Martha Beeton Ella and life in Metchosin, 1850s

From the diary of Martha Beeton Ella, BC Archives call number E/B/El5, part II, Jan. 1, 1855-Nov. 25, 1856

In this extract between July 9 and August 4, 1856, Martha Ella records activities in her home just before and after her husband Captain Henry Bailey Ella returned from a trading voyage to the Hawaiian Islands. The variety of spelling used by Mrs. Ella and her lack of punctuation were retained.

July 9, 1856: The house full of company, Mr Langford Miss L and Mary, and Miss Tod, came on horseback also Mr Skinner, Dr Johnson, Mr Yates and Capt Sangster, all returned in the evening. Emma Langford went back with her Papa too. Aunt is still laid up with her ancle. I have a great deal to do, 9 cows to milk night and morning, for a treat.

July 22, 1856: The Recovery returned from the Islands to day she had a very good passage. My husband came down in the evening, returned to the Fort early next morning.

July 26, 1856: Saturday, he came down again I went up to the Fort with him on Monday morning, Mr Ford acompanied [sic] us, I returned from the Fort as far as Mrs Coopers the next day. Uncle went to the Fort on Tuesday, and called at Mrs. C's for me on Wednesday, and we came home in the evening. Miss Mary Langford and her youngest sister with another little girl, are staying with us for a visit and change of air.

August 1, 1856: Mr and Miss Elizabeth Cridge came this evening from Victoria on horseback, whom we were very happy to see, they stay over Sunday with us.

August 2, 1856: Saturday we had a ride round the Plains. Mrs Cooper came down to dine, brought little Henrietta with her, they got weatherbound could not get home untill [sic] Sunday morning early.

August 3, 1856: Sunday Mr Cridge read prayers this morning we were quite a family circle we spend a very pleasant day, indeed, in the afternoon we had a small walk, to the mountain at the back of the house.

August 4, 1856: Mr Ella went away early in the morning Mr and Miss Cridge and myself started for the Fort about 11 o'clock, we got up there about 2 P.M. I was visiting at the Parsonage, stayed there from Monday untill [sic] Saturday, came down with my husband in the evening to Metchosen.