Cecilia Helmcken, Arbutus Lodge
To Mrs. Tolmie (nee Jane Work), Nisqually
17 March, 1857
My dearest Mrs Tolmie,
To begin my beautiful epistle Mr McDonald and Miss C B Reid were joined in holy matrimony by the Rev. Father Cridge, the party walked to church, Mr McDonald was there about 10 minutes before and at the door met his bride elect, and I tell you what I should like to see next spring, a little Mc., and I sincerely hope two at once, for she is always turning us all into ridicule for having little brats so soon. What a disagreeable day this is raining from morning till night, and I am afraid we will never have sun shine and warm weather again.My poor little May is very poorly indeed her head is all broken out into small- pimples which break and form larger ones. As for Amy she is as lively as ever, full of talk and mischief. I almost forgot to tell you something.
Miss M. Reid has [been] shedding tears for two whole days what a goose, I am sure I would not have taken all that trouble for nothing. Mrs Ella is as round as a puncheon of Ale. So is Mrs. Cridge. Do you know Mrs Cridges servant who married the wooden leg man? Well she is also in the same prolific condition.
Many thanks for the very nice trees you and the doctor have been so kind as to send. We have had them planted in front of our house. We have now about 50 apple trees that is counting the whole, we will also have a great number of beautiful flowers. Thursday will be my darling little Amy's birthday. She will be two years old. How I wish you would pay us a visit when everything is in its prime.
I am sure I should be delighted to see you. I suppose the "Otter" and "Beaver" both leave tomorrow, one for the Coast the other for your part of the world. I am very sorry that we are to lose Mr McTavish so soon. I know papa will miss him very much, he generally keeps him a close prisoner in his office. And I sincerely trust this may not be the last visit we will have. I have seen but very little of him. Mama sends you her best love and begs you would be so good as to send that beautiful witch of hers that is Pauline for she needs her very much.
There are so many rooms that require a servant, it is quite impossible for one person to attend to all the basons (sic). Lissette is growing a great girl. I understand Mrs Mowat is going to get her sister for she has no person to assist but an Indian named Jack one from Nisqually. Mrs Blenkinsop is going to the interior to dig gold. I only hope they will send us all a bucket full.
Maryane McDonald of Montreal is to be married to a Mr John Barnston, Nephew of Mrs Joseph McLoughlin, a doctor. She sent me her likeness just now. Remember me kindly to Letitia and all my friends at Squally. Kiss the little boy and say for me kind regards to the doctor
Yours truly
C L Helmcken