men employed as usual. P.M. rain continues Barque discharging ballast.
Saturday, September 29th, 1855
A.M. Southeasterly wind with occasional showers – foggy. Thermometer 58º.
"Leonesa" discharging ballast. Assistant miners employed loading scows with coal. Miners and carpenters employed as usual.
Sunday, September 30th, 1855
A.M. Southeasterly wind - cloudy. Thermometer 60º. P.M. 3:30 Otter arrived.
Monday, October 1st, 1855
A.M. clear and fine Wind from Southeast. Thermometer 60º. Otter discharging cargo. Also took in about seven tons coal. "Leonesa" also taking in coal. Three miners left for Victoria in a canoe. Sent a Despatch to his Excellency by it. P.M. wind [veered?] round to North. 3:30 the Otter left for Fort Rupert. (11 A.M. Mrs Robinson delivered of a living male child)
Tuesday, October 2nd, 1855
A.M. Northwesterly wind with fog. Thermometer 59º. "Leonesa" engaged taking in coal. Isbister and gang employed at Mill [lead?]. Miners employed as usual. P.M. fine and clear.
Wednesday, October 3rd, 1855
A.M. strong breeze from Northwest – clear. Thermometer 58º. "Leonesa" taking in coal. Miners Carpenters Labourers employed as usual. Six Sea Shell Canoes arrived on their way to Cowitchin to attend a great feast the chief "Old Joe" intends giving
Thursday October 4th, 1855
A.M. Northwesterly wind - fine and clear. Thermometer 58º. Miners, carpenters, etc. at their usual employment. P.M. fine and clear
Friday, October 5th, 1855
A.M. wind from North and very clear. Thermometer 58º. Men employed as usual. P.M. completed the loading of the "Leonesa". The Saw Mill was tried and found to work well. A boat arrived from Bellingham Bay carrying Thompson the miner.
Saturday, October 6th, 1855
A.M. slight airs from south east. Thermometer 57º. Men employed as usual.
The "Leonesa" commenced her voyage but owing to the falling calm she anchored off "Execution Point". The miners returned from Victoria having been reprimanded by the Governor and engaged upon less favorable terms
Sunday, October 7th, 1855
A.M. South Easterly wind and fine. Thermometer 57º. The "Leonesa" on attempting to proceed on her voyage ran ground on the sand bank in the harbour but was got off again without much difficulty and left here at 2 P.M. The Red Rover (Dublin) arrived. Walker arrived from Victoria yesterday. William Harrison and William Incher having returned from Bellingham Bay deserted for California in the Brig Leonesa
Monday, October 8th, 1855
A.M. South easterly wind, Thermometer 59º. Men employed as usual. 5:30 Mrs Chas Bailey delivered a living male child. P.M. 3:30 Dunsmuir arrived from Victoria - heavy rain. all the coal being taken out of the small [shaft?] desisted from working
Tuesday, October 9th, 1855
A.M. south easterly wind - Thermometer 60º. A vague report arrived that some Northern Indians had massacred all the [Nanooas?] a part of the Nanaimo tribe, their villages being about ten to twelve miles apart. The carpenters employed as usual. Some miners placed again at the new [shaft?] the work being abandoned some little time ago owing to a deficiency of drills. Other miners engaged at Newcastle Island.
Wednesday, October 10th, 1855
A.M. South easterly wind - Thermometer 62º. Miners carpenters and employed as usual. Dublin's boat left for Victoria. P.M. calm and clear. Dismantled the small shaft of all its gear etc.
Thursday, October 11th, 1855
A.M. South easterly wind with heavy rain - Thermometer 62º. Walker's boat left for Victoria having taken in 3 Ton [/5 Cwt?] of the [refuse coal?] of the "Leonesa" Miners and workmen as usual. P.M. heavy rain a continuation of [?].
Friday, October 12th, 1855
A.M. wind from the south east with heavy rain -Thermometer 60º. All the men employed as usual. P.M. 4. fine and clear. The Nanaimo Indians (the majority) left for a [present?] feast to be held at Cowitchin. Dunsmuir commenced working on his own account.
Saturday, October 13th, 1855
A.M. south easterly wind and fine - Thermometer 60º. A canoe arrived from Nanoos confirming the report of the murder of three men and two women belonging to the tribe. The deed is supposed to have been committed by the Mamillillikillas. Men employed as usual. P.M. slight showers
Sunday, October 14th, 1855
A.M. south easterly wind - cloudy - Thermometer 61º. Several Comuck canoes arrived having heard that some of their tribe had been murdered down here when they knew other wise they returned.
Monday, October 15th, 1855
A.M. slight airs from the Southeast - Thermometer 57º. Men employed as usual.
P.M.
Tuesday, October 16th, 1855
A.M. south easterly wind and fine Thermometer 58º. The Indians return from the feast at Cowitchin and report that a large boat was trading spirits with the Indians. Men employed as usual
Wednesday, October 17th, 1855
A.M. Steady wind from the North - cold but fine. Men employed as usual
Thursday, October 18th, 1855
A.M. South easterly wind and fine - Thermometer 56º. Men employed as usual.
P.M heavy rain.
Friday, October 19th, 1855
A.M. slight breeze from North West and fine.
Saturday, October 20th, 1855
A.M. strong breeze from South East, rain in torrents. Men employed as usual.
P.M. 3:30. Walker's boat arrived from Victoria with a cargo of flour and potatoes.
Sunday, October 21st, 1855
A. M. calm - fine – clear. Thermometer 57º. P.M. continuance
Monday, October 22nd, 1855
A.M. South easterly wind and fine - Thermometer 58º. Men employed as usual
P.M. fine. Isbister, Reid, and Papley assisting Horne in taking the inventory of goods in the store.
Tuesday, October 23rd, 1855
A.M. south easterly wind - with heavy rain Thermometer 56º. Workmen employed as usual. P.M. heavy rain.
Wednesday, October 24th, 1855
A.M. north westerly wind with tremendous squalls, also heavy showers of rain - Thermometer 57º. Men employed as usual. Walker left for Victoria (3 P.M.) sent a dispatch. P.M. 10 a total eclipse of the moon, which the weather having cleared up was very distinctly seen.
Thursday, October 25th, 1855
A.M. south easterly wind with occasional showers. Thermometer 57º. Men employed as usual. P.M. 6 fine and clear.
Friday, October 26th, 1855
A.M. steady breeze from Southeast - Thermometer 56º. 11:30 the Otter arrived from Fort Simpson. Men employed in supplying her with coal. P.M. fine. Padre, [Blanche?] off work – ill.
Saturday, October 27th, 1855
A.M. slight breeze from south east - Thermometer 57º. Men employed supplying the Otter with coal. 12 A.M. Otter left, having taken in forty tons of coal. P.M. fine.
Sunday, October 28th, 1855
A.M. North westerly wind and Thermometer 52º. P.M. ditto very clear.
Monday, October 29th, 1855
A.M. North westerly wind, with pretty hard [frost?]. Men employed as usual. P.M.
Tuesday, October 30th, 1855
A.M. south easterly wind and fine - Thermometer 52º. Men employed as usual.
11:30 a canoe arrived from Fort Langley with a Kanaka in [her?]
Wednesday, October 31st, 1855
A.M. south easterly wind and fine - Thermometer 50º. The miners, workmen etc employed as usual. The Kanaka who arrived yesterday is employed by the day.
P.M. 6 the wind veered round to north west.
Thursday, November 1st, 1855
A.M. a heavy gale from northwest - Thermometer 50º. Lazard and Louis employed at the house on Newcastle Island one of the bolts connected with the mill was carried away which occasioned it to stop about 8 hours. Desisted working at Pemberton's Encampment owing to a rapid increase in the quantity of water. The miners are now engaged as follows: at the new shaft there are three shifts in the twenty four hours - three miners to each shift; .all the others being engaged at Newcastle I. P.M. wind decreased, clear and fine. Completed taking the Inventory.
Friday, November 2nd, 1855
A.M. calm and fine, Thermometer 49º. Workmen employed as yesterday. P.M. south easterly wind - and clear.
Saturday, November 3rd, 1855
A.M. south easterly wind with occasional showers. Workmen, miners etc employed as usual. P.M. fine.
Sunday, November 4th, 1855
A.M. North westerly wind and fine - Thermometer 51º. P.M. cloudy and cold
Monday, November 5th, 1855
A.M. south easterly wind and fine. Thermometer 50º. Miner, Carpenters, and Labourers employed as usual. P.M. wind veered round to northwest. 10:30 drizzly rain and cold.
Tuesday, November 6th, 1855
A.M. slight breeze from northwest and very fine. Thermometer 49º. All the workmen employed as usual. 11:30 Walker's boat arrived from Victoria bringing a dispatch. P.M. calm, fine and clear.
Wednesday, November 7th, 1855
A.M. south easterly wind - Thermometer 49º. Men employed as usual. P.M. clear and calm
Thursday, November 8th, 1855
A.M. heavy south east gale with constant rain - Thermometer 48º. 10:30 the "Black Duck" arrived from Victoria with twelve sheep which were sold at four dollars and a quarter each. One of the horses taken over to Newcastle I [island?]. Men employed as usual. P.M. continuance of wind and rain.
Friday, November 9th, 1855
A.M. South east gale with heavy rain - Thermometer 48º. Walker's Boat took over a cargo of slabs and planks to Newcastle Island. Miners and workmen employed as usual
P.M. the "Black Duck" took in 3 Ton - 10 Cwt of Smith's coal.
Saturday, November 10th, 1855
A.M. north westerly wind and fine Thermometer 47º. Walker's boat took in five tons of coal at Newcastle Island. Men employed as usual.
Sunday, November 11th, 1855
A.M. South easterly gale with heavy rain Thermometer 47º. The "Black Duck" an[d] Walker's Boat left for Victoria. The former put back owing to stress of weather; Sent a despatch by Walker's Boat. 12:30 the Brig ["Hodgdon"?] arrived from Victoria. A whale boat arrived from Bellingham Bay. P.M. Wind and rain continue.
Monday, November 12th, 1855
A.M. Slight breeze from south east: Thermometer 46º. The "Black Duck" left for Victoria. The "Hodgdon" engaged taking in coal. The miners at work as usual. P.M. clear and fine.
Tuesday, November 13th, 1955
A.M. breeze from North west fine and cold. Thermometer 40º. The Hodgdon taking in coal. Louis [Otecon?] and an Indian engaged looking for one of the horses to be taken over to Newcastle Island - found it, and in the afternoon by means of small scow conveyed it to the Mines. The door of the cistern carried away which stopped the mill for two or three hours. P.M. 10 [hoarfrost?], sky very clear.
Wednesday, November 14th, 1855
A.M. calm, fine, hard frost during the night. Thermometer 36º. "Hodgdon" engaged taking in coal. Miners employed as usual. P.M cloudy - thawing - a few drops of rain
Thursday, November 15th, 1855
A.M. South easterly wind with continual rain. Miners employed as usual. Hodgdon taking in coal. P.M. the rain has ceased, but cloudy
Friday, November 16th, 1855
A.M. Southerly wind, clear and fine. Thermometer 38º. "Hodgdon" takes in coal.
The miners employed as usual. P.M. clear and calm
Saturday, November 17th, 1855
A.M. South easterly wind, cloudy with slight fog. Thermometer 40º. Men at their usual employment. The brig Hodgdon taking in coal. P.M. fine and clear.
Sunday, November 18th, 1855
A.M. slight breeze from North west with sleet and rain - Thermometer 37º. P.M. fine, clear, frosty.
Monday, November 19th, 1855
A.M. light southerly winds with rain - Thermometer 40º. "Hodgdon" taking in coal
Miners at work as usual. P.M. Heavy rain. Several Seashell canoes arrived with Deer.
Tuesday, November 20th, 1855
A.M. southerly wind with occasional showers. Thermometer 41º. 11:30 Walker's Boat arrived from Victoria, brought a Dispatch. Miners at work as usual - also Carpenters etc. etc. The brig "Hodgdon" has completed taking in her cargo having aboard two hundred and forty tons of coal aboard. P.M. dull, overcast. Employed E. Walker in fitting up the guns in Bastion. Booms across the Mill Stream carried away.
Wednesday, November 21st, 1855
A.M. southerly wind and fine - Thermometer 40º. The Hodgdon [wharfed?] out of the harbour and anchored. The Carpenters, miners, etc. at work as usual. P.M. fine and clear.8:30 the wind changed to north west and very fair. The brig left with a [fair wind?]
Thursday, November 22nd, 1855
A.M. fine north westerly wind, foggy Thermometer 39º. E Walker employed in placing a buoy on the Reef. Men employed as usual. P.M. foggy, with slight drizzling rain.
Friday, November 23rd, 1855
A.M. light south easterly airs and fine. Thermometer 41º. Completed buoying the reef
Walker engaged to screen the coal to receive a Blanket for a hundred barrels. The Carpenters, miners, etc employed as usual. P.M. fine.
Saturday, November 24th, 1855
A.M. light airs from Northwest - fine and pleasant - Thermometer 39º. Workmen employed as usual. Capt. Stuart accompanied by the Doctor, and Mr Horne together with [Mr?] Sampson (assist. miner) started at 1:30 P.M. for an excursion towards Nanoose proceeded about twenty miles and encamped on the banks of a large plain (probably 1000 acres in extent) the soil of a sandy or alluvial nature intersected by numerous creeks from the Sea. The formation of the rocks, for some distance after leaving Nanaimo consisted of very hard close grained grey stone interlined with some small seams of quartz after which their structure changed to a mixture of coarse and fine sandstone apparently of the same nature as that on Newcastle Island and again at intervals changing (to) the former formation of hard grey stone. The country abounds with Deer and Elk, and the Marshes with innumerable flocks of wildfowl.
Sunday, November 25th, 1855
A.M. strong breeze from South East - heavy rain. Capt. Stuart and party tried to proceed towards home but the sea was so high that he Indians who paddled the Canoe declared it absolutely impossible to proceed so that they once more encamped for the night. A boat arrived from Bellingham Bay.
Monday, November 26th, 1855
A.M. the breeze from South East continues, with torrents of rain - the sea ran very high Miners at work as usual. Capt. Stuart and party once more attempted to proceed towards home, but were obliged to return the weather being so rough, and the Canoe so deep that they were almost sure to be swamped had they persisted in going on. On gaining the shore it was resolved that the white men should proceed by land while the Indians (who willingly acceded to the proposal) went by sea after walking about four miles and the sea being a little calmer they hailed the canoe and again embarked, but the lull did not prove to be of long duration, and again they were glad to reach the shore. The Indians proposed to take the canoe on while Capt Stuart, Doctor Thomas, Horne and Sampson travelled by land, after having gained about two miles, the wind increased, the sea running very high at the same time, so that the canoe was obliged to put into a [little?] harbour, the shore party halting at the same time. They there met Ochelot (a Nanaimo chief) who had been encamped there for two days [thro stress?] of weather.4 P.M. Capt. Stuart being very anxious to get home proposed that Mr. Horne and [?] Sampson should [?[ and proceed at the first opportunity by the Canoe belonging to Ochelot, while Capt. Stuart and the Doctor should take their own canoe and return as well as they could (first rendering the canoe as light as possible by leaving all the provisions etc. with Mr. Horne). A sudden lull favored them and they started, the rain falling in torrents. About nine in the evening they landed, wet and fatigued, after having nearly lost their lives, the wind having greatly increased, and the sea mountains high, so that one of the Indians was almost washed out of the canoe, and all the shore being rocky with a great surf, they could not approach it until they had got about six miles distant from Nanaimo, they put in to a little sheltered creek where they spent the night.
Tuesday, November 27th, 1855
A.M. Strong breeze from the South East with heavy rain. Miners, Carpenters etc. at work as usual. 8:30 Capt. Stuart and Doctor proceeded overland the canoe taking them about two miles off. They reached Nanaimo about 11:30 safely and were happy to find that everything had gone on well during their absence, no accident having occurred, nor any one being taken ill. The Boat left for Bellingham Bay.
Wednesday, November 28th, 1855
A.M. Strong breeze from South East with heavy rain - Thermometer 40º. The tide was remarkably high overflowing the highest part of the wharfs. The booms securing the Logs in the Lagoon gave way but was repaired without the loss of any logs. Miners, Carpenters etc. at work as usual. P.M. fine, clear and starry
Thursday, November 29th, 1855
A.M. South Easterly wind with heavy rain. Thermometer 40º. Miners engaged as usual. P.M. rain. 4 P.M. Mr. Horne and Mr. Sampson arrived having walked from the picketed fort at Nanoose, on their way they saw three Bear, several deer
Friday, November 30th, 1855
A.M. Light air from South East with occasional showers - Thermometer 37º. Several Seashell canoes arrived . P.M. the HBC: Co Steamer “Beaver" arrived from the north, with a most valuable cargo of furs. Employed at taking the floodgate off the [?] which had got covered by water causing some little trouble in its removal and which unless it was done might cause the destruction of the [race?]
Saturday, December 1st, 1855
A.M. fresh breeze from the south east and cloudy. Thermometer 38º. Indians engaged supplying the Beaver with wood. Miners, Carpenters employed as usual. P.M. cloudy with showers
Sunday, December 2nd, 1855
A.M. light air from South East. cloudy Thermometer 39º.
P.M. " " "
Monday, December 3rd, 1855
A.M. South easterly wind and fine Thermometer 38º. Indians employed cutting wood for "Beaver". Lazard and Louis [Otecori?] squaring wood for mill [??]. Miners, Carpenters etc. employed as usual. P.M. fine. 7 P.M. wind veered to north west, clear starlight.
Tuesday, December 4th, 1855
A.M. calm and fine Thermometer 37º. 6 A.M. The Beaver left but owing to some of the machinery getting out of order, she put back again and anchored. Indians employed cutting and carrying wood for her until 2:30. 3:30 she started with Mr. Farquhar as passenger having in his possession the documents necessary for settling the yearly account for Nanaimo together with a chart of the town containing houses and improvements for the year. Miners employed as usual.
Wednesday, December 5th, 1855
A.M. light air from South East, frosty with a shower of snow during the night. Thermometer 36º. Men employed as usual.
Thursday, December 6th, 1855
A.M. slight breeze from South East and showery. Thermometer 37º. Miners, Carpenters etc. employed as usual. P.M. showery. Having observed a tree fallen near to machinery, immediately set about removing it.
Friday, December 7th, 1855
A.M. calm, cloudy with a slight fog. Thermometer 38º. Miners, Carpenters etc. employed as usual. P.M. heavy rain, wind from South East
Saturday December 8th, 1855
A.M. Slight airs from south and fine Thermometer 60º. 8:30 the "Otter" arrived from Fort Langley to take in coal. Men employed as usual. P.M South Easterly wind with rain.
Sunday December 9th, 1855
A.M. Steady breeze from South East with rain in torrents which continued all day - Thermometer 39º.
Monday, December 10th, 1855
A.M. light breeze from South East with incessant rain engaged putting coal aboard the "Otter". Miners and Carpenters employed as usual. 9:30 A.M. Mrs. George Baker delivered of a living male child. P.M. heavy rain. NB. all the coal shipped today were from "Dunsmuir's workings"
Tuesday, December 11th, 1855
A.M. light breeze from South East and fine. Thermometer 39º. The Otter taking in coal from the old pit. Men employed as usual. P.M. 2 the "Otter" left for Victoria having taken about sixty tons of coal.
Wednesday, December 12th, 1855
A.M. light air from West. cloudy. Thermometer 37º. Miners, Carpenters etc. employed as usual. A large number of Comuck and Lickquitoe Indians arrived, anxious for employment. P.M. 6 South Easterly wind with indications of rain.
Thursday, December 13th, 1855
A.M. South Easterly wind. incessant rain. Thermometer 40º. Workmen and miners at their usual employment. P.M. continuance of rain, wind increased to a gale. Indians employed in levelling the Mill [site/hills?] and ease the oxen in drawing logs up and facilitate the carrying of planks up.
Friday, December 14th, 1855
A.M. light air from the North West and fine. Thermometer 38º. Miners, Carpenters etc. engaged as usual. P.M. fine and clear.
Saturday, December 15th, 1855
A.M. Strong breeze from South East with incessant rain. Thermometer 38º. Miners, Carpenters etc. at their usual employment. P.M. showery, fine at intervals.
Sunday, December 16th, 1855
A.M. steady breeze from South East, foggy and drizzling rain which continued all day. Thermometer 37º.
Monday, December 17th, 1855
A.M. South Easterly breeze but fine. Thermometer 37º. Miners, Carpenters engaged as usual. P.M. wind veered around to North West with a bracing frosty atmosphere
Tuesday, December 18th, 1855
A.M. Steady breeze from South East with incessant rain. Thermometer 38º. Miners, Carpenters, Indians etc. employed as usual. P.M. rain continues, wind increased to a gale.
Wednesday, December 19th, 1855
A.M. light breeze from West with drizzling rain. Thermometer 37º. Workmen employed as usual. P.M.
Thursday December 20th, 1855
A.M. Steady breeze from North West and fine. Thermometer 37º. Workmen, Miners employed as usual. Mr. [Shortley?] and Indians over at Newcastle Is. carrying timbers for Mines. P.M. occasional flakes of snow falling.
Friday, December 21st, 1855
A.M. North Westerly wind with a heavy fall of snow. Thermometer 24º. Miners, Carpenters etc. at work as usual. Ricketts (the watchman) off duty, sick. P.M. snow falls without intermission.
Saturday, December 22nd, 1855
A.M. light breeze from North West with severe frost. Thermometer 24º. The men at work as usual. The ice between Newcastle and the main shore rendered it necessary for the men going to work at the former to proceed on the outside of the island. P.M. frosty and fine.
Sunday, December 23rd, 1855
A.M. Southerly wind, with hard frost. Thermometer 24º. "Commercial Inlet" frozen over
P.M.
Monday, December 24th, 1855
A.M. slight breeze from North West intense frost. Thermometer 23º. Miners, Carpenters employed as usual. The Mill is entirely stopped owing to the ice. P.M. The cold continues.
Tuesday, December 25th, 1855
A.M fine and frosty. North Westerly wind. Thermometer 23º. Mrs. [Malpass?] delivered of a living female child. A Holiday for all the workmen.
Wednesday, December 26th, 1855
A.M. frosty, fine, cloudless. Westerly wind. Thermometer 22º. Miners and all workmen take a holiday. P.M. (11) a strong gale from South East.
Thursday, December 27th, 1855
A.M. frosty, westerly wind. Thermometer 20º. Men not at work.
Friday, December 28th, 1855
A.M. intensely cold and frosty, calm Thermometer 10º. Miners not at work. P.M. cloudy, with a slight fall of snow.
Saturday, December 29th, 1855
A.M. North Easterly wind with frost. Thermometer 28º. Men not at their employment. P.M. 4:30 The U.S. Steamer "Active", Capt. Alden arrived to take in coal, having Mr. Lewis (of the Hon. H.B. Co.) as pilot.
Sunday, December 30th, 1855
A.M. South Easterly wind and cloudy. Thermometer 30º. Several Indians employed cutting a channel for taking off coal to the "Active".
Monday, December 31st, 1855
A.M. South Easterly wind with a fall of snow. Thermometer 32º. Men employed putting coal aboard the Active. Miners not at work. Forty tons sent aboard the Active
1856
Tuesday, January 1st, 1856
A.M. South wind with snow at times. Thermometer 34 º. Assistant miners engaged loading the Active, 50 tons sent aboard today. Miners not at their employment.
Wednesday, January 2nd, 1856
A.M. South Easterly wind with a thaw. Thermometer 34º. The harbour is rapidly clearing of ice, also the snow is disappearing. The Active received 25 ton 5 Cwt. aboard making in all 115 tons 5 Cwt. Recommenced operations at the Shaft (No 3) by pouring boiling oil on the saw frame and slides, together with numerous fires, the mill was once more brought into [motion?].
Thursday, January 3rd, 1856
A.M. Southerly wind, cloudy with a little rain. Thermometer 35º. 7 A.M. The "Active” left for Bellingham Bay etc. Miners, Carpenters at work as usual. P.M. Mrs. Robinson died.
Friday, January 4th, 1856
A.M. South Easterly wind with heavy rain, Thermometer 40º. Miners etc. at their usual employment. P.M. Heavy rain
Saturday, January 5th, 1856
A.M. South easterly wind and overcast. Thermometer 42º. Miners, Carpenters at their usual employment. P.M. fine but cloudy.
Sunday, January 6th, 1856
A.M. south easterly wind and fine. Thermometer 40º. The remains of Mrs. Robinson were interred at 3 P.M.
Monday, January 7th, 1856
A.M. South Easterly wind with heavy rain. Thermometer 41º. Two contract men employed fitting up the old [Mess Room (No 12)?]. Miners employed as usual. P.M. heavy rain
Tuesday, January 8th, 1856
A.M. South Easterly wind with heavy rain. Thermometer 40º. Miners, Carpenters etc. engaged as usual. P.M. cloudy and overcast.
Wednesday, January 9th, 1856
A.M. South Easterly wind with rain. Thermometer 41º. Walker's boat left for Victoria, sent a despatch by it. The miners commenced operations at Newcastle Island having been prevented for some time by the late frost. Carpenters and men at No. 3 Shaft employed as usual. P.M. cloudy with occasional showers. Sage, Ganner and Isbister proceed to Victoria by Walker's Boat, leave of absence having been granted them
Thursday, January 10th, 1856
A.M. Easterly wind and foggy. Thermometer 40º. Miners, Carpenters employed as usual. P.M. fine and clear.
Friday, January 11th, 1856
A.M. South Easterly wind with occasional showers. Thermometer 46º. Miners, Carpenters etc engaged as usual. P.M. fine and clear.
Saturday, January 12th, 1856
A.M. south easterly wind and beautifully fine. Thermometer 50º. Miners, Carpenters and other employees engaged as usual. P.M. fine and clear.
Sunday, January 13th, 1856
A.M. slight breeze from south and fine. Thermometer 50º. P.M. fine
Monday, January 14th, 1856
A.M. Steady breeze from south east and fine. Thermometer 52º. Miners, Carpenters etc. employed as usual. P.M. overcast.
Tuesday, January 15th, 1856
A.M. light breeze from west and fine. Thermometer 46º.Miners Carpenters and Assist. Miners employed as usual. P.M. fine and clear.
Wednesday, January 16th, 1856
A.M. steady breeze from Northwest. thick fog in the gulf. Thermometer 46º. Miners, Carpenters etc. as usual. P.M. fine and clear.
Thursday, January 17th, 1856
A.M. light airs from South East, and fine Thermometer 42º. Miners and Carpenters employed as usual. The "Emily Packet" arrived from Victoria with a cargo of flour which found immediate sale at six dollars per hundred pound. She brought letters etc. for the place also. P.M. cloudy.
Friday, January 18th, 1856
A.M. light breeze from South East and clear. Thermometer 45º. Miners, Carpenters etc. at their usual employment. P.M. fine and frosty.
Saturday, January 19th, 1856
A.M. light breeze from North East with frost. Miners, Carpenters etc. working as usual. P.M. fine and frosty.
Sunday, January 20th, 1856
A.M. cloudy with a South Easterly wind. Thermometer 42º. Walker's boat arrived from Victoria conveying a despatch from the Governor, letters, newspapers etc P.M. (9:30) Mrs. [Hawkes?] delivered of a living male child The tides are very low in the evening.
Monday. January 21st, 1856
A.M. light airs from the South East and fine. Thermometer 42º. Miners, Carpenters etc. employed as usual. Walker's boat and the "Emily Packet" proceeded to Newcastle Island. The former took in four tons, the latter three tons of refuse coal for Victoria. P.M. fine and clear. 11:30 The H.B.C. Steamer "Otter" arrived having aboard his Excellency James Douglas Esq.: Governor of the Island.
Tuesday, January 22nd, 1856
A.M. steady breeze from South East. Thermometer 41º. Miners, Carpenters engaged as usual. The contract between the Hon. Company and Walker also between the Hon. Co and Dunsmuir to dig coal on their own account was settled. The "Rob Roy" arrived having aboard York, Jones and [Bevilockway?] (from Bellingham Bay).
Wednesday, January 23rd, 1856
A.M. South Easterly wind with rain. Thermometer 42º. Miners employed as usual. The miners who deserted to Bellingham Bay were engaged again by the Company, having expressed contrition for their past conduct, they work on the terms of those who deserted before, their names are Thomas York, Thos. Jones, Joseph L. Bevilockway.
Thursday, January 24th, 1856
A.M. light airs from South East and fine. Thermometer 45º. Miners employed as usual
10:00 A.M. the Otter left for Victoria with his Excellency aboard. P.M. fine.
Friday, January 25th, 1956
A.M. light airs from the South East and fine. Thermometer 46º. Miners, Carpenters employed as usual. Engaged a man named William Hughes (who arrived in the "Rob Roy" from the American side) to work at the saw mill at the rate of [£35. per annum and 1/4 per day ration?]
P.M. fine
Saturday, January 26th, 1856
A.M. light airs from South East. Thermometer 44º. Miners, Carpenters etc. employed as usual. The "Rob Roy" left for Port Townsend. P.M. fine - Thermometer 47º.
Sunday, January 27th, 1856,
A.M. steady breeze from North Thermometer 42º. P.M. fine (4) Thermom. 45º.
Monday, January 28th, 1856
A.M. light airs from North Thermometer 42º. Miners, Carpenters etc. employed as usual
P.M. 3 [Mr. HG McNeil?] arrived from Fort Simpson on his way to Victoria. Thermometer 46º fine but overcast.
Tuesday, January 29th, 1856
A.M. light breeze from South East and fine Thermometer 43º. Men at their usual employment. Struck a seam of fine conglomerate at the distance of 14 fathoms from the surface at No 3 Shaft. P.M. fine (3 P.M.) Thermometer 46º.
Wednesday, January 30th, 1856
A.M. light air from the North and fine. Thermometer 43º. Miners, Carpenters etc. at work as usual. 11:30 Mr. Hg McNeil left for Ft. Victoria. P.M. fine Thermometer 45º. P. M. 6 heavy rain. P.M. 10 struck the coal at No 3 Shaft.
Thursday, January 31st, 1856
A.M. light airs from South East and foggy Thermometer 40º. Miners etc. at their usual employment. 11A.M. The "Otter" arrived from Victoria on her way to Ft. Simpson, having Capt. Swanson aboard as pilot. [Toma Ouamtomy?] arrived from Victoria, engaged for general work. P.M. engaged putting Blacksmith coal aboard the Otter. Fine and clear Thermometer 44º. Lazard's child fractured his arm by a fall.
Friday, February 1st, 1856
A.M. light airs from South East and fine Thermometer 40º. Miners, Carpenters etc at work as usual. The Steamer "Otter" engaged taking in coal. P.M. 2:15 the Otter left, having taken in altogether 30 1/2 tons of coal.
Saturday, February 2nd, 1856
A.M. light breeze from North and fine Thermometer 40º. Miners, Carpenters etc. at work as usual. Bottomed the coal at No 3 Shaft and found it to be Eighteen inches in thickness (the extreme) and based upon a hard sandy shale, dipping at an angle of one foot in four from the south west side of pit forming an apex in the middle of the shaft, there being no coal in the north east half of the pit or that half nearest the water, in this position the coal has evidently been distorted although we found the different strata extremely regular until arriving at the coal, all of them dipping to the north east at the coal they become broken and [rose?] to the north east. P.M. fine, clear, wind from the north. Thermometer 43º.
P.M. 3 Walker's boat arrived from Victoria.
Sunday, February 3rd, 1856
A.M. slight breeze from South East with heavy rain Thermometer 43º. P.M. Thermometer 45º rain with fog.
Monday, February 4th, 1856
A.M. light airs from north and fine. Thermometer 42º. Miners, Carpenters at their usual employment. Mr. Bailey accompanied by Hunter left for Victoria for a few days. Sent a despatch together with letters containing five Bills belonging to Chas. E. Stuart, Magnus Edgar, Matthew Millard, Thos. York and John Biggs. P.M. fine and beautifully clear. Thermometer 43º. P.M. 10 Thermometer 34º.
Tuesday, February 5th, 1856
A.M. fine and frosty - steady breeze from North - Thermometer 35º. Miners, Carpenters etc. at their usual employment. A.M. 11:50 an accident occurred at Newcastle Island to one of the miners (John Baker) a portion of the roof consisting of stone of a soft nature fell crushing him in its fall, with care however there is every probability of its recovery. Walker's boat took in seven and a half tons of small coal. P.M. fine - Thermometer 42º
(3 P. M.) P.M. 10.0. Thermometer 32º.
Wednesday, February 6th, 1856
A.M. South Easterly wind with rain and fog - Thermometer 42º. Employed boarding in ["o" Shed?], and getting steam saw mill machinery, flat ropes etc. into it being more sheltered than the sheds erected on the wharf, where they used to be. Miners, Carpenters etc, at their usual employment. P.M. Drizzly rain. Thermometer 45º.
Thursday, February 7th, 1856
A.M. South Easterly wind and fine. Thermometer 41º. Miners, Carpenters etc. employed as usual. The Indians have for some time reported a seam of coal to exist to the South East of the rapids and which has been confirmed by Thos. [Ouamtony?]. P.M. fine Thermometer 44º (3 o'clock). P.M. 10 Thermometer 39º.
Friday, February 8th, 1856
A.M. South Easterly wind, foggy and rainy - Thermometer 41º. Miners Carpenters at their usual employment. P.M. drizzly rain Thermometer 43º. Toma [Ouamtony?] and Louis [Otecori?] engaged building a stable for the horses at the back of the Garden.
Saturday, February 9th, 1856
A.M. South Easterly wind and fine. Thermometer 41º. Miners, Carpenters etc, at work as usual. P.M. wind veered to North (3 P.M.) Thermometer 44º. P.M.10:0: Thermometer 40º.
Sunday, February 10th, 1856
A.M. South Easterly wind with fog and rain Thermometer 42º. Took an excursion to the Southerly end of the "Rapid Island " (which at high water forms two or three islands, but at low water are all connected) to examine a seam of coal (mentioned on the 7th) - found the seam to be fourteen inches in thickness, having a dip of forty degrees East by North with a coarse sandstone of fine conglomerate roof, the bottom being composed of sandy shale or clay - the seam in its present condition does not appear to be of much importance further than being a source of information, which may tend to discover it at some future period. The situation in which it was placed did not allow of any exact examination, as it cropped out only a short distance under the sandstone.
Monday, February 11th, 1856
A.M. Northerly wind and beautifully clear and fine. Thermometer 42º. Miners, Carpenter s at their usual employment. Toma and Louis engaged at the stable. P.M. fine - Thermometer 49º (3 o'clock).
Tuesday, February 12th, 1856
A.M. South Easterly wind and foggy - Thermometer 40º. Miners, Carpenters, Toma and Louis at work as usual. Several Ugulete canoes called on their way home from a feast at Cowitchin. P.M. fine - (3 o'c:). Thermometer 44º.
Wednesday, February 13th, 1856
A.M. South Easterly wind and fine. Thermometer 41º. Men employed as usual. Mr. Shortley and several Indians engaged in bringing the Horses from Newcastle Island with the intention of employing them at a "Gin" constructed at No. 3 Shaft. P.M. fine Thermometer 45º.
Thursday, February 14th, 1856
A.M. calm - cloudy - Thermometer 44º. A.M. 10 Mr. Bailey and Hunter arrived from Victoria brought a dispatch. Miners, Carpenters etc. at their usual employment. P.M. fine - Thermometer 47º (3 o'clock). S. Ricketts employed at the Garden
Friday, February 15th, 1856
A.M. Northerly wind and very fine - Thermometer 44º. Miners, Carpenters, Toma, Ricketts, Louis, etc. at their usual work. P.M. fine, clear and cloudless - Thermometer 48º (3 o'clock).
Saturday, February 16th, 1856
A.M. Westerly wind and fine - Thermometer 44º. Miners, Carpenters etc. at work as usual. Sowed small beds of Onions, Lettuce, Cress, Radish, Cabbage and Spinach
P.M. fine, frosty atmosphere.
Sunday, February 17th, 1856
A.M. North westerly wind, hoar frost in the morning. Thermometer 43º. A. M. 10:30 a large Ida canoe arrived from Victoria on their way home. P.M. fine, cold and frosty. Thermometer 38º.
Monday, February 18th, 1856
A.M. South Easterly wind and fine. hard frost during the night - Thermometer 43º. Miners, Carpenters etc. at their usual employment. Walker's Boat arrived from Victoria. Mr. [Shortley?] conveyed the Oxen (four of them) in the large scow up the Nanaimo River for the purpose of hauling the pieces of oak to the water side then bringing them to this place. The oak was cut some time ago by Louis Otecon. P.M. cloudy and overcast. Thermometer 45º. P.M. 10:00 heavy rain.
Tuesday, February 19th, 1856
A.M. South Easterly gale with heavy rain. Thermometer 46º. A.M. 7:30 a disturbance occurred between Mr. Robinson and J. McGregor on account of the former taxing the latter of negligence in his duty, and absent one day from his work, as well as leaving before his time twice, both of which accusations appear to be correct - upon arriving at the blacksmith's shop (the dispute having arose at the top of the hill by the Bastion where there were no witnesses to the conversation, but from Mr. Robinson's statement J. McGregor was very insolent, which from Evidence elicited from three witnesses ( Andrew Hunter, G. Mitchell, [J. Stove?]) was really the case in the shop. J. McGregor having several times used most abusive epithets such as "Liar", "Hypocrite", etc. etc. after some altercation Mr. Robinson left the shop intending as he reports to complain to the Officer in charge, Capt. B.E. Stuart, of the conduct of McGregor and to state that he would have nothing more to do with him. John McGregor calling after, in most provocatory and abusive language, Mr. Robinson as he walked away. Mr. Robinson then returned to the Smithy, and laying hold of the first thing at hand, which happened to be a heavy hammer, dealt McGregor a blow on the head which knocked him down --- Mr. Robinson then proceeded to the gentleman in charge and expressed his contrition for having struck McGregor, but stated that McGregor's language was so very insulting and provocatory that it exasperated him to the deed. After a short time McGregor walked up to the Surgery where his head was dressed by Dr. Thomas and who reports the wound to be of contused character rather extensive and situated across the crown of the head, not dangerous at least in its primary character. P.M. heavy rain - 3 P.M. Thermometer 50º.
Wednesday, February 20th, 1856
A.M. Northerly wind. cloudy, overcast. Thermometer 45º. Miners, Carpenters etc. employed as usual. Completed shingling No. 12 house. P.M. fine Thermometer 47º.
Thursday, February 21st, 1856
North westerly wind and beautifully fine. Thermometer 44º. Mining population engaged as usual. P.M. 4:00 Walker’s Boat left for Victoria conveying a Despatch - John McGregor left in her for Victoria. Fine 3:30 Thermometer 46º.
Friday, February 22nd, 1856
A.M. Steady breeze from North and very fine - Thermometer 40º. Miners, Carpenters etc. at their usual employment. A. M. 11:15 the Otter arrived from the North, Capt. McNeil and Mr. Moffatt aboard - the wind being fair and as she did not absolutely require coal, the Otter again left at 12:30. P.M. fine and clear Thermometer 43º.
Saturday, February 23rd, 1856
A.M. foggy and calm. Thermometer 38º. Miners, Carpenters etc. employed as usual
P.M. northerly wind. Thermometer 40º.
Sunday, February 24th, 1856
A.M. Slight breeze from the North, overcast. Thermometer 44º. P.M. dull and cloudy - Thermometer 44º (3 o’clock).
Monday, February 25th, 1856
A.M. North westerly wind slight drizzling rain - Thermometer 43º. Workmen and Miners at their usual employment. P.M. dull and overcast Thermometer 44º.
Tuesday, February 26th, 1856
A.M. North westerly wind and very fine Thermometer 42º. Mining population, Carpenters etc. employed as usual. The Horses commenced working at the Gin No.3 Shaft. P.M. clear and cloudless - Thermometer 44º.
Wednesday, February 27th, 1856
A.M. Steady breeze from the North fine and frosty - Thermometer 37º. Miners, Carpenters etc. at their usual employment. P.M. clear and fine - Thermometer 40º
Thursday, February 28th, 1856
A.M. light airs from North West, cloudless - Thermometer 38º. Miners, Carpenters etc. at their usual employment. One of the Scows taken to be repaired. P.M. fine - Thermometer 40º. P. M. 5:30 Mrs. Thompson delivered of a living female child. 8:30 Thermometer 36º.
Friday, February 29th, 1856
A.M. light airs from the North East and beautifully fine - Thermometer 37º. Miners, Carpenters etc. at their usual employment. A.M. 9:30 the “Otter” arrived with a supply of food, also to take in a cargo of coal a portion of which is to be sold at California Indians and Whites engaged loading the Otter. P.M. beautifully fine Thermometer 40º
Saturday, March 1st, 1856
A.M. steady breeze from North East and very fine. Thermometer 40º. Hard frost during the night. Miners and Carpenters at their usual employment. Engaged loading the Otter. The “Emily P" arrived with a cargo of flour which was immediately bought by the miners at $6 per Cwt. P.M. fine. Thermometer 42º.
Sunday, March 2nd, 1856
A.M. calm with a little fog. Thermometer 39º. P.M. light airs from North East. Thermometer 40º (3 o’clock).
Monday, March 3rd, 1856
A.M. light airs from North East with hoar frost Thermometer 40º. Miners at their usual employment…Otter taking in coal. P.M. dull and cloudy Thermometer 43º. Walker’s Boat arrived from Victoria.
Tuesday, March 4th, 1856
A.M. calm, dull and cloudy. Thermometer 41º. 6 A.M.: The Otter left for Victoria having taken in ninety four tons of coal. Miners, Carpenters etc. at their usual employment. A gush of water (about the size of a man’s arm) took place at No. 3 Shaft. It stopped the Miners, and has not been gained upon yet. P.M. overcast. Thermometer 44º.
Wednesday, March 5th, 1856
A.M. calm, cloudy and overcast. Thermometer 48º. Commenced hauling and putting down the main pumping gear. The horses being unable to keep the water down at No.3 Shaft. On Monday last, found the [steelguards?] broken at Newcastle Is. Done intentionally, supposedly Indians. The men were not able to work the following day the steel guards being at the Blacksmiths. P.M. dull Thermometer 50º (at 3 o’clock).
Thursday, March 6th, 1856
A.M. calm and cloudy. Thermometer 49º. Miners and Carpenters at their usual employment. [Fortier?] and [Donno?] cease to be on day wages and are now engaged at squaring timber for the Steam Engine at the rate of 10 cents a foot, fourteen inches square. P.M. overcast. Thermometer 50º.
Friday, March 7th, 1856
A.M. light breeze from North East and very fine. Thermometer 46º. Miners etc. at their usual employment. Lazard employed lining the Doctor’s house. P.M. very clear. Thermometer 49º. Planted a crop of peas and beans.
Saturday, March 8th, 1856
A.M. North Easterly wind and very fine. Thermometer 46º. Miners, Carpenters etc. at their usual employment. Bull, Baker and Biggs are engaged [striking?] a Shaft on their own account, situated close by Drs. House. P.M. fine and clear. Thermometer 50º.
Sunday, March 9th, 1856
A.M. steady breeze from the North and very fine. Hoar frost in the morning - Thermometer 46º. P.M. fine and clear - Thermometer 50º.
Monday, March 10th, 1856
A.M. North Easterly wind and clear fine weather -Thermometer 46º. Miners, Carpenters etc. at their usual employment. Walker and a few others engaged in placing a Triangle over No. 3 Shaft to assist in lowering the pumps. P.M. very fine - Thermometer 50º. P. M. 10:30 the U.S. Steamer “Active”, Capt. Alden arrived. Several Miners engaged in putting down Bores in the vicinity of Mr. Gilmour’s “level free”.
Tuesday, March 11th, 1856
A.M. North easterly breeze and clear - Thermometer 47º. Miners, Carpenters at their usual employment. Assist Miners, Labourers and Indians conveying coal aboard the Steamer "Active". P.M. fine - Thermometer 52º. (3 o'clock). The state of tide obliged the men to cease from shipping coal. P. M. 4:30 forty four Canoes of Northern Indians arrived. Conveyed aboard the Steamer 76 tons of coal.
Wednesday, March 12th, 1856
A.M. steady breeze from North East and fine - Thermometer 45º. Miners Carpenters etc. at their usual employment . P.M. conveyed aboard the Active 101 Tons 12 Cwt. of coal by one o’clock being all they required. fine. Thermometer 53 º (and fine). 3:30 the Active left
Thursday, March 13th, 1856
A.M. Strong breeze from South East and fine Thermometer 40º. Miners and Carpenters at their usual employment. P.M. fine and clear. Thermometer 50 º (3 P.M.). The majority of Northern Indians left for Victoria a few only remaining to work at this place. Despatched a Bill on the U.S. Government in pay for coal by one of the chiefs named Taghel.
Friday, March 14th, 1856
A.M. North Easterly wind and very fine -Thermometer 42º. Miners and Carpenters at their usual employment. Lazard having completed the Doctor's House returned to the old Mess Room. P.M. steady breeze from North East - Thermometer. 50º. The Nanaimo Indians take innumerable quantities of Herrings. Isbister and Papley engaged clearing away foundation for Engine. Alexander Fraser deserted after having committed various misdemeanors while in an intoxicated state, one of which was stealing the Co's canoe for escape.
Saturday, March 15th, 1856
A.M. Steady breeze from South east and fine - Thermometer 45º. Miners, Carpenters etc. at their usual employment. P.M. fine and clear Thermometer 50º ( at 3 P.M.)
Sunday, March 16th, 1856
A.M. light airs from South East, fine and clear - Thermometer 46º. P.M. fine Thermometer 53º (3 o'clock).
Monday, March 17th, 1856
A.M. light airs from South East, overcast - Thermometer 46º. Miners engaged as usual Isbister, Finley and Rich engaged salting herrings which we trade off the Indians at the rate of five barrels for a Blanket. Toma and the Sympsian Indians engaged removing the Machinery. Louis Otecori squaring a fifty foot piece of wood for a lever to be used at the pumps at Shaft No 3. P.M. cloudy - Thermometer 52º.
Tuesday, March 18th, 1856
A.M. light airs from South East - dull and overcast - Heavy rain during the night Thermometer 49º. Miners - engaged as usual. Lazard and Toma Sagiwaretta employed in constructing a Crane on the Wharf. P.M. fine, with light breeze from the North, Thermometer 53º.
Wednesday, March 19th, 1856
A.M. South Easterly wind with drizzling rain - Thermometer 48º. Miners at their usual employment. Carpenters engaged as before. P.M. very cloudy with a little rain. Thermometer 50º.
Thursday, March 20th, 1856
A.M. steady breeze from South East with rain - Thermometer 50º. Miners and Carpenters at their usual employment. P.M. heavy rain - Thermometer 52º
Friday, March 21st, 1856
A.M. steady breeze from South East and fine - Thermometer 48º. Men at their usual employment. 11:30 The "Recovery" Capt. Mitchell arrived for a cargo of coal. P.M. fine, clear - Thermometer 52º.
Saturday, March 22nd, 1856
A.M. light breeze from North West and fine - Thermometer 49º. Miners, Carpenters etc. at their usual employment. The "Recovery" discharging her cargo, which principally consists of Molasses. P.M. fine and clear - Thermometer 53º. Padre Blanche removed to a separate room and has his meals from the cookhouse, owing to his being so ill.
Sunday, March 23rd, 1856
A.M. Steady breeze from South East and fine - Thermometer 47º. P.M. fine, cloudy Thermometer 50º
Monday, March 24th, 1856
A.M. slight breeze from southwest and overcast - Thermometer 48º. Miners and Carpenters at their usual employment. Engaged loading the Recovery with coal.P.M. dull and cloudy - Thermometer 50º.
Tuesday, March 25th, 1856
A.M. light airs from the West with drizzly rain - Thermometer 46º. Miners, Carpenters at their usual employment. Engaged sending coals aboard the Recovery. P.M. dull and overcast - Thermometer 52º. Shortley’s wife delivered of female twins both living.
Wednesday, March 26th, 1856
A.M. calm and fine - Thermometer 47º. Miners, Carpenters etc. engaged as usual
Recovery taking in Coal. P.M. fine north easterly wind - Thermometer 52º. Louis Otecori engaged erecting a small house to smoke fish etc in.
Thursday, March 27th, 1856
A.M. light airs from North East and fine - Thermometer 50º. Miners, and Carpenters at their usual employment. "Recovery" completed taking in her cargo, having aboard 147 Ton - 16 Cwt. P.M. fine - Thermometer 56º
Friday, March 28th, 1856
A.M. Steady breeze from North West and fine - Thermometer 50º. Miners, and Carpenters engaged as usual. 10:30 the Recovery sailed with a fair wind.
P.M. fine - Thermometer 58º. 4:30, 2 Northern Canoes arrived from Victoria.
Saturday, March 29th, 1856
A.M. steady breeze from the Southward and fine - Thermometer 50º. Miners, Carpenters etc at their usual engagement. Completed the erection of the Crane. P.M. steady breeze from Northwest - Thermometer 50º.
Sunday, March 30th, 1856
A.M.: light airs from South East and overcast - Thermometer 48º. P.M.: dull and cloudy - Thermometer 52º. The Emily Parker arrived with a cargo of flour.
Monday, March 31st, 1856
A.M. South Easterly wind and cloudy - Thermometer 50o. Miners at their usual employment. Indians engaged pumping the water out of No 3 Shaft. P.M. overcast Thermometer 54º.
Tuesday April 1st, 1856
A.M. Steady breeze from South East with heavy rain. - Thermometer 50º. Miners and Carpenters at their usual employment. Indians engaged at the Pump at No 3 Shaft. 8:30 A Boat (McKay the Cooper's) arrived from Victoria. P.M. dull and overcast - Thermometer 54º.
Wednesday, April 2nd, 1856
A.M. light airs from South East and showery - Thermometer 49º. Miners and Carpenters engaged as usual. Indians employed pumping at No 3 Shaft while four of the Miners endeavoured to dam the water. P.M. showery and dull - Thermometer 52º.
Thursday, April 3rd, 1856
A.M. heavy gales from South East , torrents of rain -Thermometer 49º. Miners and Carpenters employed as usual. The water at No 3 Shaft burst through the dams etc. which had been constructed. P.M. stormy and rainy - Thermometer 53º. McKay's Boat took in ten Cwt of small coal.
Friday, April 4th, 1856
A.M. Gale from southeast continued, also the rain - Thermometer 48º. Miners, Carpenters etc engaged as usual. The "Emily Parker" took in four tons of small coal. P.M. boisterous and rainy - Thermometer 52º.
Saturday, April 5th, 1856
A.M. Steady breeze from southeast and heavy rain - Thermometer 49º. Miners, Carpenters, etc at their usual employment. 9:30 the "Otter" arrived from Victoria with a few goods - also to take in coal. P.M. rainy- Thermometer 53º.
Sunday, April 6th, 1856
A.M. calm and cloudy - Thermometer 50º. 11:30 the Steamer "Beaver" arrived with Capt. McNeil and Mr. Moffatt aboard on their way to the Northward. P.M. fine and showery.
Monday, April 7th, 1856
A.M. light airs from the North West and fine - Thermometer 47º. Miners and Carpenters at their usual occupation. Engaged putting coal aboard the "Otter", and wood aboard the "Beaver". P.M. overcast - Thermometer 49º.
Tuesday, April 8th, 1856
A.M. calm and fine -Thermometer 48º. Miners etc at their usual occupation. 5:30 the Beaver left for the Northward. P.M. fine with a westerly breeze - Thermometer 52º. Three large canoes of Northern Indians arrived (Idas) [Haidas?].
Wednesday, April 9th, 1856
A.M. light breeze from the North West and fine - Thermometer 49º. Miners, Carpenters etc engaged as usual. 5::30 the Otter left for Victoria, having taken aboard Ton 75 Cwt 10 of coal. P.M. very fine and clear - Thermometer 53º.
Thursday, April 10th, 1856
A.M. light airs from the North and beautifully fine hoar frost in the morning - Thermometer 47º. Miners, Carpenters etc at their usual employment. 12:00: Three Northern Canoes (which arrived on the 8th) left for Victoria, sent a despatch by them. P.M. fine and clear.
Friday, April 11th, 1856
A.M. light breeze from SouthEast and fine - Thermometer 48º. Miners, Carpenters etc engaged as usual. One Canoe of Northern Indians arrived from Victoria. P.M. fine, and clear, light airs from NorthWest - Thermometer 54º. Two Comuck [Comox?] Canoes arrived with Elk. 6:30: Three Northern Canoes arrived from American Territory. (11:30 A.M.) an accident occurred at the Newcastle Mines by a portion of the roof falling in, injuring R. Richardson and T. Hawkes although not very seriously [Fortier?] having squared sufficient lumber for the No 3 Shaft are now employed at day work
Saturday, April 12th, 1856
A.M. Hoar frost. Northwesterly breeze and fine - Thermometer 48º. Miners, Carpenters, etc. at their usual employment. P.M. dull and overcast with a steady breeze from Southwest. Thermometer 55º.
Sunday, April 13th, 1856
A.M. light breeze from the Southeast, cloudy - Thermometer 47º. P.M. overcast - Thermometer 52º.
Monday, April 14th, 1856
A.M. South Easterly wind, and cloudy - Thermometer 45º. Miners at their usual employment. Carpenters engaged picketing in the wharf. 10:40 a very heavy shower of hail. Indians engaged in conveying pieces of machinery from the Wharf to No 5 Shaft. P.M. showery - Thermometer 50º.
Tuesday, April 15th, 1856
A.M. steady breeze from South East and fine - Thermometer 45º. Miners and Carpenters engaged as before P.M. fine - Thermometer 52º.
Wednesday, April 16th, 1856A.M. heavy gale from southeast with rain in torrents - Thermometer 44º (9 A.M.) Men working as usual. Louis Otecori ill. P.M. The heavy rain continued without intermission - Thermometer 49º.
Thursday, April 17th, 1856
A.M. Steady breeze from South East with continuance of heavy rain - Thermometer 48º. Miners etc. at their usual employment. P.M. Thermometer 53º - heavy rain. Three canoes of northern Indians left here for home.
Friday, April 18th, 1856
A.M. Light airs from south east and heavy rain - Thermometer 48º. Miners and Carpenters at their usual employment. 9:30 an accident of a serious nature happened to one of the men working at Dunsmuir’s Level, named John Work, a piece of the roof falling upon him, causing fracture of several ribs, as well as seriously injuring the spine causing complete paralysis of lower extremities, etc., etc. P.M. cessation of rain but cloudy and dull - Thermometer 53º.
Saturday, April 19th, 1856
A.M. Steady breeze from South East with occasional heavy showers of hail and rain Thermometer 49º. Miners and Carpenters at their usual employment. P.M. cloudy with showers of rain - Thermometer 53º.
Sunday, April 20th, 1856
A.M. light breeze from North and fine - Thermometer 48º. P.M. Steady breeze from the Eastward - Thermometer 53º. 3:30 Mrs. Work despatched a canoe to Victoria for some necessaries for her husband - despatched a letter to the Governor by the same conveyance.
Monday, April 21st, 1856
A.M. Steady breeze from South East and cloudy - Thermometer 47º. Miners employed as before. Toma Sagarawetti off duty having lost one of his fingers in fighting with an Indian (bitten off!!). Carpenters at their usual employment. P.M.: overcast - Thermometer 52º. 4:30 a very heavy squall with rain from the Westward.
Tuesday, April 22nd, 1856
A.M. light airs from the West and fine - Thermometer 48º. Several miners and assistant miners working to the [Rise?] of Dunsmuir's in the search of coal. Transferred for a time to Dunsmuir’s work J. Meakin, J. Bevilockway, J. Thompson and Danl Dunn. Commenced the Frame Work of Engine. P.M. Showery, wind veered to the South East - Thermometer 52º.
Wednesday, April 23rd, 1856
A.M. Strong breeze from South East, and showery - Thermometer 42º. Miners and Carpenter s engaged as before. 10.0 heavy fall of snow. Discovered the coal to the Rise of Dunsmuir's level. P.M. Showery - Thermometer 49º.
Thursday, April 24th, 1856
A.M. light breeze from South East and fine. - Thermometer 44º. Mining population employed as usual. P.M. fine, clear - Thermometer 50º. Two Comuck's [Comox?] Indians were detected thieving potatoes and wheat. Used every Endeavour to catch them, but they escaped into the woods although chased by several Indians.
Friday, April 25th, 1856
A.M. Steady breeze from South East and cloudy - Thermometer 48º. Miners employed as usual. Indians removed from the wharf the Engine Boiler conveying it to No 3 Shaft. The two Indians (mentioned yesterday) as being caught in the act of thievery, were, after a great deal of difficulty, taken, and after being punished were again liberated. P.M. overcast - Thermometer 53º. Mr. Horne had liberty to take an excursion for a few days up towards [Nanooa?] and left about 10.00 A.M.
Saturday, April 26th, 1856
A.M. variable winds and fine. Thermometer 49º. Miners employed as usual. P.M. fine - Thermometer 56º.
Sunday, April 27th, 1856
A.M. light airs from the South East and fine - Thermometer 48º. A Canoe with a few Northern Indians left for Victoria, despatched a letter to his Excellency. P.M. wind light and variable. Thermometer 54º. 5:30 Mr. Horne returned, and reports seeing a Steamer in the Gulf this morning - from the top of a mountain.
Monday, April 28th, 1856
A.M. very fine, wind variable Thermometer 48º. Miners and Carpenters employed as before P.M. fine and clear - Thermometer 56º. 4:30 A Northern Canoe arrived from Victoria, the Indians in it report that there has been a disturbance between the "Voltigeurs" and some of the northern savages.
Tuesday, April 29th, 1856
A.M. steady breeze from North East - Thermometer 48º. Miners employed, some above Dunsmuir's level, others at Newcastle Island, as before. Hunter and one or two Assistant Miners employed at the Frame etc. of Engine at No 3 Shaft. Carpenters, James employed at the Boat and Scows repairing and caulking. Lazard engaged picketing in Wharf assisted by Papley, Rich and two Indians. PM: fine clear weather - Thermometer 56º. Three Northern Canoes arrived from Victoria but brought no letters - they report a Boat at Cowitchin trading Spirits with the Indians.
Wednesday, April 30th, 1856
A.M. cloudy and showery with variable wind - Thermometer 49º. Men employed as yesterday. P.M. rainy - Thermometer 56º.
Thursday, May 1st, 1856
A.M. fine and clear with steady breeze from South East - Thermometer 48º. Miners and Carpenters employed as usual. P.M. Showery - Thermometer 54º (3 PM). This day Fortier and [Bentwasies or Bntwines?] day work ceases they are now employed squaring timber again for no 3 Engine by Contract.
Friday, May 2nd, 1856
A.M. fine clear weather with a steady breeze from North West, Thermometer 50º. Miners, Carpenters etc. engaged as before Assistant Miners and Engineer as before. P.M. fine - Thermometer 61º (3 PM). An Iroquois named Padre Blanche died last night after a long and tedious illness.
Saturday, May 3rd, 1856
A.M. beautiful weather with a northerly wind - Thermometer 50º. Men employed as usual. P.M. fine - Thermometer 64º (three P.M.)
Sunday, May 4th, 1856
Very fine - wind from the westward - Thermometer 54º.
Thermometer 68º.
Monday, May 5th, 1856
A.M. very fine with a northerly wind - Thermometer 55º. Workmen employed as before. P.M. clear - Thermometer 69º.
Tuesday May 6th, 1856
A.M. Very fine with light airs from North East - Thermometer 51º. 7:10 the son of Hunter the Engineer, aged six, died, after a five year illness. The Men at their usual employment. Lazard off duty ill. P.M. clear - Thermometer 67º. 6:30 a Canoe arrived from Victoria conveying a Despatch.
Wednesday, May 7th, 1856
A.M. Northerly winds and fine - Thermometer 55º. Men at their usual employment. P.M. very fine Thermometer 68º. 4. Hunter’s child buried
Thursday, May 8th, 1856
A.M. fine clear weather with Northerly wind - Thermometer 54º. Miners, Carpenters etc, employed as usual. Employed hauling timber for No.3 Shaft as some more was required an alteration having been made in the arrangement. P.M. fine -Thermometer 67º.
Friday, May 9th, 1856
A.M. Northerly wind, fine and clear Thermometer 52º. Miners, Carpenters etc, at their usual occupation. P.M. Thermometer 63º. Isbister, Papley, Rich, Indians and Oxen engaged clearing away fallen timber etc. about the salt spring preparatory to making salt.
Saturday, May 10th, 1856
A.M. Northerly breeze with fine clear weather Thermometer 52º. Men at their usual employment. P.M. fine - Thermometer 66º. 2.30 Toma Ouamtomy left here on an expedition across the Island accompanied by three Indians and one Indian woman - Mr. Horne also left with him with instructions not to proceed further than a high mountain situated a little beyond the large lake in the interior but if the interior tribe be peaceable he may proceed to Alberni canal. A Boat arrived from Bellingham Bay with Mrs. Jones one of the Miner’s wives
Sunday, May 11th, 1856
A.M. slight airs from North East and Cloudy - Thermometer 50º. The Boat which arrived yesterday, left.
Monday, May 12th, 1856
A.M. fine and clear - Thermometer 50º. Miners employed as usual. Isbister, Rich, Papley and Indians employed at the salt spring. P.M. fine - Thermometer 60º.
Tuesday, May 13th, 1856
A.M. cloudy. Northerly wind - Thermometer 50º. Miners employed as usual
Men employed at salt spring as before. P.M. showery - Thermometer 58º.
Wednesday, May 14th, 1856
A.M. fine and clear with a slight North Easterly breeze - Thermometer 51º.
Miners employed as usual, some at the "Level", put in near Dunsmuir's, others at Newcastle Island. The men employed at salt spring as before. P.M. Cloudy – Thermometer 58º (at 3 P.M.)
Thursday, May 15th, 1856
A.M. cloudy and overcast. SouthEasterly breeze - Thermometer 52º. Men at their usual employment. P.M. cloudy - calm Fortier and man on day work for No. 3 Pit erecting frame work for Engine.
Friday, May 16th, 1856
A.M. fine and clear, South Easterly breeze Thermometer 52º. Walker left in a Canoe for Victoria Sent a despatch by him. Miners employed as usual. P.M. cloudy - Thermometer 59º.
Saturday, May 17th, 1856
A.M. cloudy - with light breeze from South East. - Thermometer 54º. Miners, Carpenters etc. employed as before. P.M. dull and overcast - Thermometer 60º.
Sunday, May 18th, 1856
A.M. heavy showers of rain and calm - Thermometer 53º. P.M. 1.30 Mr. Horne and Toma Ouamtomy returned from their expedition to the other side of Vancouver's Island having crossed to the Seaboard, which appears as far as we have hitherto examined to be an inlet near Port Cox in Claiacut or perhaps an inlet to the south of it but not so far as Netenat - they traded a quantity of Beaver and Marten furs. P.M. fine and clear steady breeze from South East - Thermometer 59º.
Monday, May 19th, 1856
A.M. South Easterly breeze and showery - Thermometer 54º. Miners, Carpenters etc at their usual employment. P.M. continuance of showery weather - Thermometer 59º.
Tuesday, May 20th, 1856
A.M. steady breeze from North and fine - Thermometer 53º. Miners employed as usual. Fortier and Donno employed at the frame for Engine. Others employed at Salt Spring. P.M. fine, with an occasional shower - Thermometer 58º.
Wednesday, May 21st, 1856
A.M. fine with a North Easterly breeze - Thermometer 54º. Miners, Carpenters, etc. at their usual employment. P.M. fine - Thermometer 62º.
Thursday, May 22nd, 1856
A.M. fine, with a stiff breeze from the North West - Thermometer 55º. Miners, Carpenters, Assist Miners, etc. at work as before. P.M. fine and clear - Thermometer 67º.
Friday, May 23rd, 1856
A.M. dull and cloudy with light airs from South East - Thermometer 54º Men at their usual employment. P.M. overcast - Thermometer 66º. 8:30 Walker returned from Victoria in a boat which he had purchased there called the "Sarah Stone", brought despatches, also private letters.
Saturday , May 24th, 1856
A.M. South Easterly wind with heavy rain - Thermometer 53º. A part of the Miners, Labourers, etc. only at work owing to its being the anniversary of the birthday of Her Most Gracious Majesty. P.M. continuance of wind and rain - Thermometer 64º.
Sunday, May 25th, 1856
A.M. heavy showers with steady breeze from South East - Thermometer 53º.P.M. " " " " " " " - Thermometer 64º
Monday, May 26th, 1856
A.M. Strong South Easterly wind and showery - Thermometer 55º. Miners at work as before - Isbister, Rich and Papley putting up a boiler, to make salt being deficient in that article. P.M. Showery Thermometer 66º.
Tuesday, May 27th, 1856
A.M. Cloudy and dull with a southerly wind - Thermometer 55º. Miners employed as before - Carpenters as before. Isbister, Rich and Papley also engaged at salt spring as before. Wm. James' services not being required, he is paid off. P.M. Showery - Thermometer 66º.
Wednesday, May 28th, 1856
A.M. dull and overcast, wind from the South East - Thermometer 53º. Miners, Carpenters, Labourers employed as before. Commenced evaporating brine at the Salt Spring. Sent a Despatch to the Governor by a Canoe which left for Victoria. The "Sarah Stone" left for Victoria. Five Canoes of Ft. Simpson Indians called here on their way home and reported that three of their tribe had been shot by the Cowitchins at Victoria. P.M. strong southerly breeze and showery Thermometer 65º. One canoe of Skitticat Indians left here.
Thursday, May 29th, 1856
A.M. Steady breeze from the westward and fine - Thermometer 55º. Miners, Carpenters employed as usual. A Canoe arrived from Nanooa the Indians in it reported that he Sympsians, who left here yesteday had killed the Chief of that place (Nanooa). P.M. fine and clear. Thermometer 66º. A canoe with nine Skitticat Indians left this morning. They are reported to have been shot by the Nanooas. One of them having escaped through the woods returned here
Friday, May 30th, 1856
A.M. dull and cloudy South Easterly wind - Thermometer 55º. Rained from 9 A.M. until 7 P.M. without intermission. For the last four days some of the Miners have been improving and searching the coal towards Chase River. Contract men and other Miners at their usual employment. Carpenters making a new "bull wheel" at the mill. P.M. Thermometer 62º.
Saturday, May 31st, 1856
A.M. light airs from the North West fine - Thermometer 54º. Men at their usual employment. Three Sympsian Canoes arrived from Victoria, and landed without opposition, but two of the tribe wandering in the direction of level free were fired at and wounded by beaver shot in retaliation of the murder committed at Nanooa. A Nanaimo Indian seems to have been guilty of the deed. P.M. fine. Thermometer 62º. A Canoe of Skitticat Indians arrived this morning and were engaged to work at this place.
Sunday, June 1st, 1856
A.M. fine clear weather with a Northerly wind - Thermometer 55º. P.M. Thermometer 64º. P.M. 6:30 five Canoes of Kigarney Indians arrived from the Northward. Mrs. Biggs delivered this morning. (3. AM) of a living male child
Monday, June 2nd, 1856
A.M. very fine light airs from the North East. Thermometer 55º. Miners, Carpenters, etc. at work as usual. Isbister gone in a canoe to Nanooa to fetch shells for making lime. 10:30 Walker's Boat arrived from Victoria. P.M. fine Thermometer 66º. 2:30 Dr. Johnson arrived from Victoria in his Boat the Helen with a general cargo.
Tuesday, June 3rd, 1856
A.M. fine and clear, North Easterly wind - Thermometer 53º. Miners etc. at their usual employment. P.M. fine - Thermometer 62º.
Wednesday, June 4th, 1856
A.M. dull and overcast with a northerly wind - Thermometer 53º. Miners, Carpenters etc. at their usual employment. Despatched a canoe to Nanaooa to convey hither the lime which Isbister, Rich and Papley have burned there, assisted by some Skitticat Indians. P.M. cloudy and showery - Thermometer 59º
Thursday, June 5th, 1856
A.M. fine and clear North Easterly wind - Thermometer 54º. Miners at their usual employment. P.M. fine - Thermometer 60º.
Friday, June 6th, 1856
A.M. South Easterly wind and fine - Thermometer 55º. Men at work as before. Isbister employed at No. 5 pit also Rich and Papley. P.M. fine and clear. Thermometer 62º.
Saturday, June 7th, 1856
A.M. dull and cloudy with a steady breeze from South East - Thermometer 52º. Miners at their usual employment. P.M. showery - Thermometer 60º. 9:30 the Alice (Capt. Coopers Schooner) arrived to take in a cargo of coal. 6:30 a small Boat arrived from Bellingham Bay.
Sunday, June 8th, 1856
A.M. heavy gale from the South East and incessant rain - Thermometer 53º.8:30 the Otter arrived with goods for this place, also to take in coal, Mrs. Mouat and Mrs. Finlayson aboard. P.M. occasional heavy showers - Thermometer 59º.
Monday, June 9th, 1856
A.M. Southeasterly breeze, frequent showers - Thermometer 53º. Miners, Carpenters etc. at their usual occupation. Discharging Cargo, and taking aboard Coal in the Otter. P.M. showery - Thermometer 60º. Completed loading the Otter.
Tuesday, June 10th, 1856
A.M. fine and clear with a Northerly wind - Thermometer 52º. Miners, Carpenters etc. at their usual employment. 9:15 the Otter having today completed discharging her cargo left. Mrs. Finlayson returning to Victoria in her. P.M. fine - Thermometer 60º. 3:30 a light shower of hail fell. Engaged loading Capt. Cooper's Schooner.
Wednesday, June 11th, 1856
A.M. beautifully fine with a northeasterly air - Thermometer 53º. Miners, Carpenters employed as before. Engaged loading the "Alice" and "Helen" with Coal. P.M. clear - Thermometer 58º. The Alice and Helen having completed their cargo left here at midnight together. Capt Stuart sent a Despatch to the governor by the "Alice".
Thursday, June 12th, 1856
A.M. Northeasterly airs, fine and clear - Thermometer 55º. Miners, Carpenters etc. at work as before. 9:30 Sixteen large canoes (Idas and Sympsians) arrived from the North - on their way to Victoria. The Ft. Simpson chief ["Peel"?] accompanying them - they left in the afternoon, no disturbance occurring. P.M. fine - Thermometer 66º.
Friday, June 13th, 1856
A.M. strong breeze from the North West and fine - Thermometer 56º. Miners, Carpenters etc. at their usual employment. Indian Women employed carrying Bricks and clay to No 3 Shaft. P.M. fine and clear - Thermometer 70º.
Saturday, June 14th, 1856
A.M. continuance of yesterday's weather - Thermometer 56º. Miners, Carpenters etc. at their usual work. P.M. fine - Thermometer 71º.
Sunday, June 15th, 1856
A.M. Weather as before - Thermometer 56º. 12:30 Walker's Boat arrived from Victoria bringing despatches etc.
Monday, June 16th, 1856
A.M. weather fine and clear - Thermometer 55º. Miners employed as before. Lazard and Louis planing plank. Donno engaged at wharf under the new Level. Fortier at No 3 Shaft. P.M. fine -Thermometer 68º.
Tuesday, June 17th, 1856
A.M. cloudy and dull, southerly wind - Thermometer 54º. Miners and Carpenters employed as before. Isbister building foundation for Boiler at No 3 Shaft. P.M. rain - Thermometer 59º.
Wednesday, June 18th, 1856
A.M. steady breeze from the North West fine and clear - Thermometer 55º. Miners and Carpenters at their usual employment. Walker's boat left for Victoria P.M. fine - Thermometer 60º. Thomas York received leave of absence for ten days in order to proceed to Victoria per Harris's boat (Bellingham Bay)
Thursday, June 19th, 1856
A.M. North Easterly wind and fine - Thermometer 55º. Miners and Carpenters at work as before. P.M. fine Thermometer 59º. Dark clouds and distant thunder.
Friday, June 20th, 1856
A.M. fine and clear with a northerly wind -Thermometer 55º. Miners and Carpenters at work as before. Hunter and assistants putting up Engine at No 3 Shaft as before. P.M. cloudy, occasional claps of thunder. Thermometer 65º.
Saturday, June 21st, 1856
A.M. calm, dull with slight drizzling rain - Thermometer 56º. All the men employed at their work as before. P.M. fine - Thermometer 66º. 9:30 distant thunder with very vivid lightning towards the North.
Sunday, June 22nd, 1856
A.M. calm and foggy - Thermometer 59º. P.M. fine - Thermometer 60º.
Monday, June 23rd, 1856
A.M. fine and clear North Easterly breeze - Thermometer 54º. Miners, Carpenters etc. at their usual employment. P.M. Papley, Rich, Ricketts and Louis gone to the Delta Plains to cut hay. Fine -Thermometer 64º.
Tuesday, June 24th, 1856
A.M. fine and calm - Thermometer 55º. Miners and Carpenters at their usual employment. P.M. calm - Thermometer 64º. 8:30 the Otter arrived having his Excellency aboard.
Wednesday, June 25th, 1856
A.M cloudy with light showers - Thermometer 54º. 2:30 PM the Otter (with his Excellency aboard) left for Fraser's River.
Thursday, June 26th, 1856
A.M. dark foggy and calm - Thermometer 53º. Miners, Carpenters etc. at their usual employment. P.M. fine - with a steady breeze from South East Thermometer 66º. 4:30 The "Emily [Parker?]" and the "Sarah Stone" arrived from Victoria.
Friday, June 27th, 1856
A.M. dull and cloudy. Steady breeze from SouthEast Thermometer 54º. Miners and carpenters employed as before. P.M. heavy rain - Thermometer 65º.
Saturday, June 28th, 1856
A.M. overcast light breeze from South East - Thermometer 54º. Miners and Carpenters at their usual employment. P.M. Walker's boat left for Victoria sent a despatch to the Governor. Dull and cloudy - Thermometer 64º.
Sunday, June 29th, 1856
A.M. drizzly rain and calm - Thermometer 55º. P.M. light airs from South East -Thermometer 66º.
Monday, June 30th, 1856
A.M. occasional light showers with steady breeze from the North East - Thermometer 53º. Miners, Carpenters etc. at their usual employment. P.M. the "Emily Parker" took in ten tons of small coal (for Blacksmith's use) fine - Easterly wind Thermometer 66º.
Tuesday, July 1st, 1856
A.M. cloudy with a strong breeze from SouthEast - Thermometer 55º. Miners Carpenters etc. employed as before. P.M. fine - Thermometer 65º.
Wednesday, July 2nd, 1856
A.M. weather as above - Thermometer 56º. Men employed as before. P.M very fine - Thermometer 68º.
Thursday, July 3rd, 1856
A.M. ditto weather - Thermometer 56º. Miners and Carpenters at their usual employment. P.M. fine steady breeze from North - Thermometer 60º. Walker's Boat arrived from Victoria.
Friday, July 4th, 1856
A.M. ditto Weather - Thermometer 56º. Miners etc. at their usual employment. Isbister completed building in the boiler of Engine at No 3 Shaft. Mr. Shortley with a gang of Indians proceed to the Delta Plains to "make" hay. P.M. fine - Thermometer 68º. 11:30 Geo Bull's wife died of Hydrocephalitus [sic].
Saturday, July 5th, 1856
A.M. fine clear weather Northerly wind - Thermometer 56º. Miners, Carpenters employed as usual. P.M. fine - Thermometer 70º.
Sunday, July 6th, 1856
A.M. ditto weather - Thermometer 56º. 5:15 Walker's Boat left for Victoria. Several of the men went down by her to settle their accounts. Their names are. Malcolm, [Cluet?], [Wiles?], Hannam Papley, Rich, Edgar and Cole - Sent a Despatch to the Governor. P.M. fine - Thermometer 68º.
Monday, July 7th, 1856
A.M. ditto weather - Thermometer 55º. Sent a scow up the Nanaimo River for the Hay commenced building a house at the back of the garden to hold the hay. Isbister quarrying stones to build the stack of the furnace at No 3 Shaft. P.M. fine - Thermometer 68º.
Tuesday, July 8th, 1856
A.M fine and clear steady Northerly wind - Thermometer 56º. Miners, Carpenters etc. employed as usual. 5:30 Mrs. Gough delivered of a living female child. P.M. clear - Thermometer 67º.
Wednesday, July 9th, 1856
A.M. ditto weather - Thermometer 56º. Miners etc. at their usual employment. P.M. clear - Thermometer 69º.
Thursday, July 10th, 1856
A.M. SouthEasterly wind and cloudy - Thermometer 57º. Miners etc. at their usual. Shortley and Indians engaged making hay. P.M. fine -Thermometer 68º.
Friday, July 11th, 1856
A.M. northerly wind and fine - Thermometer 56º. Miners, Carpenters employed as before. P.M. clear and fine - Thermometer 68º.
Saturday, July 12th, 1856
A.M. southerly wind and a cloudy sky - Thermometer 57º. Men engaged at their usual employment. P.M. fine and clear - Thermometer 68º.
Sunday, July 13th, 1856
A.M. cloudy with a southerly wind - Thermometer 56º. 8:30 a canoe arrived from Bellingham Bay with a Mr. Reed. 11:30 Walker's boat arrived from Victoria. brought a despatch from the Governor. P.M. showery - Thermometer 65º. 4:30 heavy shower of hail.
Monday, July 14th, 1856
A.M. heavy rain, South Easterly wind - Thermometer 54º. Settled the accounts of Thomas York, John Baker, and J. Webb previous to their departure for Bellingham Bay. Men at their usual employment. P.M. fine and clear with a northerly wind.
Tuesday, July 15th, 1856
A.M. cloudy with a southeasterly breeze - Thermometer 54º. Miners at their usual employment. York, J. Baker and J. Webb left for Bellingham Bay in company with Mr. Reed who it seems came over for the purpose of enticing the men away. Walker's Boat left for Victoria. Wm. Bayley accompanied it - sent a despatch to the Governor. P.M. dull and cloudy - Thermometer 63º.
Wednesday, July 16th, 1856
A.M. Do weather - Thermometer 55º. Miners at their usual employment. P.M. Lazard and two Indians commence liming the [store?]. 3:30 fine and clear -Thermometer 67º.
Thursday, July 17th, 1856
A.M. clear and fine with a steady breeze from NorthEast - Thermometer 55º. [Fortier?] and Toma ("big") assist Lazard at the store. P.M. fine - Thermometer 68º. 11AM [ ditto?] Johnson's Boat arrived from Victoria with a cargo of flour - conveyed a despatch form the Governor.
Friday, July 18th, 1856
A.M. fine and clear with a Northeasterly wind. Thermometer 56º. Miners etc. at their usual employment. P.M. fine - Thermometer 68º. 3:30 the U.S. propeller "John Hancock" arrived from Bellingham Bay to take in a supply of coal.
Saturday, July 19th, 1856
AM cloudy and calm - Thermometer 56º. Indians and assistant miners engaged loading the "John Hancock”. Miners at their usual employment . PM cloudy Thermometer 67º. 4:30 completed loading the "John Hancock", having put aboard sixty tons of coal. 11:00 AM a scow came from Bellingham Bay and conveyed the wives of the miners who left on the 15th she did not come into the harbour but anchored outside.
Sunday, July 20th, 1856
AM South Easterly wind with heavy rain - Thermometer 55º. PM overcast and occasional showers. Thermometer 64º.
Monday, July 21st, 1856
AM Steady breeze from South East with occasional heavy showers of rain. Thermometer 55º. Miners Carpenters employed as before. PM Showery - Thermometer 65º.
Tuesday, July 22nd, 1856
AM calm - Thermometer 56º. Miners employed as usual. One of the Horses employed to draw coal at the Park Head mine. PM overcast and calm -Thermometer 64º.
Wednesday, July 23rd, 1856
AM Steady breeze from the North East, very clear - Thermometer 56º.
Papley, Rich and Ricketts still employed mowing hay. Isbister at the chimney of No 3 Shaft . Hunter at the engine of No. 3 Shaft. PM fine and calm - Thermometer 68º.
Thursday, July 24th, 1856
AM ditto weather - Thermometer 57º. Men at their usual employment. Walker's boat arrived with a general cargo. Beef, Butter etc. PM calm -Thermometer 69º.
Friday, July 25th, 1856
AM fine and clear with a steady breeze from Northwest - Thermometer 54º. Miners etc. at their usual employment. 11:30 [ditto?] Kennedy called on his way to Victoria from Ft. Rupert - accompanied by a whale boat belonging to a man named Harris. PM fine - Thermometer 66º.
Saturday, July 26th, 1856
AM ditto Weather - Thermometer 55º. Men employed as before. PM fine - Thermometer 67º.
Sunday, July 27th, 1856
AM stiff breeze from the west with squalls. Thermometer 56º. PM clear and fine. Thermometer 67º.
Monday, July 28th, 1856
AM light airs from Northwest - Thermometer 54º. Mr Shortley and Indians engaged bringing hay from the Nanaimo River Plains. PM fine and clear -Thermometer 66º.
Tuesday, July 29th, 1856
AM Steady breeze from Northwest - Thermometer 57º. Miners Carpenters Indians etc. at work as before. PM clear and fine - Thermometer 66º.
Wednesday, July 30th, 1856
AM ditto weather - Thermometer 60º. Men employed as usual. Indians engaged at the hay. PM fine - Thermometer 76º.
Thursday, July 31st, 1856
AM ditto weather - Thermometer 60 º. Men at their usual employment. PM fine - Thermometer 76º.
Friday, August 1st, 1856
AM clear fine and calm - Thermometer 62º. Miners at their usual employment. Isbister at chimney of No 3 Engine. Hunter (Engineer) employed at No 3 Engine. Papley Ricketts and Rich mowing hay. Lazard big Toma [Fortier?] and several engaged liming and flooring the store. PM fine - Thermometer 77º.
Saturday, August 2nd, 1856
AM ditto weather - Thermometer 60º. Men at their usual employment. PM fine - Thermometer 77º.
Sunday, August 3rd, 1856
AM - ditto weather. Thermometer 60º. PM - Thermometer 76º.
Monday, August 4th, 1856
AM dull and cloudy with a southerly wind Thermometer 68º. Miners occupied as before. PM overcast. Thermometer 68º.
Tuesday, August 5th, 1856
AM Steady breeze from North East - Thermometer 60º. Miners Carpenters etc. at their usual employment. PM fine and clear - Thermometer 75º.
Wednesday, August 6th, 1856
AM Lt airs from the North - Thermometer 62º. Employed at Mines and Establishment as heretofore. PM Lt Winds from North fine clear Weather. Thermometer 69º. Midnight Two scow loads of hay arrived from the River.
Thursday, August 7th, 1856
AM Calm and cloudy with an appearance of rain. Daylight Employed discharging the hay. Miners and other servants employed as heretofore 10/30 A Heavy thunder storm accompanied with [several?] flashes of fork lightning and heavy rain and squalls. PM ditto weather. PM 4:00 weather cleared At 10/30 Mr. [Luders?], Priest arrived from Fort Langley. Midt. Cloudy Wr. Lt Northerly wind.
Friday, August 8th, 1856
AM Lt airs and fine clear Wr - Daylight Light airs from North and hazy atmosphere. Employed discharging the hay and otherwise as yesterday. 11 AM the Otter arrived sent Fort Simpson packet on board the Otter then immediately left to deliver the packet in charge of Peal a [chymsyan?] Indian who was waiting outside the Harbour with 13 Canoes of the Chymsyan and Ida [Haida] tribes. They had been towed up from Victoria by the Otter to prevent a disturbance with Cowichans and other tribes. Captain Stuart and the Doctor accompanied the Otter. 1 PM the packet was delivered to Peal and the Otter returned and anchored at 3/30 it must be observed the Otter towed the Indian Canoes about 1/2 way to [Neveda?] Island. The Otter has on board a large portion of the Agnes Garland's cargo for this place. Received on shore a few puncheons of Rum. Lt winds and fine Wr. Midt lt. winds and fine Wr.
Saturday, August 9th, 1856
AM steady breeze from North West fine and clear. Thermometer 60º. Two scows discharging goods from Otter. Men employed as usual. PM calm -Thermometer 70º. (AM 10.30 the Chymsyan chief "Peal" returned here being afraid to proceed on. some disturbance having occurred between the Idas and the Nanooas. Arrived yesterday per Otter Peter Peters, Job [Langston?] miners, also Edward Burk, Thos. Jones and Alexander McArthur assistant miners.
Sunday, August 10th, 1856
AM steady breeze from North West - Thermometer 60º. PM Thermometer 70º - calm clear.
Monday, August 11th, 1856
AM light airs from the north west - Thermometer 59º. Miners at their usual employment. Labourers, Indians etc. discharging cargo. PM (3) Thermometer 69º calm and clear.
Tuesday, August 12th, 1856
AM AM [sic] light airs from the north - Thermometer 60º. 9:30 completed discharging cargo from "Otter" and commenced sending coals aboard from Pemberton's Encampment. PM fine and calm - Thermometer 68º.
Wednesday, August 13th, 1856
AM weather - Thermometer 60º. Engaged coaling the Otter. Miners working as before. 12:30: completed coaling the Otter. PM 1.30: Otter left for Victoria taking the Sympsian Canoe in tow as far as the "Rapids" (near Point Mudge - first of all - owing to Peal the Indian chief having some important communication for the North. Calm – clear - Thermometer 68 º.
Thursday, August 14th, 1856
AM light airs from the west - Thermometer 61º. Miners at work as before. 10.30 Saw the Otter in the Gulf returning to Victoria after towing the Canoes to the Rapids. PM fine calm - Thermometer 70º. (7 AM: Mr Robinson left here for Victoria in and express canoe - Walker and Clark also accompanied it. Two scow loads of hay arrived from the Nanaimo River.
Friday, August 15th, 1856
AM steady breeze from the West Thermometer 59º. Men at their usual employment. Indians engaged carrying hay and making a stack at the back of the mess room. PM strong breeze from the West and fine - Thermometer 68º. 6 PM clear calm.
Saturday, August 16th, 1856
AM light air from the west and fine - Thermometer 60º. Miners at work as before. PM (6) calm clear. Thermometer 74º.
Sunday , August 17th, 1856
AM strong breeze from the west - Thermometer 59º. PM calm clear weather - Thermometer 42º. 9.30 Mr. Robinson returned from Victoria.
Monday, August 18th, 1856
AM steady breeze from the west and fine - Thermometer 58º. Miners employed as before. Indians engaged carrying hay at the Nanaimo River. Fortier and Lazard engaged at the store as before. PM 6 fine and clear - Thermometer 73º at 3 PM.
Tuesday, August 19th,1856
AM “weather - Thermometer 59º. Miners at their usual occupation. Carpenters at their usual occupation. PM (3:00 fine and clear - Thermometer 70º.
Wednesday, August 20th, 1856
AM " weather - Thermometer 60º. Men employed as before. 12.30 The "Emily Parker" arrived from Victoria. PM 6:0: calm and fine Thermometer 72º.
Thursday, August 21st, 1856
AM steady breeze from South East and fine - Thermometer 59º. Miners Carpenters etc. employed as before. PM " weather - Thermometer 75º (3:15).
Friday, August 22nd, 1856
AM steady breeze from the west and fine - Thermometer 60º. Men at their usual employment. PM clear and calm - Thermometer 42º. 8:30 observed to the north several streaks of light which were intermittent (and having much the appearance of a comet at its brightest interval) traveling to the westward - at an attitude of about thirty five degrees - perpendicular to the horizon.
Saturday, August 23rd, 1856
AM steady breeze from the west - Thermometer 55º. Men at their usual employment. PM clear and somewhat calm - Thermometer 72º - (3 PM). An express arrived from Victoria.
Sunday, August 24th, 1856
AM calm clear and fine - Thermometer 59º. PM ditto Thermometer 69º.
Monday, August 25th, 1856
AM steady breeze from South East and fine - Thermometer 60º. Men at their usual employment. 11:15 a canoe arrived with a Despatch from the Governor ordering Thos. Quantomy to proceed at once to Victoria to act as interpreter, a white man having been wounded by a Cowitchin Indian. PM dull - Thermometer 70º. 4:30 a heavy shower of rain. 4:30 Thomas Quantomy started for Victoria
Tuesday, August 26th, 1856
AM light breeze from the south east- dull and cloudy - Thermometer 58º. Men employed as before. Mr. Shortley, Isbister and Indians employed placing a beacon on "Execution Point". PM overcast - Thermometer 64º (3 PM) 4:30 heavy rain -which continues (10 PM).
Wednesday, August 27th, 1856
AM steady breeze from North and fine - Thermometer 59º. Miners, Carpenters, etc. at their usual occupation. PM clear - Thermometer 70º (5 PM). Calm ([6] PM).
Thursday, August 28th, 1856
AM calm dull and cloudy - Thermometer 58º. Miners etc. employed as before. PM overcast - Thermometer 68º. 10 PM Capt. Brotchie arrived from Ft. Rupert. Two scow loads of hay arrived from the Nanaimo River.
Friday, August 29th, 1856
AM cloudy and calm - Thermometer 59º. Miners etc. at their usual employment. PM dull. slight breeze from SouthEast - Thermometer 68º. Four Sympsian canoes arrived from the South.
Saturday, August 30th, 1856
AM cloudy, light breeze from SouthEast - Thermometer 57º. Men at work as before. PM Thermometer 66º (8PM) Northern canoes left.
Sunday, August 31st, 1856
AM ditto weather
Monday, September 1st, 1856
AM heavy rain. Steady breeze from SouthEast - Thermometer 56º. Men employed as before - viz. Carpenters lining the Store. Isbister and labourers building stack at No 3 Shaft. Miners at the bore beyond Dunsmuir's level also at the Park head Mine. PM rain continues - Thermometer 62º (3PM).
Tuesday, September 2nd, 1856
AM continuance of yesterdays wind and rain - Thermometer 54º. Men employed as before. PM rain Thermometer 62º.
Wednesday, September 3rd, 1856
AM rain and wind as yesterday - Thermometer 54º. Miners employed as before. Carpenters ditto. PM occasional showers - Thermometer 62º. 4:30 five Northern canoes arrived from Victoria.
Thursday, September 4th, 1856
AM fine and clear, wind Northerly - Thermometer 54º. Men at work as before. PM clear - Thermometer 64º (3PM)
Friday, September 5th, 1856
AM: calm -Thermometer 56º. Men at their usual employment. PM Thermometer 60º (3PM). 11:30 the Northern Canoes left.
Saturday, September 6th, 1856
AM steady breeze from the west - fine Thermometer 55º. 8:45 a Canoe arrived from Cowitchin conveying a despatch from the Governor with the information that the assassin has been executed - without a single casualty happening during the campaign. Men at work as before. PM fine - clear calm - Thermometer 66º.
Sunday, September 7th, 1856
AM dull and cloudy - occasional heavy showers of rain - light airs from the SouthEast. Thermometer 54º. PM: breeze, rain, continues. Thermometer 60º. Harris's Boat arrived from Bellingham Bay.
Monday, September 8th, 1856
AM Steady breeze from Northwest - fine Thermometer 55º. Five men were this day paid off as they declined any longer working for the company - their intention being to proceed to the gold mines at Colville being under no agreement these men may not be considered as deserters. Miners Carpenters etc. at their usual employment. (NB the names of the men who were this day paid off - were Edward Pierce - Thos Cole. Samuel Ricketts - Jas Francis, Edwd [Reid?]). PM fine calm and clear - Thermometer 62º.
Tuesday, September 9th, 1856
AM fine. steady breeze from the North - Thermometer 52º. Men at work as before. PM dull and cloudy - Thermometer 60º. Harris's boat left for Bellingham Bay.
Wednesday, September 10th, 1856
AM calm and clear - Thermometer 54º. Men working as usual. 10:15 Mr. Horne accompanied by Papley, Rich, McArthur, Mills, Tahooa and several Indians set out on an expedition to the seaboard side of the island. PM fine clear - Thermometer 62º.
Thursday, September 11th, 1856
AM fine - steady breeze from South East - Thermometer [59º?]. Men employed as before. PM - clear calm Thermometer 65º. A canoe of Stikeen Indians arrived from Ft. Rupert containing two letters. Thos Hawkes, Ed Gough, Matthew Miller, R Turner, John Richardson and Rich Richardson miners went to Victoria to petition his Excellency to make some alteration [?] contract work.
Friday, September 12th, 1856
AM ditto weather - Thermometer 59º. Miners Carpenters etc. at work as before. PM calm - Thermometer 63º. Occasional showers throughout the day.
Saturday, September 13th, 1856
AM breeze from North West. fine, clear - Thermometer 54º. Men employed as before. PM calm - Thermometer 60º (6PM). 3:45 the canoe of Stikeen Indians left for Ft. Victoria conveying the letters.
Sunday, September 14th, 1856
AM very fine and clear - Thermometer 55º. PM Thermometer 60º.
Monday, September 15th, 1856
AM strong westerly breeze Thermometer 52º. Two of the miners who left this place some time ago for Bellingham Bay returned on Harris's Boat - their names are John Baker and Joseph Webb. Miners Carpenters etc. at work as before. PM squally and cloudy - Thermometer 61º.
Tuesday, September 16th, 1856
AM cloudy, light airs from the west. Thermometer 50º. Men employed as before. PM fine and clear, light airs from South East - Thermometer 58º.
Wednesday, September 17th, 1856
AM fine, clear, calm - Thermometer 51º. The Miners who left this on the 11th returned. A Canoe of Northern Indians called on the way to Fort Simpson. PM fine: calm - Thermometer 59º.
Thursday, September 18th, 1856
AM fine and clear, calm - Thermometer 51º. The Otter arrived [having?] the flag Lieutenant of the "Monarch" (H.M.S.) aboard. The men at work as usual. Assistant Miners and Indians engaged loading Otter. PM fine - Thermometer 60º
Friday, September 19th, 1856
AM light airs from the west - Thermometer 50º. Engaged loading Otter. Miners engaged as before. PM calm, clear - Thermometer 59º.
Saturday, September 20th, 1856
AM light airs from the NorthWest Thermometer 57º. Miners engaged as usual. Other men sending off coal to the Otter. 12:15 the Otter left for Victoria having 85 tons of coal aboard altogether. PM: clear fine - Thermometer 61º. Mr. Horne returned after a successful expedition across the island bringing with him numerous skins and accompanied by five seaboard Indians of the tribe Seashaad.
Sunday, September 21st, 1856
AM steady breeze from the north west and fine - Thermometer 52º. PM clear, calm - Thermometer 64º.
Monday, September 22nd, 1856
AM fine, clear and calm - Thermometer 56º. Had a conference with the miners who were offered the terms mentioned by the Governor to Capt. Stuart in his letter - and after a great deal of discussion they were made to understand it, and as far as can be judged at present they acceded to it. 3:30 fine and clear - Thermometer 60º.
Tuesday, September 23rd, 1856
AM fine and calm - Thermometer 52º. Men at their usual occupation. 10:30 As the Saatlam Indians conveyed the Seaboard Indians up the coast, Capt. Stuart accompanied them in order to take the latitude of the point whence Mr. Horne started from this side of the island. Dr. Thomas accompanied Capt. Stuart. PM calm clear - Thermometer 62º.
Wednesday, September 24th, 1856
AM calm clear - Thermometer [?]. Work carried on as before. PM Thermometer [?].
Thursday, September 25th, 1856
AM steady breeze from the north, fine - Thermometer 57º. Men at work as before. PM fine, calm - Thermometer 60º (4PM). Louis Otecori returned from the Comucks and commenced working at the [mile/mill?] cistern with Lazard and [Gran Toma?]
Friday, September 26th, 1856
AM steady breeze from the west - Thermometer 52º. Men at work as before. PM breeze continues. 6:0: calm.
Saturday, September 27th, 1856
AM light airs from the East, cloudy - Thermometer 51º. Miners employed as before. Carpenters at their usual employment. Some hands employed putting out furs to air. PM calm - overcast - Thermometer 60º (3PM).
Sunday, September 28th, 1856
AM calm - clear - Thermometer 52º. PM light airs from North - Thermometer 53º. 9:30 the Otter arrived from Ft. Langley.
Monday, September 29th, 1856
AM fine clear and calm - Thermometer 53º. Miners at work as before. Assistant Miners and Indians engaged coaling the Otter. PM foggy - with light airs from the East - Thermometer 61º. 6. completed coaling the Otter - having put aboard 44 tons of coal. Fine and clear.
Tuesday, September 30th, 1856
AM light airs from South East and fine - Thermometer 52º. The "Otter" left for Victoria. Miners Carpenters etc. at their usual employment. Some of the Labourers engaged drying and beating of furs. PM fine - Thermometer 68º.
Wednesday, October 1st, 1856
AM strong breeze from the West cloudy - Thermometer 56º. Men at work as before. PM clear - Thermometer 63º.
Thursday, October 2nd, 1856
AM foggy with rain, calm - Thermometer 54º. Men at their usual employment. PM fog and rain continue - Thermometer 60º.
Friday, October 3rd, 1856
AM ditto weather - Thermometer 52º. Men working as before.
Numerous flocks of wildfowl have passed down these last two or three days. PM cloudy, steady breeze from SouthEast - Thermometer 56º.
Saturday, October 4th, 1856
AM ditto weather - Thermometer 52º. Men at their usual employment. PM clear and fine - Thermometer 58º.
Sunday, October 5th, 1856
AM overcast - calm - Thermometer 51º. PM light breeze from the South East. 3:15 Thermometer 56º. 5:15 Two boats arrived from Victoria. the ["Ino"?] and Helen. the latter brought up four miners, new hands.
Monday, October 6th, 1856
AM Hoar frost during the night - calm Thermometer 42º. Men at their usual employment. 11 steady breeze from South East. PM - Thermometer 53º. 10. a gale from SE with rain.
Tuesday, October 7th, 1856
AM heavy gale from South East with heavy rain - Thermometer [46º?]. PM rough and wet - Men at work as before. Thermometer 53º.
Wednesday, October 8th, 1856
AM calm, dull and cloudy with rain - Thermometer 49º. The four new miners engaged working at Dunsmuir's level . the other miners, carpenters etc. employed as before. PM 6 dark ominous clouds in the west - Thermometer 54º. The [Ino?] left for Victoria this morning. A Boat arrived from Bellingham Bay (Harris's).
Thursday, October 9th, 1856
AM calm, clear - Thermometer 46º. Men at their usual employment. PM strong breeze from the South East - Thermometer 54º (3:15)
Friday, October 10th,1856
AM light airs from the South East, cloudy - Thermometer 45º. Men working as before. PM Strong breeze from South East - Thermometer 59º.
Saturday, October 11th, 1856
AM calm with a dense fog - Thermometer 46º. The engine being completed was started, and every thing proved successful. PM cloudy - Thermometer 50º. “Helen" took aboard two tons of small coal.
Sunday, October 12th, 1856
AM cloudy - light airs from South East - Thermometer 48º. The Helen left for Victoria - sent a despatch by her. PM overcast - Thermometer 56º.
Monday, October 13th, 1856
AM calm, cloudy - Thermometer 48º. Men engaged at their usual employment. Of the men who left here for the goldmines at Colville on the 8th October, [Note: This should read September, Marv Worden, 2005], three of them returned to day viz. Jas. Francis, Thos. Cole and Jas. Reese after an unsuccessful journey as far as Fort Hope. Capt. Stuart engaged paying the men. PM overcast - light breeze from South East - Thermometer 57º.
Tuesday, October 14th, 1856
AM calm - heavy rain - Thermometer 49º. Men at their usual employment. PM 2 the Steamer "Beaver" arrived - on her way to Victoria - having completed her annual northern trip. Thermometer 49º. Engaged Francis, Cole and Papley to square wood for salt spring.
Wednesday, October 15th, 1856
AM fine - calm - Thermometer [blank]. Men employed as before. 12:30 heavy shower of rain. PM steady breeze from South East - Thermometer 52º.
Thursday, October 16th, 1856
AM light airs from South East. cloudy and showery - Thermometer 46º. The four miners that arrived by the Helen on the 5th left today for Bellingham Bay. Lazard and Grand Toma having finished at the Mill return to work at the Store. PM cloudy, showery and squally - Thermometer 54º (3:30)
Friday, October 17th, 1856
AM dark and dull – calm - Thermometer 45º. The men working as before. PM showery - Thermometer 54º.
Saturday, October 18th, 1856
AM fine and clear, calm - Thermometer 47º. 5:15 the Beaver left for Victoria. The men at work as before. PM squally, rain, thunder, lightning - Thermometer 56º.
Sunday, October 19th, 1856
AM cloudy, calm - Thermometer 46º. PM 3:30 Mr. Pemberton arrived on his way across the Island in Mr. Horne's track. Mrs. Sage delivered of a living male child.
Monday, October 20th, 1856
AM fine clear and calm. Thermometer 39º. Men at their usual employment. 10:30 Mr. Pemberton left, Louis and the two Tomas being added to the number of his Crew - at this place. PM light breeze from the North East, fine and clear. 3:15 Thermometer 48º.
Tuesday, October 21st, 1856
AM calm and clear - Thermometer 32º. Men employed as before. PM clear - Thermometer (3 PM) 47º.
Wednesday, October 22nd, 1856
AM clear calm with frost - Thermometer 32º. Men at their usual employment. PM clear and fine with a light air from the South East - Thermometer 49º 3 PM.
Thursday, October 23rd, 1856
AM calm, dark and cloudy - Thermometer 38º. Men employed as before. Rich and Isbister employed putting up chimney as before. Two hands cutting down trees at Salt Spring. PM Thermometer 49º 3PM: 5:30 rain - South Easterly wind.
Friday, October 24th, 1856
AM calm - drizzly rain - Thermometer 46º. PM light breeze from the Westward. 3 PM Thermometer 50º.
Saturday, October 25th, 1856
AM 7:30 fine, calm, light hoar frost - Thermometer 40º. Work carried on as before. PM cloudy - light South Easterly breeze - Thermometer 49º. 6:30 placed small pieces of bread smeared over with "Rat Poison" in the store and trades shop.
Sunday, October 26th, 1856
AM dark and cloudy - South Easterly breeze - Thermometer 43º. 8:30 the "Helen" arrived from Victoria. 11:30 The Otter arrived, Mr. Farquahar aboard. PM : dark and cloudy - Thermometer 50º.
Monday, October 27th, 1856
AM heavy rain - Thermometer 45º. Otter discharging cargo. Men at their usual employment .PM owing to the rain the coaling of Otter proceeds very slowly. 3:15 Thermometer 52º.
Tuesday, October 28th, 1856
AM cloudy and dark - Thermometer 48º. Men busily employed in loading the Otter. Miners at their usual employment. PM clear and fine Thermometer 56º.
Wednesday, October 29th, 1856
AM - thick - foggy calm - Thermometer 49º. Otter taking in coal, having completed at 12:15 she left for Ft. Langley. PM calm Thermometer 56º. The "Helen" left for Ft. Victoria.
Thursday, October 30th, 1856
AM thick fog - calm. Thermometer 48º. Cole, Rich, Tahooa etc. etc. beating and drying furs. PM dull - Thermometer 54º.
Friday, October 31st, 1856
AM thick fog - calm. Thermometer 46º. Commenced taking the inventory. PM clear steady breeze from the South East.- Thermometer 52º.
Saturday, November 1st, 1856
AM fine and clear - steady breeze from the West - Thermometer 45º. A messenger arrived from Mr. Pemberton. Hunter (the Engineer) and Walker engaged taking the pit headframe down at No. 1 Pit. Isbister, Rich, Mr. Arthur etc. taking the inventory. Carpenters and Miners at their usual employment. PM clear and fine - Thermometer 56º.
Sunday, November 2nd, 1856
AM clear and calm - Thermometer 44º. PM calm - Thermometer 53º.
Monday, November 3rd, 1856
AM overcast - calm - Thermometer 42º. Men employed as before. PM light airs from the South East - Thermometer 45º.
Tuesday, November 4th, 1856
AM heavy gale from the South East torrents of rain - Thermometer 43º. Work carried on as before. PM calm - Thermometer 50º.
Wednesday, November 5th, 1856
AM light airs from the South East – fine - Thermometer 50º. 8:15 being the anniversary of "Gunpowder Treason" the inhabitants amused themselves with bonfires, firing guns etc. The Carpenter Nelson burned himself severely during a state of intoxication.
Thursday, November 6th, 1856
AM fine, calm, frosty - Thermometer 32º. Men employed as before. PM North Easterly wind - Thermometer 38º.
Friday, November 7th, 1856
AM calm - hoarfrost - Thermometer 32º. Mr. Shortley proceeded to Cowitchin in the "Sarah Stone" and "Jenny Jones" to trade potatoes. Cole, MacCarthy, Tahooa and one or two Indians accompanying him. PM cloudy - Thermometer 40º.
Saturday, November 8th, 1856
AM calm, cloudy - Thermometer 40º. Men at work as before. PM cloudy - Thermometer 44º.
Sunday, November 9th, 1856
AM dull, overcast with a little rain - Thermometer 41º. PM ditto - Thermometer 45º. 6:30 Mr. Pemberton returned after his expedition to the seaboard.
Monday, November 10th, 1856
AM cloudy, light airs from South East - Thermometer 42º. Men at their usual employment. PM cloudy – calm - Thermometer 49º.
Tuesday, November 11th, 1856
AM dull overcast - Thermometer 45º. 10:15 Mr. Pemberton left for Victoria. PM drizzly rain - Thermometer 50º (3 PM).
Wednesday, November 12th, 1856
AM 7: cloudy, calm - Thermometer 44º. The "Sarah Stone" and "Jenny Jones" returned conveying with them one hundred barrels of potatoes. PM: overcast -Thermometer 52º.
Thursday, November 13th, 1856
AM cloudy, light airs from the South East - Thermometer 46º. Miners at work as before. Isbister plastering up [pine?] end of cook house. PM 2:30 - Thermometer 44º. 5:30 heavy rain.
Friday, November 14th, 1856
AM light breeze from the South East with drizzling rain - Thermometer 46º. Men employed as before. Carpenters working at the store. PM fine, clear -Thermometer 51º.
Saturday, November 15th, 1856
AM light airs from the East. Fine, clear, hoar frost - Thermometer 40º. PM fine clear - Thermometer 47º (3:15) Finley left here in his boat for Cowitchin accompanied by one or two of the miners to trade potatoes.
Sunday, November 16th, 1856
AM rainy light airs from the South East. Thermometer 44º. PM cloudy -Thermometer 50º.
Monday, November 17th, 1856
AM dark, cloudy. light airs from the South East - Thermometer 46º. Men employed as before. PM - torrents of rain - Thermometer 57º.
Tuesday, November 18th, 1856
AM southerly wind, drizzly rain - Thermometer 46º. Men employed as before.PM clear and fine - light airs from the Eastward - Thermometer 49º.
Wednesday, November 19th, 1856
AM northwesterly wind hoar frost and fine - Thermometer 40º. Men employed as before. PM clear and fine - Thermometer 47º.
Thursday, November 20th, 1856
AM strong breeze from the South East - cold and rainy - Thermometer 40º. Several canoes arrived with potatoes from Cowitchin. PM cloudy overcast -Thermometer 47º.
Friday, November 21st, 1856
AM light airs from the West, fine - Thermometer 40º. Men employed as before [viz?]. Isbister quarrying stones for Salt Spring. Papley, Francis cutting Saw logs
Tom Cole painting store. Lazard and [Grand?] Toma at the store. One armed Toma, McCarthy and Tahooa engaged at the mill - which now goes night and day. PM dark cloudy - Thermometer 48º.
Saturday, November 22nd, 1856
AM dark and cloudy. light breeze form the South - Thermometer 39º. Men employed as before. PM fine, clear - Thermometer 47º. A boat arrived from the American side with a cargo of onions. 6 PM a canoe arrived from Bellingham Bay with onions and potatoes.
Sunday, November 23rd, 1856
AM light breeze from the west and frosty - Thermometer 32º. PM fine, clear, light airs from the North West. 2:30 Thermometer 40º - Walker left in Capt. Stuart's boat this morning for Cowitchin to trade potatoes.
Monday, November 24th, 1856
AM light breeze from the South East - Snow falling thickly - Thermometer 33º. Men engaged at their usual employment. PM fine clear - Thermometer 41º.
Tuesday, November 25th, 1856
AM calm, fine, frosty - Thermometer 33º. A great many Comuck canoes arrived today. Miners at work as before. Rich and Papley engaged digging out a foundation for a shed at Salt Spring. Engaged one of the men who came by the boat on Saturday last (from the American side) as Carpenter at the rate of say £2 S10 a month. PM fine and clear – Thermometer 36º.
Wednesday, November 26th, 1856
AM dull and cloudy, calm - Thermometer 39º. PM clear - Thermometer 44º.
Thursday, November 27th, 1856
AM cloudy, calm - Thermometer 39º. Miners, carpenters etc. at work as before. PM 1:30 Mr. Horne left in a canoe for Victoria - conveying a dispatch. 2:15 Thermometer 43º - clear – calm. 6:30 cloudy.
Friday, November 28th, 1856
AM cloudy, light airs from the South East - Thermometer 42º. Men working as before. PM - Thermometer 45º.
Saturday, November 29th, 1856
AM fine, clear and frosty - Thermometer 34º. Light airs from the South East. Men at work as before. PM fine - Thermometer 39º (2:15 pm) 5:30 the Otter arrived - Mr. Horne returning from Victoria aboard.
Sunday, November 30th, 1856
AM heavy rain - with a South Easterly breeze. 11:15: the U.S.S. Massachusetts arrived to land Mr. Lewis who had been piloting her up to [Sangster's?] Island where she had [proceeded?] in order to tow some Indians (Russian American) who had been very obnoxious to the inhabitants of [Rupert Town?]. PM fine - Thermometer 44º. [L-15-frosty?]
Monday, December 1st, 1856
AM fine - calm - Thermometer 34º. Men engaged sending coal aboard the Otter. 11:40 Strong breeze from the South East - with heavy rain. PM 2:15 The Otter left here for Fort Simpson.
Tuesday, December 2nd, 1856
AM Southerly airs - rain - Thermometer 40º. Miners - Carpenters etc at work as before. PM Cloudy - drizzling rain. 3 Thermometer 39º.
Wednesday, December 3rd, 1856
AM calm – fine - Thermometer 34º. Men at work as before. PM drizzling rain - Thermometer 40º.
Thursday, December 4th, 1856
AM light airs from the west and fine - Thermometer 38º. Men at the same work as before. PM cloudy - Thermometer 42º (2:15).
Friday, December 5th, 1856
AM cloudy - airs from the SouthEast - Thermometer 38º. Men employed as before. PM fine - Thermometer 43º.
Saturday, December 6th, 1856
AM Strong southerly breeze – cold, cloudy - Thermometer 40º. PM dull and cloudy - Thermometer 44º. 5:30 heavy rain.
Sunday, December 7th, 1856
AM heavy rain - and strong breeze from the SouthEast - Thermometer 41º.
Monday, December 8th, 1856
AM fine calm - Thermometer 34º. Men at their usual employment. PM - Thermometer 40º - fine clear and frosty.
Tuesday, December 9th, 1856
AM -calm - frosty - Thermometer 32º. Work carried on as before. PM Heavy gale from the South East - torrents of rain - Thermometer 41º. 11:30 Thunder and lightning - with a heavy fall of snow at the same time.
Wednesday, December 10th, 1856
AM the gale continues - Thermometer 37º. PM calm - Thermometer 43º. 7:30 frosty.
Thursday, December 11th, 1856
AM westerly breeze - showers of hail - Thermometer 33º. PM heavy fall of snow - Thermometer 32º.
Friday, December 12th, 1856
AM westerly wind - cloudy – frosty - Thermometer 31º. Men employed as before. PM hard frost.
Saturday, December 13th, 1856
AM North Easterly wind - heavy fall of snow. Men employed as before. PM snow continues - Thermometer 35º. 6:15 snow rapidly thaws.
Sunday, December 14th, 1856
AM frosty – calm - Thermometer 32º. PM clear, light airs from the Eastward. Thermometer 35º.
Monday, December 15th, 1856
8 AM Captain Stuart and Mr. Farquhar left for Victoria in the Sarah Stone. Dr. Thomas left in charge of Nanaimo C E Stuart. Heavy fall of snow - North Easterly wind – Thermometer 33º Hunter the Engineer off duty – ill. Owing to the snow the Indians declined working. PM - 2:50 Thermometer 35 º - 6:30 sleet, snow thawing.
Tuesday, December 16th, 1856
AM fine and clear - calm - Thermometer 34º. Men at their usual employment. The Sawmill owing to one of the levers breaking did not saw last night - but at 8:30, starts again. PM fine - clear - Thermometer 39º. Mr. Robinson employs Lazard at work connected with the mines and otherwise.
Wednesday, December 17th, 1856
AM fine - clear - calm - Thermometer 32º. Miners employed as before. Lazard employed in laying foundation of Large Shed at Salt Spring assisted by Isbister, Rich and Stone - and numerous Indians. Papley and Francis squaring "sleepers" for the building - at S Spring. PM - light airs from the Eastward. Fine - Thermometer 38º. 1:40 Mr. Bayley arrived in a canoe from Cowitchin probably being too [nervous?] to accompany the Sarah Stone to Victoria.
Thursday, December 18th, 1856
AM - fine, clear and calm - Thermometer 31º. Men at work as yesterday. The Sawmill broke down but was set going again in about two hours. PM fine, clear calm - Thermometer 38º.
Friday, December 19th, 1856
AM heavy gale from the South East - Snow - Thermometer 34º. Men at work in the morning but owing to the snow falling so heavily obliged to leave off. Louis engaged in the Carpenter's Shop. PM - rain and snow - Thermometer 39º.
Saturday, December 20th, 1856
AM heavy rain - calm - Thermometer 36º. Men at work as before. PM torrents of rain - Thermometer 39º. Isbister off duty, ill.
Sunday, December 21st, 1856
AM strong breeze from the South East - heavy rain - Thermometer 36º. PM torrents of rain - Thermometer 46º.
Monday, December 22nd, 1856
AM calm - heavy rain - Thermometer 42º. Men at work as before. PM two large canoes passed outside the harbour on their way to the North. Heavy breeze from the South East - with torrents of rain - Thermometer 47º. 4:30 one large canoe passed the harbour on its way south - paddling against half a gale of wind. Hunter the Engineer on duty again. MaCarthy being ill, Louis supplies his [place?] at the Saw Mill.
Tuesday, December 23rd, 1856
AM - cloudy, showers, strong South Easterly breeze - Thermometer 47º. Frank Thomas - the Carpenter off duty inflamed hand. Men at work as before. PM Thermometer 42º.
Wednesday, December 24th, 1856
AM - calm - heavy rain - Thermometer 40º. Men at their usual employment. PM heavy rain – Thermometer.
Thursday, December 25th, 1856
AM fine - clear - calm – Thermometer 36º. A general holiday. PM rain - strong South Easterly breeze - Thermometer 40º.
Friday, December 26th, 1856
AM - Capt Stuart returned from Victoria. Strong breeze from the South East –rain - Thermometer 38º. PM rain - and wind continue. Men not at work today.
Saturday, December 27th, 1856
AM South Easterly gale with rain - Thermometer 39º. Men take a holiday -except Stove and [Kahooha?]. PM cloudy - Thermometer 46º.
Sunday, December 28th, 1856
AM cloudy South Easterly breeze - Thermometer 38º. PM ditto weather - Thermometer 45º.
Monday, December 29th, 1856
AM - cloudy -calm - slight frost - Thermometer [34º?]. Men at their usual employment. PM fine - Thermometer 37º. 8:15 the Otter arrived from Ft. Simpson - having Chief Trader Blenkinsop and family aboard.
Tuesday, December 30th, 1856
AM - heavy rain strong South Easterly breeze - Thermometer 36º. Men employed coaling the Otter. PM occasional showers – Thermometer 44º.
Wednesday, December 31st, 1856
AM - calm - slight fall of snow - Thermometer 35º. 7:30 the Otter left for Victoria having taken aboard [.......] tons of coal - also the Nanaimo furs. PM snow continues - Thermometer 40º. 10:15 frost.
1857
January 1st , 1857
AM cold – calm, frosty - Thermometer 32º. A general holiday for the workmen. PM heavy fall of snow, stiff breeze from the North East - Thermometer 31º.
January 2nd, 1857
AM snow continues falling lightly - Thermometer 30º. Men not at their employment - PM: Thermometer 29º.
Saturday, January 3rd, 1857
AM snow - light airs from North East - Thermometer 28º. Men not at their work. PM frost and snow.
Sunday, January 4th, 1857
AM - calm - Thermometer 27º. PM: fine, frosty.
Monday, January 5th, 1857
AM cloudy - frosty - Thermometer 30º. Men at their usual employment. PM: fine and clear - Thermometer [sic?].
Tuesday, January 6th, 1857
AM fine clear and calm - Thermometer 26º. Men at their work as before. PM - Thermometer 38º.
Wednesday, January 7th, 1857
AM frosty - calm Thermometer 25º. Men employed as yesterday. PM cold - Thermometer [38º?]
Thursday January 8th, 1857
AM Thermometer 24º harbour covered by ice. The Indians not employed - owing to the frost and snow. PM: Thermometer 29º.
Friday, January 9th, 1857
AM calm, fine and frosty - Thermometer 30º. Men at work as before. PM: ditto weather -Thermometer 32º.
Saturday, January 10th, 1857
AM ditto weather - Thermometer 25º. Men at work as before. PM - Thermometer 33º cloudy. 4:40 The Otter arrived from Victoria.
Sunday, January 11th, 1857
AM rain - light breeze from the South East. PM snow fast disappearing.
Monday, January 12th, 1857
AM steady breeze from the South East with heavy rain - Thermometer 36º. Men employed in breaking ice in order that the coal might be put aboard the Otter. PM rain - Thermometer 40º.
Tuesday, January 13th, 1857
AM rain - calm - Thermometer 35º. Engaged sending coal aboard the Otter. PM calm clear - Thermometer 40º. 5 30 completed coaling the Otter having sent [ ?] tons aboard.
Wednesday, January 14th, 1857
AM The Otter left for Victoria. Calm - Thermometer 36º. Men engaged at Salt Spring, Saw Mill, Miners etc as before. PM foggy with rain - Thermometer 39º.
Thursday, January 15th, 1857
AM South Easterly wind, rain - Thermometer 38º. Work goes on as before. PM: dull and cloudy - Thermometer 42º.
Friday, January 16th, 1857
AM calm - dull and cloudy - Thermometer 37º. An accident occurred at the Blacksmith's Shop by the beam which supports the chimney taking fire - it was discovered about 5 AM and extinguished in a short time - Isbister and Rich engaged repairing it. PM Thermometer 44º ditto weather.
Saturday, January 17th, 1857
AM – foggy, light breeze from South East. - Thermometer 40º. Men engaged as before - Isbister and Rich having completed the chimney yesterday return to their usual employment at the Salt Spring. PM - drizzly rain - Thermometer 43º. 3.30 heavy fall of snow.
Sunday, January 18th, 1857
AM heavy rain - calm - Thermometer 40º. PM rain continues - light breeze from the South East. Thermometer 47º.
Monday, January 19th, 1857
AM calm clear and fine - Thermometer 40º. Men working as before. PM cloudy - Thermometer 48º.
Tuesday, January 20th, 1857
AM calm - drizzling rain - Thermometer 42º. Work carried on as before. PM heavy rain. Thermometer 47º.
Wednesday, January 21st, 1857
AM rain in torrents - calm - Thermometer 41º. The men belonging to the "Establishment" planing planks in the big shed owing to the rain. PM: rain - Thermometer 50º. 6:40 a half-breed named Pierre [Robescasse?] died.
Thursday, January 22nd, 1857
AM light breeze from South East - Thermometer 44º. Men at work at Salt Spring - Sawmill etc as before. PM: dull and cloudy.
Friday, January 23rd , 1857
AM - foggy - calm - Thermometer 43º. Men at work as before. PM ditto weather Thermometer 50º.
Saturday, January 24th, 1857
AM calm – overcast - Thermometer 46º. Several large [Liqueltoes?] Canoes passed on their way to Cowitchin. PM rainy - Thermometer 50º.
Sunday, January 25th, 1857
AM westerly wind – fine - Thermometer 45º. PM ditto weather - Thermometer 51º.
Monday, January 26th, 1857
AM fine, clear and calm - Thermometer 46º. Men at their usual employment. PM Thermometer 50º.
Tuesday, January 27th, 1857
AM South Easterly breeze, rain - Thermometer 46º. Alexander Macarthy and Thos. Jones having deserted a canoe was despatched after them to bring them back. - the former being in debt about £8., the latter about £4 at the store. Mr Shortly accompanied the canoe in quest of them – and returned about 3:30 PM - on their arrival the prisoners were put in Irons.
Wednesday, January 28th, 1857
AM South Easterly wind – rain -Thermometer 40º. Men at their usual employment. PM drizzly rain - Thermometer 48º. Alex. Macarthy and T. Jones are released from Irons on condition that they work.
Thursday, January 29th, 1857
AM foggy – calm - Thermometer 42º. Work carried on as before. PM drizzly rain - Thermometer 50º.
Friday, January 30th, 1857
AM calm, foggy - Thermometer 43º. Commenced Shingling the Shed at Salt Spring. [Fortier?] making a pit-head frame for No. 5 pit. PM: foggy and rainy - Thermometer 47º.
Saturday, January 31st, 1857
AM calm - cloudy - Thermometer 44º. Men at work as before. AM Strong breeze from the South East – fine - Thermometer 48º.
February ………………..……………[CHANGE OF HANDWRITING?]
Sunday, February 1st, 1857
AM calm - cloudy - Thermometer 43º. PM 3:30 "The Beaver" arrived from Victoria having Mr. Blenkinsop and Mr. Pemberton aboard - and the "Recovery" in tow.
Monday, February 2nd, 1857
AM foggy and rainy Thermometer 44º. Men at their usual employment except Lazard who assists the carpenters aboard the Beaver to repair an injury which the Steamboat sustained on her passage from Victoria - the vessel being hauled up opposite our wharf.
Tuesday, February 3rd, 1857
AM clear fine - Thermometer 40º. The Recovery "hauled up" to examine her bottom. PM - clear, steady breeze from North East Thermometer 48º.
Wednesday, February 4th, 1857
AM - fine- North Easterly wind - Thermometer 40º. Men at work as before. PM: Thermometer 45º. The "Recovery" was washed out [today?] She took five tons of Coal aboard.
Thursday, February 5th, 1857
AM frosty light fall of snow - Thermometer 31º. The "Beaver" washed out and proceeded to Newcastle Island to take in wood, a strong breeze from the west [rendering?] it very tedious to do so by canoes and scow. PM Thermometer 40º. The ["Ino"?] arrived from Victoria with flour and letters.
Friday 6th
AM calm - cloudy - Thermometer 40º. Men at work as before. Beaver taking in wood. PM - Thermometer 44º.
Saturday, February 7th, 1857
AM 2:15 the Beaver and Recovery left tor Fort Rupert - Lazard [Oneareight?] sick. Calm - cloudy - Thermometer 32º. PM calm Thermometer 38º. The [Ino?] left sent a despatch to the Governor.
Sunday, February 8th, 1857
AM light airs from the North East - Thermometer 38º. PM Thermometer 42º.
Monday, February 9th, 1857
AM calm cloudy - Thermometer 40º. Men employed as before. PM South Easterly breeze - Thermometer 42º.
Tuesday, February 10th, 1857
AM South Easterly gale with heavy rain - Thermometer 40º. Men at their usual employment. PM Strong gale - torrents of rain.
Wednesday, February 11th, 1857
AM fine, strong breeze from S. East - Thermometer 40º. Men at their usual employment. PM rain in torrents - Thermometer 50º.
Thursday, February 12th, 1857
AM calm - heavy rain - Thermometer 46º. Men employed as before. PM - rain - wind from [So/South?] East - Thermometer 50º.
Friday, February 13th, 1857
AM dull and cloudy, calm - Thermometer 44º. Men at work as before. PM rainy and windy - Thermometer 48º.
Saturday, February 14th, 1857
AM heavy South East gale with rain - Thermometer 45º. PM ditto weather.
Sunday, February 15th, 1857
AM fine, occasional showers -Thermometer 43º. PM ditto-Thermometer 47º.
Monday, February 16th, 1857
AM calm – overcast - Thermometer 45º. Indians and men employed hauling one of the Scows on the beach at Pemberton's Encampment to be repaired. The slope full of water - Engaged pumping it out. PM: light breeze from the South East - Thermometer 46º.
Tuesday, February 17th,1857
AM beautifully fine, calm - Thermometer 44º. At 7 PM The Steamer Otter arrived from Victoria with Dr. Benson and Capt.[ Brotchie?] passengers also Mr. Bailey on board. Midnight calm.
[CHANGE OF HANDWRITING?]
Wednesday, February 18th, 1857
AM Southerly Wind with rain. Employed coaling the Otter to 47 tons. PM Clear.
Thursday, February 19th, 1857
A.M. Southerly Wind. Employed coaling the Otter, work going on as usual. P.M. 4 h 30 m finished coaling the Otter at 107 tons.
Friday, February 20th, 1857
A.M. Dr. Thomas left per Steamer. Otter, having been relieved by Dr. Benson who remains surgeon at Nanaimo. The Otter left at 7 h 30 AM. P.M. Employed as usual.
Saturday, February 21st, 1857
A.M. Wind Westerly, Clear weather. P.M. ditto. Lewis [O'Larvrie?] cut his foot with an axe.
Sunday, February 22nd, 1857
AM Wind W.S.W. heavy rain, performed Divine Service at 11 AM. P.M. Heavy gale from the West which continued until Midnight when it became more moderate.
Monday, February 23rd, 1857
A.M. Strong Gale from the West, very heavy sea in the Gulf of Georgia. P.M. more moderate fine clear weather, frosty.
Tuesday, February 24th, 1857
A.M. Moderate Breeze from the SE and fine J.B. [Bevilockway?] had his finger crushed by a blow from a hammer (in drilling a hole) accidentally - 11 A.M. Steamer Beaver with the Schooner Recovery in tow arrived from Ft. Rupert having been detained a considerable time by some defects in the machinery -P.M. Strong Gale S.E. Shipped twenty Cords of Wood on board the Beaver -The Saw Mill was compelled to stop work in consequence of not being able to get logs.
Wednesday, February 25th, 1857
A.M. Southerly Wind Thermometer 46º. Heavy Snow, put Five Cord Wood on board the Beaver at 10 A.M. finished supplying her received from her Fifty Bundles of Shingles. P.M. Strong S. E. Wind and Snow. Ships detained on that account. This day arrived at a good roof over the coal in the [slope?] the coal five feet thick and of good quality - ..........[Less?] Snow -
Thursday, February 26th, 1857
A.M. Heavy squalls from the Southward - Thermometer 51º. At daylight moderate . At 6.45 the Beaver left with the Recovery in tow fine weather. Light airs. People employed planing plank. Indians cutting logs for the Mill cleaning trade [quarters?] - Miners as usual. Hunter Engineer sick. P.M. moderate breeze from Westward - fine clear weather.
Friday, February 27th, 1857
A.M. Frosty fine clear weather Thermometer 43º. Employed as usual. Hunter returned to duty. P.M. Fine Clear Weather.
Saturday, February 28th, 1857
AM Fine Clear Weather - Thermometer 55º. Labourers employed planing boards - Amputated [Bevilockway's?] finger. Indians getting Lumber from Mill
P.M. Fine Clear Weather.
Sunday, March 1st, 1857
A.M. Southerly Wind and Showers – Thermometer. At 11 performed Divine Service. P.M. - ditto – weather.
Monday, March 2nd, 1857
AM. Wind Southerly with Rain – Thermometer. Indians bringing Lumber from the Mill – Labourers planing boards. Put new legs on the Beacon in the Channel - P.M. Clear.
Tuesday, March 3rd, 1857
A.M. Fine clear Weather Wind West - [Employed?] planing boards and creating a kitchen adjoining the house of the late Schoolmaster - P.M. put up the Beacon on the inner Rock to replace the one carried away by Ice ____. [Malcolm Peck ?/Sick?]
Wednesday, March 4th, 1857
A.M. Fine Clear Weather Wind West - Daylight employed Indians cutting saw logs and otherwise variously. P.M. ditto Weather [Midnight?] [Malpass Peck?/Sick?]
Thursday, March 5th, 1857
A.M. Fine Clear Weather Calm - employed as usual. P.M. – ditto [Midnight?] rain.
Friday, March 6th, 1857
A.M. Wind S.E. with Rain. P.M. Two canoes arrived from Victoria with Lebine and some Canadians [bringing?] a [Boy?] named Raven supposed to have deserted from the Princess Royal. [Midnight ?] Strong breezes from SE with Rain.
Saturday, March 7th, 1857
A.M. Wind South light Rain and Cloudy. [Noon?] Clear [?] P.M. ditto
Midnight - Foggy, Wind North.
Sunday, March 8th, 1857
A.M. Wind from W. foggy. Performed Divine Service at 11 A.M. Noon Clear P.M. Calm - 7 P.M. Rain.
Monday, March 9th, 1857
A.M. Light Breeze from Southward with Rain. Employed as usual. P.M. Fair Weather. Midnight ditto - Employed Leon Lebine to square timber for No. 3 Shaft .
Tuesday, March 10th, 1857
Light Airs and Foggy. Variable at 9h 30. A.M. Capt. Brotchie left in a canoe for Fort Rupert - P.M. Wind S.E. fine mild Weather. Paid the men belonging to the establishment their wages - Employed as usual. At 10 P.M. Capt. Brotchie arrived having been obliged to put back in consequence of the canoe leaking.
Wednesday, March 11th, 1857
A.M. Fine clear Weather Wind S.E. Work as usual. Received about 400 [lbs?] of shells from the Indians. P.M. Strong Gales from the Southward [midnight?] - fine weather.
Thursday, March 12th, 1857
A.M. Fine Weather Wind West. Employed burning Shells for Lime - Miners as usual. P.M. Showery - [Sowed Peas and Potatoes?]. Midnight Clear.
Friday, March 13th, 1857
A.M Light Winds from N.E. - Employed as usual. An Indian arrived from Barclay Sound, informing us that it was necessary for us to proceed thither and [trade?] as the Indians were waiting P.M. " Light air from North - Biggs sick.
Saturday, March 14th, 1857
A.M. Light Winds from the Eastward with fine Weather employed burning lime. P.M. Cloudy - Made a contract with Leon Lebine to put up a fence around No. 3 Shaft.
Sunday, March 15th, 1857
AM Light Southerly Winds and Showery at 11 performed Divine Service P.M. ditto Weather.
Monday, March 16th, 1857
A.M. Wind N.W. Strong Breeze fine Weather. Shoals of Herring arrived Indians all fishing. P.M. Less wind - Midnight Calm.
Tuesday, March 17th, 1857
AM. S.E. Wind with heavy rain all day. Squally at times - Labourers employed planning boards P.M. ditto Weather.
Wednesday, March 18th, 1857
A.M. Wind South heavy Rain. Oxen hauling timber squared by Leon Lebine on acct. of No. 3 Shaft. P.M. heavy Gales with snow. Midnight ditto Weather.
Thursday, March 19th, 1857
A.M. Wind E.N.E. Cold raw unpleasant Weather. Employed as usual. Showery all day. P.M. ditto.
Friday, March 20th, 1857
A.M. Wind S.E. Strong Breezes with snow and Sleet - P.M. Rain at 7.30m P.M. the Hon. Co. Steamer Beaver arrived from Victoria bringing despatches and Cargo bound North. Midnight ditto weather.
Saturday, March 21st, 1857
A.M. Rain with Strong Breezes from S.E. Indians loading Cargo and Wooding the Beaver. Labourers planing boards as yesterday etc. P.M. fine at intervals Midnight ditto.
Sunday, March 22nd, 1857
A.M. S.E. Wind and Rain. At 5 the Beaver left for the North. At 11 performed Divine Service. P.M. ditto Weather Fine at intervals.
Monday, March 23rd, 1857
A.M. S.E. Wind and Rain. Employed as usual - P.M. Cold and Cloudy Wind NW. Midnight Clear and Frosty.
Tuesday, March 24th, 1857
A.M. Wind Northerly Clear Weather. P.M. ditto weather Midnight ditto weather.
Wednesday, March 25th, 1857
A.M. a light Breeze from Southward at 6 A.M. Dispatched a Canoe with the Northerly account. in charge of Thomas Cole. P.M. a Fresh Gale from the South with Rain.
Thursday, March 26th, 1857
A.M. Fine Clear Weather Wind South. At 7.30 Mrs. Hunter was delivered of a Male Child Still born. Indians employed [placing?] the lime under cover. P.M. ditto weather.
Friday, March 27th, 1857
A.M. Fine Clear Weather Wind Westerly. P.M. Cloudy Southerly Wind and Rain. 22 Chimseyan Canoes arrived. Employed Quarrying Stones for the Salt Springs.
Midnight Strong Gales.
Saturday, March 28th, 1857
A.M. Fine Clear Weather Wind West. Employed as usual - P.M. Showery. Wind Southerly Squally with Rain at times.
Sunday, March 29th, 1857
A.M. Wind Southerly Showers. At 11 AM performed Divine Service. P.M. ditto weather-fine at intervals.
Monday, March 30th, 1857
A.M. S.E. Wind and Rain. At 11 the Express Canoe arrived from Victoria bringing Dispatches and the Mail. P.M. ditto weather.
Tuesday, March 31st, 1857
A.M. Wind South Showers Fine. At intervals Employed as usual. P.M. ditto Weather.d
END
INDEX
Individuals
B
Baker, George (Mrs.)
Baker, John
Bailey/Bayley, Wm. (Mr.)
Bentivasies/Bentwasies, Antoine
Benson, Dr.
Biggs, John
Bottineau, Baptiste
Bevilockway/Beoilowkway, Joseph L.
Blenkinsop (Chief Trader)
Bull, Geo
Burk, Edward
C
Cameron, Mr.
Clark
Cogswell
Cole, Thomas
Cluet
D
Douglas, James (Governor of V I)
Dublin’s
Dunsmuir, Robert
Dunn, Danl
E
Edgar, Magnus
Elliott, John
F
Farquhar, Mr.
Finlayson, Mrs.
Fortier
Francis, Jas.
Fraser, Alexander
G
Gilmore, Mr.
Gough, Mrs. Ed.
Green, Thomas
Ganner, Elijah (son drowned Aug. 1855)
H
Hannam
Harrison, William
Hawkes, Thoms
Home, Mr.
Horne
Hughes, William
Humphrey, James
Hunter, Andrew
I
Iocher, William
Isbister, William
J
Jones, Thos.
K
Kennedy
L
Lebine, Leon
Lazaar/Lazard
Loouie
Luder, Mr. (Priest)
M
Malcolm
Malpass/Malpuss, (Mrs.)
Meakin, John
McArthur, Alexander
McCarthy, Alexander
McGregor, John
Millard, Matthew
Miller, Matthew
Mills
Mitchell, G. (Blacksmith)
Mouat (Mrs.)
N
Nelson (Carpenter)
O
O’Larvie, Lewis
Oliver (late mate of HBC Recovery)
Otecoin/Otecon/Otecori/Oneareight, Louis
P
Papley, Patre
Peck, Malcolm
Pemberton, Mr.
Peters, Peter
Pierce, Edwd.
Q
Quamtromy, Toma
R
Reece/Reese, Jas.
Reed, Mr.
Reel (Fr. Simpson Chief)
Reid, Edwd.
Richardson, John
Richardson, Rich
Ricketts, Samuel
Robinson (Mr. and Mrs.) and baby boy
S
Sage, Jesse
Sampson
Shortley, Mr.
Smith
Stove, J.
Stuart, Chas. E.
T
Toma, Grand
Thomas, Dr.
Thomas, Frank
Thompson, Mrs.
Turner, R.
W
Walker, Edward
Webb, Joseph
Wiles
Work, John
Y
York, Thos.
York, William
SHIPS
Captains/Pilots
Active (U.S. Steamer) Capt. Alden Mr. Lewis
Agnes Garland
Alice Capt. Cooper
Beaver
Black Duck
Cadboro
Emily Parker Capt. Stuart Hon. B. C. Co.
Express
Helen Ino Capt. Swanson
Hodgdon
Jenny Jones Capt. McNeil Mr. Moffat
Leonesa (Barque) Capt. Howard
Massachusetts (USS)
Monarch (HMS) Lieutenant (Flay)
Otter (Steamer) Capt. Boche/Brotchie
Recovery
Red Rover (Dublin)
Rob Roy
Sarah Stone
Stickin (Place/Ship)
Trincomalee
Harris’s Boat – Bellingham Bay
Walker’s Boat
PLACES
Alberni Canal
Bastion
Bellingham Bay
Colmuck’s
Colville
Commercial Inlet B
Cowitchin
Delta Plains
Esquimalt
Execution Point
Fort Langley
Fort Rupert
Fort Simpson
Fraser River
Mill Dam
Mill Stream
Nanaimo River
Nanoos/Nanooa
Netenat
Newcastle Island
Parkhead Mine
Pemberton’s Encampment
Port Cox – Claiacut
Port Townsend
Protection Island
Rapid Island
Rupert (Town)
Salt Spring
(Sangster’s?) Island
Victoria
FIRST NATIONS
Blanche, Padre (Iroquois Died)
Chimseyan/Chymsyan
Clohoos
Cogwells
Colmuck/Comuck
Cowitchin
Idas
Kanaka
Kiteskews/Kitteskew
Liquettoes/Lickquitoe
Ochelot (Nanaimo Chief)
Old Joe
Mamilikikillas
Manwaashen
Nanaimo
Peal (Chymsyan Chief)
Quantomy, Thomas
Robesdcasse, Pierre (half breed)
Saatlam
Sagiwaretta/Sakarawetti, Toma
Seaboard Indians (?)
Seashells/Seashaad
Skitticat\Sympsian
Taghel (Chief)
Tahooa
Ugulete