Chapter XXVI, "How Big Tom Hourie Swam the Saskatchewan In Running Ice with Dispatches". An account of Tom Hourie's legendary service, swimming part of the South Saskatchewan River in order to deliver a message from Middleton to Irvine.

This chapter of Reginald Beatty's diary describes his journey from his homestead in the Carrot River area to Troy (later Qu'Appelle Station) for supplies in late February 1886, a round trip of 300 miles. Also included is a description of the courtship between one of Beatty's travel companions and the local schoolteacher. Item found within folder 'Reginald Bird Beatty Papers.'

Historical note:

One photograph of some rocks on the prairie. A note with the picture reads: Indian grave south of CPR on Joe Early's farm near Humboldt, SK. Donated by Sid Wright in 1980.

Image of Humboldt Telegraph Station, likely during the Northwest Resistance. On back of photo: From left to right: Sergeant Mickey Farren of Winnipeg, who was supply officer for the troops during the Reil (sic) Rebellion of 1885; Tom Sanderson, who was taken prisoner at Hoods Mail Station, and who was afterwards sent by Reil (sic) with messages to Major Crozier at Carelton (sic); the man in the door is Tom Pike, operator of Humboldt Mail Station; seated is Wm. Scott, in charge of the Mail Station; and standing are two Metis who had been caught stealing summer supplies."

Image of officers of Governor-General Landsdowne's Body Guard in Humboldt. L to R: Major Dunn, Lt. Col. G.T. Denison, Capt. Denison, Lt. Merritt, Quartermaster Chas. Mair, Lt. Fleming, Surgeon Baldwin.

Image of Humboldt Telegraph Station, likely during the Northwest Resistance. On back of photo: "This photo was taken after Wm. Scott (in charge of the Humboldt Mail Station had finished riding 140 miles to Prince Albert to Humboldt with dispatches. These dispatches were from Colonel Irwin [Irvine] (who was in charge at Prince Albert) to General Middleton. The ride was made in 23 hours on the horse shown in this photo. The horse's name was Lary and was known to have great staying power. Sitting is T. [Thomas] Pike."