1858

Our very dear, very interesting sister Sibelle Rebecca Shaw, has been a good deal with us, and we feel more alive to all concerning her than any of her sisters or brothers. I used to tease little Sibelle about “Littlefield testimony” (Dr. Parkman murder case)82 and grown up Sibelle about the moon being larger in Gaspe etc. than out here, and about one John Vibert — a Capt. of the St. Ann's — whom she has recently married (August ‘58) and gone up the Mediterranean with in the Brig. May all the happiness allotted to mortals attend our “Snoody” sister for ever and aye.

1st September

This day is being celebrated the opening of the communication by the Atlantic telegraph cable to the public. How rapidly time flies. It appears only a few days, I might almost say hours, since was celebrated on the 5th August the successful termination of that mighty connection between the Old and New World. To-day the rejoicing I believe has been very general on both sides of the Atlantic. In this town however little was done — one or two houses ornamented, and in the evening the same illuminated and the Band of the town thrice in numbers with a few wretched torch lights by boys, going through the town. The Band, many thanks to them, gave me three cheers for auld lang syne opposite my door. No matter how great the event in these days of wonder, the importance of the fact dwells not long on the minds of the people, hence the first celebration here on the impulse of the moment, exceeded by far in enthusiasm that of this day. It is an old affair now. The Atlantic being spanned by a bridge now-a-days would only be a nine days’ wonder.

8th September

M. and I accompanied James and Phoebe as far as Shediac on their way home from a one night's visit to us. (Sidney went over in a waggon of James’ and put in a great day.) We all went in the cars. Excursion day — fare 1/3. Phebe had never “rode upon a rail” before. James is a high-souled good fellow.