While ordering supplies in Lytton, you decided to visit with Ball. Upon reaching Ball's house you met his guest, Judge Begbie. It was a wonderful time spent socializing with these people for a couple of days. Everyone had an exciting story of the gold rush to share. Begbie, Ball and other guests want you to take care of their horses for the winter.
Building the roadhouse was the next task. On December 5, 1862, you hire a couple of whipsawyers to saw 6000 feet of plank. They say it can be done in 10 weeks, and for 4 cents per foot plus grub, so you hire them.
The days and nights in January are very cold; everything in the house freezes, and your blanket in the morning is white with frozen breath. Come February, the lumber is cut and it's time hire someone to build the roadhouse. Two miners have offered to build the roadhouse for $100 and it will take only one month, but they have no references. Another team of workers say they can build the roadhouse in two months for $175, and were recommended to you by Judge Begbie. Who do you choose to build the roadhouse, the miners or the other team?
Next day you purchase two oxen for $425. They will be helpful this winter by hauling logs, and you will need many logs for the new roadhouse you plan to construct. You also pre-order potatoes and a variety of cows, heifers or steers totalling forty, all for next year. For the Roadhouse you pay for another 1800 acres of land measured for the roadhouse.
Corwall Ranch, ca. 1862
(BC Archives: a-04921)
When you get back, everything is running smoothly at the ranch. Charles has been running things, and has done a good job. You are charging $1 a night for anyone who wants to stay the night in the cabin's attic. And now you have income from the horses you taken for over wintering.
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Last updated March 12, 1999. Produced by the Schoolnet Digital Collections Team. |
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