Anecdotes and Updates 1882-1982 - Virden Centennial ... - Manitobia

I only got back from Birtle today (Birtle being the closestLand Titles Office). It is a hundred and two mile journey. The firsttime I walked it in three days. If I walk again I can cut off twentyfourmiles by crossing the Assiniboine, four miles north. Like allCanadian rivers, it is treacherous, impossible at times and alwaysdangerous on account of undercurrents.You spoke in your letter of us having roughed it. I dare not tellyou half of what we've gone through. When we left Winnipeg, Ihad only seven dollars, two of which I paid for railway fare to FlatCreek, bought medicine for our son, Tom who had the measles in atent with frost not out of the ground and snow in some places sixfeet deep. I bought the only fresh meat we've tasted - a beast'shead for thirty-five cents. We've lived on "slap jacks" (pancakes)for weeks together. Lill has gone through what has sent hundredsof strong men back to the old country, but never a word ofcomplaint.This is a country where any man, dissatisfied with his positionat home, ought to come, ifhe is prepared to work. Rise at fourand set with the sun, only stopping for meals. For a year or two, itis sleep, eat, work, and nothing else. During winter, (so I'm told)things are easier, but one must be cautious in a "blizzard" (windand fine snow) for one can be lost within five yards of his fence. Ifhe gets "turned around" (Canadian for "lost") he could die in avery few minutes.Travelling to Birtle, we passed an Indian camp. It is a splendidsight, the men smoking, and the squaws working, carryingwater, gathering wood, a papoose on the back. The very oldwomen, like the men, sit about, smoking pipes. I will send you apipe when I find one of unique design.It is laughable to hear the excuses of men who have given upand are going back home:"Been west?""Yes" (if English) "Ya" (if Ontario)."Going Back?""Yes"" Sick?""No, lost my pocketbook a few miles back.""Where you been?""Moose Mountain""Good land?""No, stoney."25