James and
Robert worked for the HBC and Puget’s Sound Agricultural Company at
Fort Victoria and
Esquimalt from 1851 to 1855.
2 In
this document,
Pelly quotes James's father’s letter to the HBC, which claims he and his brothers,
Charles and
Robert,
never regret leaving their home but say they are very happy and comfortable.
In 1856, after they had completed their contracts with the HBC, James and
Robert were able to purchase some land and, later, start families.
3