-- 18 April 1859
Mary S. Moody

-- 14 March 1861,
Sophia Cracroft.

-- REMINISCENT OF PIONEERS, Daily Columbian,
Wednesday, October 13^th, 1909

Entry in an Army Register Book of Births and Baptisms

No. - 3282
Date of the Child's Birth - 16 July, 1857
Place of Baptism - Brompton barracks
Date of Baptism - 10 October, 1857
Christian Name of Child - Agnes Elizabeth
Parents - David S. and Agnes Osment
Rank of Father - Serjeant
Name of Chaplain - The Reverend D. Cook, Protestant
Signature of the Adjutant that the Registry is Correct - HRLuard, Captain RE

Sir,

I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 5th Instant enclosing one from the office of the Comptroller of Transport Services in which I am desired to report the circumstances under which 20 tons of hay and Oats were landed from the "Thames City" at Gravesend and also whether I consider the "Brokers of the Ship are entitled to be paid freight for the same" in reply to which I have the honor to state as follows, viz.

After the arrival of the "Thames City" at Gravesend on the completion of her loading with Stores for Vancouver's Island, Colonel Moody visited the Military Store Office Tower and expressed his wish that the quantity of oats and hay that had, by his directions, been previously shipped should be taken out of the Vessel at Gravesend in order to afford additional accommodations for the families of the Detachment of Sappers on board her, as well as for other reasons assigned by him.

I accordingly proceeded to Gravesend by directions from Mr. Eaton, then principal Military Storekeeper in the Tower, and on my arrival on board the Vessel was told by the owner that no portion of the Cargo should be removed unless a quarrantee was given him that full freight should be paid for the quantity of Stores taken out.

The Officer of Royal Engineers who was on board in command of the Sappers (Luard) stated he could give no such quarantee, and I also expressed my incompetancy to afford the security required, altho' I felt no hesitation in saying that I considered under the circumstances of the case, that there was a just claim for its being so paid, upon which the owner of the Vessel told me that if I would give him my opinion in writing he would immediately withdraw his opposition and allow the Oats and hay to be removed and which was done on the terms for which he stipulated and I conclude he is in possession of the memo with which I furnished him on the occasion.

It will be seen what my views on the case were at that time and which subsequent consideration has not in any respect induced me to alter.

I have, etc.
E.C.King

Brighton, 7th August, 1861

FASHIONABLE INTELLIGENCE

On Thursday evening last, a grand ball was given in the "City", which was very numerously attended. Among the company we noticed the General Commanding-in-Chief (Captain Luard), with his two Aides-de-Camp (Lt.'s Palmer and Lempriere), Sir George Can't, the inspector of Infantry and lady (Acting Serjeant-Major Cann and wife), the Gold Sticks in waiting to the Commander-in-Chief and his Aides-de-Camp , with their ladies (?) and many other distinguished personages.  The Chief Commissioner of Scales, Weights and Measures (Acting Quarter-Master Serjeant Osment) officiated as Master of the Ceremonies.  The star of the evening, however, was Miss Matilda Wide-a-Wake (Hospital Orderly Hazel), the beautiful and accomplished daughter of old Wide-a-Wake (?), commonly known as the King of the Cannibal Islands.  We believe a matrimonial alliance between this distinguished heiress and Sir John Woodbine (Sapper James Wood), one of Her Majesty's Inspectors of Machinery, is in contemplation.  Amongst those who had the honor of being invites, but were unable from various causes to attend, were the Admiral Commanding-in-Chief and his lady (Captain Glover of the Thames City and his wife), the Archbishop of our "City" and his lady (?), the Inspector General of Hospitals (Dr. Seddall), Her Majesty's Collector of Customs for the Colony of British Columbia (?), and the Chief Commissioner of Stores and Clothing and his lady (?).  The band of the Royal Engineers, which was in attendance, played the most favorite selections in their usual masterly style, and the entertainment was protracted to an early hour.

--13th November, 1858,
From the Emigrant Soldier's Gazette and Cape Horn Chronicle.

"..But on this occasion, as a second instance of the kind interest shown in our behalf, we cannot refrain from eulogizing the thoughtful kindness of our Commanding Officer, who, as a means of contributing to our amusements, has, amongst other things, not forgotten to provide us with the means of establishing a series of theatrical entertainments.  The consequence of this kind forethought is that we were enabled to publish in our last number a communication from the distinguished manager of the new theatrical company, in which, after announcing his plans, "he hopes that, supported as his is by a company of performers of rare and well known abilities, he will be able to give universal satisfaction".  Let us hope that such will be the case.

--20th November, 1858
From the Emigrant Soldier's Gazette and Cape Horn Chronicle

'Old Scrooge' the men called him-- how he had the men paraded every morning in bare feet, so that the pudgy little Doctor Seddall could inspect them?  What for I don't know, unless it was to see that they had not got the foot-rot."

"Oh, yes, I remember that, Johnny, and although the men did call the Captain 'Old Scrooge,' I think they all liked him, for didn't he often read to them out of Dickens's and other works, and didn't he furnish them with all kinds of games to amuse them during the long voyage, and wasn't he a good-hearted, considerate man?"

"Oh, yes, Johnny, and didn't they all like to hear him read the 'Emigrant Soldiers' Gazette' every Saturday night, that was edited by a fellow named Charlie Sinnett?"

 --REMINISCENT OF PIONEERS, Daily Columbian,
Wednesday, October 13^th, 1909

"...Such were the faces of Neptune's victims who had similar objections to the taste of tar and grease, or even a nice little pill about the size of a pickled onion...  In conclusion, we are happy to state that nearly all who were called upon, from the Commanding Officer (Luard) downwards, came to their fate like men, and we will be bound to say that say, although precious glad it is all over, are equally glad they have gone through the ordeal, and will take as much pleasure on some future occasion in serving others the same trick as did those on Monday last conducted so ably the operation that invariably takes place on the occasion of "Crossing the Line".

--27th November, 1858
From the Emigrant Soldier's Gazette and Cape Horn Chronicle.

"April 3rd Sunday – Strong head wind.  Glover states he was too unwell unable to read Service, so Luard did it." 

--Lt. Lempriere, RE, 1859

"We came to anchor in Esquimalt Harbour about 3 p.m.  I and Luard immediately went on shore to pay our respects to Col. Hawkins at the barracks, called the Pilgrim’s Rest: wrote a few lines while there to my mother telling her of my safe arrival and then I and Luard rode over to Victoria where we met Wilson of our Corps and Haig of the Artillery: We dined with them at a restaurant and then went over to see Col. Moody who told us all the news: We did not leave him till about 9 p.m. and after some trouble we got our horses and started on our way back to the Barracks: it being dark we lost our way and thought we should stand a good chance of having to sleep in the woods, but we gave our horses their lead and to our great astonishment suddenly found ourselves back at the Pilgrim’s Rest, where they were beginning to think we had lost ourselves.  We had a cigar there and then went back to the old “Thames City”.  

--12 April 1859
Lt. Lempriere RE

--15 April 1859
Mary S. Moody

--18 April 1859
Mary S. Moody

From The British Colonist, 30 May 1859
(Communicated)

The Celebration of the Anniversary of Her Majesty’s Birthday at Queenborough

"...The following is the programme of the sports and amusements as drawn up by Captain Luard, R.E., Lieutenant Sparshott, R.M.L.I., and Dr. Seddall, R.E., : - Foot and hurdle-races, putting shot, throwing the hammer, high and long jumps, tossing the caber, bobbing for treacle rolls, bobbing for “bubs” in water, wrestling and boxing, boat races, etc., etc.  Concluding with a sack race and greasy pole: a Blue Jacket having succeeded in attaining the envied grease crowned crest with little less difficulty than the Argonauts of ancient lore, received a like reward.  The soldier’s wives and children were entertained with tea and cake, kindly provided by Mrs. Moody and the hilarity of the day was much enhanced by a scratch band from the Engineers, Marines and Plumpers.  In the evening the Royal Engineers entertained the garrison and the officers of H.M.S. Plumper at dinner.

"It (the Moody Home) is a most comfortable house, plenty of space to move in. Richard contemplates giving it up to the officers, as a Barrack, (they are still in Tents) and building a smaller one for ourselves..."

--22nd September, 1859
The Letters of Mary S. Moody

--11 October 1859
Mary S. Moody

--13 October 1859,
Robert Burnaby

" – 3 white men were found murdered some miles below New Westminster – Spalding, the magistrate, came up and requested that an armed party might be sent in search of the murderers supported by the Indians living some miles above the Camp.  I and Luard each went in command of a boat with armed men and started up the River.  There was also a party of Yankees all armed, one man had no less than 3 revolvers on his waist belt.  When we arrived at the Indian ranch we took 3 Indians whom we had some suspicion of.  The Yankees wanted to hang one of them right off the bat and requested Captain Luard, the magistrate and myself to go away a short distance saying “That it would be all over by the time we got back and that no one would be any wiser” – however Captain Luard told them, that that was not the way we did business, and they then said they would put it to vote, endeavoring to get our men to join them.  We immediately made our men fall in, put the prisoners in my boat and returned to our Camp" 

--27 October 1859
Lt. Lempriere RE

--29 October 1859,
Lt. Lempriere RE

FESTIVITIES AT NEW WESTMINSTER

We have had a gay time during Christmas here.  Our Lt. Gov. Col. Moody, gave a dinner on Friday last, to which a large party were invited.  On Saturday, many private parties were given in camp, and the Men employed in cutting various trails came into the city; these, joined the Men employed on the wharves, formed themselves into a band, each armed with a candle, and gave a serenade at nearly every home.  A Christmas Carol in a noisy way.  All the inhabitants received them well, with scarcely any exception, and were only too glad to see the bones and sinew of the country enjoying themselves, and received the honor that was done them in the best of spirit, paying all largesse required.  Christmas Day being Sunday, was of course devoted to its proper use, without festivities.  On Monday, the Non-commissioned officers gave a Ball at the theatre, that they have erected by private subscription amongst themselves, which went off very well, to which most of the inhabitants received an invitation, and on Tuesday the festivities were ended by the Officers giving a grand dinner at their Mess-room, to which several ladies received invitations, and every thing passed off pleasantly.

--7th January, 1860
The Weekly British Colonist

--7th February 1860
Lt. Anderson RE

--22 March 1860
Lt. Lempriere RE

15th May 1860

Sir,

In answer to your communication of the 8th Instant, having reference to a charge in my Military Requisition W1 of Twelve Pounds, Thirteen Shillings and Three pence for the Board and Lodging at Victoria of one Non-commissioned Officer and two Sappers belonging to the Detachment of Royal Engineers between the 10th and 25th February last, I have the honour to inform you that the former, Corporal Wolfenden, as Clerk in my Office, was on duty there in connection with the Accounts of this Detachment at the Treasury.  The latter named Men Sappers Yates and Tribute, accompanied myself and Captain Luard as our Servants on our proceeding matter on duty at that time. 

I might mention that I took no orderly with me on that occasion and that Captain Luard's servant, Sapper Tribute, acted also in that capacity returning with me on the 21st February, from the Barracks occupied by the Detachment of Royal Marines being crowded, the expense recorded was unavoidable.

I have the Honor to be
Sir,
Your most obedient,
Humble Servant,

RCMoody
Colonel Commanding

-- 26 February 1863, Mary S. Moody

They all came at 8, soon after dancing began which was kept up till 3 A.M!  Richard allowed me to dance all night and I assure you I thouroughly enjoyed myself.

We sat down 26 to supper, and about 8 were left without seats.  I took very little trouble in the party, the Doctor did it all his own way.  He laid the Supper, cut the sandwiches etc.  Mr. Sheepshanks cut the bread and butter for tea, and superintended the final arrangements for supper.  Everybody in the Camp helped.  3 of the Men performed the music, the officer's Servants helped to wait, we borrowed the Mess table, tablecloth, Napkins, Candle-sticks, Cups, Plates, etc. glasses and candlesticks from Mrs. Grant.  Tea tray from one of the women.  You have no idea how well it all went off, everybody enjoyed themselves.  Certainly the Doctor deserves great credit for all his trouble.  We thought you would all have enjoyed to have taken a peep at our new mode of "roughing it in the bush".  I really was not very very tired after so much dancing.  I feared I should be as stiff as an old horse the next day, however, tho' I was obliged to get up at 6 the next morning I did not feel too tired.  I had not danced since I married before.  Captain Parsons and the Doctor wanted to persuade me to allow Zeffie and Dick to sit up, however I would not listed to that and packed them all off to bed before I went to dress."

-- 15th October, 1860,
from The Letters of Mary S. Moody

-- 9 November 1860,
Robert Burnaby

I had quite a fright this morning.  Walking out with Baby I met Captain Luard who said, "You know the Gun-boat is up and the Governor on board".  Soon I met Captain Parsons and I said "The Governor has come up on board the Gun-boat", he said "I am very sorry for you.".  Presently he came after me to try and persuade me that if the Governor were on board the Vessel would have come up to the camp.  And you can fancy what a reprieve it was when he sent to say it was not the Gunboat nor the Governor.  However the evil day must come sooner or later, I fear."

--12th February, 1861,
from The Letters of Mary S. Moody

-- 6 March 1861
Sophia Cracroft

"Last night the "Mess" came in to spend the evening, Captain Luard and the Doctor gave us some music, flute and harmonium."

--15th March, 1861,
from The Letters of Mary S. Moody

PUBLIC NOTICE

TENDERS FOR COMMISSARIAT SUPPLIES

The officer commanding the troops will receive sealed tenders until 12 o'clock noon, on Thursday the 21st march next, for the supply of the following articles of food, for the use of the Royal Engineers from the first of April, 1861 to the 31st March, 1862, in such quantities and at such times and places as may be required, viz;

1 - Good fat wholesome Beef and Mutton of prime quality, in the proportions of five sevenths of Beef and two-sevenths of Mutton. The Meat to be killed on the spot; to this end the contractor will be required to bona fide establish a Butcher's Shop at New Westminster no later than the 30th of April next.

2 - Good sound Vegetables of the best description, viz; Potatoes and Onions in the proportion of seven-eighths, Potatoes to one-eighth Onions, or the vegetables in season may be substituted occasionally for onions in the same proportions.

3 - White Bread of the best quality, to be not more than 24 hours old when supplied by the contractor.

The prices to be stated in English currency, and English weights to be adopted throughout.

Tenders to be addressed to the officer commanding the troops, and endorsed "Tenders for Meat, or Vegetables, or Bread," or any of them combined.

The lowest or any tender not necessarily accepted.

By order,
HRLuard, Captain RE

--9th March, 1861
The British Columbian

RE Camp
8th July, 1861

Sir,

I have the honor to inform you that subsequent to my inspecting in company with Corporal Bowden the roads beyond Douglas Street in course of construction, Mr. Hodgkinson represented to me that he had done a considerable amount of work on the 3 miles contracted for by him making as he considered the nature of the work agree with the terms of the Specifications and pressed that

[remainder of letter missing]

--12th September, 1861
from The Letters of Mary S. Moody

New Westminster
10th October, 1861

Dear Captain Ball

To prevent any misunderstanding, I think it best to write you 3 lines to say that Corporal Howell is only to lay out and not in any way take steps towards the construction of new road from Lytton to Thompson River Ferry.  In giving Corp. H. his orders, Captain G. was under the impression, through a badly worded letter from Mr. Young, the Governor's new Private Secretary, to him, that the road was to be begun at once.  I saw the Governor on the subject especially this morning and he says that the work is to be done by contract and we shall call for tenders as soon as Howell forwards his report, about which I fear, poor fellow, he will have some difficulties as he is not much of a scribe much less a draughtsman.  If I can, I will get Turnbull sent up to give him a hand.

I was sorry to see that you had been unsuccessful at Yale with your Horse.  I had just returned from Victoria where I witnessed some very poor [?] and disputes and villany galore.  I should be sorry for a horse on that "track".

In case the Colonel should be with you, pray ask him to allow Turnbull to join Corporal Howell.

Believe me in haste,
Yours very truly,

HRLuard

Will you kindly see that Howell sends all his reports to this office instead of below, or else he will get himself into trouble.

Camp, N.W.
16th October, 1861.

Dear Captain Ball,

I send up to Sanders by this Steamer a letter for Turnbull instructing him to join Howell and help him in making the Report or Sketches of the line blazed from Lytton to Thompson's River Ferry.  I hope that Howell will not have commenced constructing the road before you received my last note.  As I said in it, such a thing was never meant by the Governor, but his Secretary's letter to Grant very naturally led him (Grant) to infer it.

The Colonel returned here on Saturday and the Gold Escort with only 5000 Pounds last evening.  I was sorry to find that the former had not paid Lytton a visit - Perhaps you are glad.  I myself do not generally care about aristocrats.

Yours ever truly,
HRLuard

I will send you an order for 12 Pounds next Steamer or perhaps more to cover the amount of H(owell) and T(urnbull) expenses.  I think you'll find that, after all, Watson will not undertake the BB and L Road and the Governor says he can't afford to give it out to a higher bidder.  Turnbull is to go over the Line with Watson before joining Howell.

HRLuard

Gentlemen become experienced Nurses here, for they are obliged to help in holding the Babies.  If you are out walking and meet a gentleman he frequently says "Can't I relieve you of the Baby for a short time?" or if you are very tired and he does not volunteer such aid, it is quite customary to say" Do carry baby for me please."

--4th November, 1861
From the letters of Mary S. Moody

--4th November, 1861
from The Letters of Mary S. Moody

-- 3rd January 1862
Mary S. Moody

--3rd April, 1862,
from The Letters of Mary S. Moody

The home in the foreground is that of Thomas Lett Wood.

Photograph courtesy BC Archives Call Number F-01279

Camp, N.W.
26th June, 1862

Dear Crease,

The Chief Commissioner has the Governor's sanction to remit to Miss Van Armbruster or any other Bruster (who transferred Langley Titles to New Westminster and has not purchased) the amount of such Titles in any purchase of Land in BC made by them.

Yours sincerely,
HRLuard

Camp, New Westminster,
3rd August, 1862.

Sir,

Learning from Sergeant McColl that your orders are that such men as are available, probably 4 or at the most 5 a day, be detached for continuing the construction of the Royal Avenue Road as far as Douglas Street: also for making a road from the corner of Mr. Calder's Lot to join the Royal Avenue road, I beg to represent to you the desirablity of placing in repair certain portions of the road (over which there is daily traffic) running below your and Captain Parsons' Quarters along the bank of the river.

So narrow is it in one place, from its having been washed away, that I daily expect to hear of an accident having happened to the Butcher's cart. It is also very defective in drainage, and is in its present state a disgrace to the Corps to which we have the honor to belong.

I beg also respectfully to draw your attention to certain portions of the North Road (near the Blacksmith's Shop and past the Archdeacon's Lot) which require repair.

I further submit for your consideration whether the completion of the road to the Brunette along the NE Line would not prove a greater boon to the Public than the work along the Royal Avenue contemplated by you.

A communication has recently been made by Teamsters along Mary Street to the Royal Avenue.

I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,

HRLuard, Captain RE
in charge of Works.

"I have not written since the 9th when we had grand rejoicings in honour of the Prince of Wales.  It was a very stormy night however they sent a waggon round for the Company so we got there dry, we had a nice little party of our own I mean from the Camp, 3 young ladies, the Archdeacon's family, the Officers and ourselves, so we got on very nicely.  We intended to have left early, but we really enjoyed it very much, and were much surprised to find it 5 minutes past 4 when we reached home!

The ball was on the 11th, on the 10th the Officers dined with us and the Archdeacon and his daughter, so we were quite gay you see."

--24th November, 1862,
From the Letters of Mary S. Moody

--7th January, 1863
from The Letters of Mary S. Moody

-- The British Columbian, June 19th 1863

Camp, New Westminster
14th August, 1863

My dear Crease,

You're about the last fellow I like to differ from, but, with due deference to you, the first I have heard of Dallas' Lot at Douglas was from the Colonel the other day who begs me to expedite his Title Deed for it and adds that he thinks "all the particulars have been settled by Atty. Gen."  Corp. H(owse) declares he has never heard of it before and swears he has not the certificates of payment for it.  What's to be done?

I suppose we shall have an " ? " (Franklyn's Mate's mode of expressing a sanguinary disturbance) about that.  I can't have the Deed made out without some blessed certificate, you know.  It's a go and no mistake.

It's shown in Gaggin's return as having been purchased for 105$ or 110$ and paid for.  Who's to know hereafter that Dallas had not transferred it before the Deed was granted?

With regard to the money you tell Howse you paid by Burnaby's check for land for your friend Ronaldson in Burrard Inlet in May 1860, no record can be found of any money having ever been received from Ronaldson for that land or any other.

On 31 may, 1860, Moberly paid Spaulding 2 pieces of Scrip 64 Pounds on 320 acres presented by Burnaby and yourself (160 acres each) on the Inlet [? ? ?], nothing is known.  So there's another go.  To whom was Burnaby's check paid and who holds the receipt for it?  There must be some mistake about this!!  I'll see you presently, by which time I hope you will have found Dallas' certificates.  What Particulars are they which the Colonel talks about as requiring to be settled before the Deed can be made out?

Yours ever sincerely,
HRLuard

Dear Crease

I had the enclosed in my pocket last night, but had not the cheek to beard you with them in your own den.  Will you kindly let us have your written opinion across the certificates, so that in case of its not being favorable to the parties to whom it is alleged the lots have been transferred by the original purchasers, I may return them to Mister Gaggin.  I enclose for your private inspection an official document received from Gaggin yesterday.  Pray I criticize the certificate.  If Burnaby had said Mr. Blank's certificate instead of Mr. White's receipt, he would have been nearer the mark.  Please return it to-day if you find an opportunity.

Yours ever,

HRLuard,

Carey writes down wishing to know what tax he is to impose on Lumber and what plan he is to adopt in taking the duty on it whether by measurement or otherwise.  I think 1/4 per foot or 1 Pound on every 1000 feet not out of the way for all parties.  What say you?

Camp, New Westminster
19th August, 1863.

Sir,

Forwarding the accompanying application to you from Corporal Wolfenden, RE, for employment as Printer to the Colonial Government after he has been discharged from Her majesty's Service, I have real pleasure in being able (he having been employed more insubordinately under me since the formation of the Columbia Detachment in England) to testify to his high proficiency at his Trade, to his unceasing energy and zeal for the Public Service and to the high character he has always borne for integrity and steadiness.

I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,

HRLuard, Captain RE

--Governor Douglas to Duke of Newcastle

--10th October, 1863 - The British Columbian