[Envelope addressed: Rev. J. A. Cairns, M.A., Poplar Grove, Via Wapella, Assiniboia, North West Territory, Canada. Postmarked: Barney’s River N.S Fe 18 03. Two cent Queen Victoria stamp. Receiving postmark: Wapella Assa. Fe 23 03. The Cairns family was in the process of moving to what was then Assiniboia Territory, later Saskatchewan.]
Barney’s River
Tues Feb. 17th 1903
My dearest Man
I got your “line” this afternoon. I think I can sell everything at private sales, and it is cash down. Mrs. D. Cameron has bought the extension table, & Mrs. Myra Robertson has spoken for the centre table and a crock to hold cream. John R. Chisholm wants the cart. DR does not want the cow as he bought one from Willie Bannerman when he went away but J. J. Irving will buy the cow I think. I have money enough to pay the insurance but it will leave me scarce, perhaps before it is due Mr. Reid will be along. I will send you the cheque to endorse. I do not like forged names. Janet will be paying me $50. soon too. But I expect I will need some of the cheque to buy the tickets. Anyway do you not want the money taken out of the bank and brought to you? Maggie Bannerman is here to-night, as it is a regular old fashioned snow-storm. John’s cold is somewhat better; it would have been nearly well, only he had to be out Sat. evening in the cold wind and snow waiting on people. Mr. R. Dewar came in first about 4 0’clock and stayed to tea, then Clarence Bell & wife arrived from Saltsprings, their horse was too tired to eat, they were nearly stuck just at our gate (we have had only one fine day for nearly 2 weeks) cold wind storms & snow. Clare & wife stayed till to-day, and such a storm it has been; yesterday was comparatively fine. I washed to-day. Janet is up at Mrs. J. W., making candy for a party to be held on Friday in John & Amy’s honour, because they are going away. Mr. R. Dewar said he would make me some nice strong large boxes to pack bureaus & sewing machine in. I hope he won’t forget. I wish you were here to help me get ready. Clarey Bell shingled the heads of the three boys Tom & Bob’s heads are like velvet.
I can get so little time for packing, the weather has been dreadful, cold snowy and all the heat in the house went up the chimney, but the storm to-day does not take everything up, so we are more comfortable. We have had a comfortable winter all told. Our fresh beef is nearly done but we have lots of pork & eggs. Andrew Ross & wife are coming to New Glasgow to live so D.R. has spoken for a number of my hens, as he says they intend to keep a good many. Mrs. J. Gass sent me 2 lbs. black factory yarn.
Write back as soon as possible so I’ll know you get this cheque all right. Just now I noticed an endorsed order of $3.00 from E.A. McCurdy on the bank of Nova Scotia so I suppose I had better get it cashed when I get the rest.
Your loving wife
Alice Cairns