Grant soldiers of the Buffalo Hunt (6)
In January 1849, James Hargrave had written from York Factory to his old friend on behalf of one of his men, Mr. W. McKay as follows:Y. F. 17, Aug/49
C. Grant Esq. /R.R.
My Dear Grant-
I enclose a letter from Mr. W. McKay, one of my post servants the subject of which was made known to me this summer. His son and your Daughter Elisabeth it seems had formed a reciprocal attachment to each other some time ago – and altho like others they kept this to themselves- yet now the young fellow has come forward ina manly frank manner and requests permission of me “to take a wife.” He is a lad so far as I have known of good character- is prudent and saving having wages as an asst. interpreter in the amount of 20 pounds. and. Should you approve of the proposal and that your daughter is still unengaged- I see myself no objection to his setting in life. And could your daughter come here next spring under the wing of a carefull and respectable freighter such as Mr. Mowat, I would take care of her in the Factory until her intended arrived from Grant Lake-when I would unite them as man and wife- agreeably to the rites of the Country & England.
With kinds regards to my old friend Mrs. Grant now & always.
My Dear Grant
most faithfully yours
J.H.
Grant replied to the above in June 1850
Grantown 3rd June, 1850
J. Hargrave Esquire
My Dear Sir,
Your kind favor of the 17th Aug. came safe to hand on the arrival of the fall boats as well as an enclosed letter from Mr. W. McKay regarding his Son William demanding my daughter Elisabeth for a wife. Now, after the character you give me of the young man’s good behavior etc. there lies no difficulty in complying to his request, but the devil is to get the girl to consent to go down alone and unprotected for she’s not acquainted with any of the freighters, and her mother is also against it. But if the young man could be permitted to come and pass 2 or 3 days with us , no doubt all these present difficulties would be done away with, so you see how the land lies.
I shall not attempt to intrude on your present time and give you nothing but dismal news , so trusting this will find you enjoying your usual good health and spirits.
I am
Your ever faithful affectionate
Cuthbert Grant
Mrs. Grant begs to be kindly remembered to you.