Josephine, Lindley, Mary, Arthur, and Susan Crease, 1903.
IMAGE F-06876 COURTESY OF ROYAL BC MUSEUM, BC ARCHIVES
Josephine, Lindley, Mary, Arthur, and Susan Crease, 1903.
IMAGE F-06876 COURTESY OF ROYAL BC MUSEUM, BC ARCHIVES
I am deeply impressed with the momentous character of the discussion into which we are about to enter, the grave importance of a decision by which the fate of this our adopted country of British Columbia must be influenced for better, for worse, for all time to come.
When the official letter from Ottawa arrived, it was placed ceremoniously on a silver tray in the grand hall of Pentrelew. There were still signs of Christmas everywhere in the house, even though the New Year had been rung in two nights before and it was now early January 1896. Laurel wreaths and greenery adorned the walls and staircase.
A uniformed maid carried the silver tray into the study where she knew she would find Mr. Crease at this time of the day. He was well advanced in years now, well past his three score and ten, but his mind was still alert and he readily gave her a cheerful but formal “Enter” when she knocked. She smiled, placed the letter in front of him, and made a hasty retreat.
Henry Pering Pellew Crease reached for his letter opener. The thick white parchment paper inside the envelope had the royal seal on the top and bore the words “Ottawa, Ontario, January 1st–2nd, 1896.”
It gives me much pleasure to inform you that the Queen approves the bestowal of knighthood upon you on the occasion of your retirement from an honourable judicial career, commencing so many years ago.
Crease’s hand shook slightly as he read on. The shaking was partly due to the normal tremors of old age but mostly from excitement and pride he could not hide, despite a rigid upbringing and lifestyle that was not conducive to outbursts of emotion. The letter was signed Aberdeen. He would call Sarah immediately. She would be so proud of him, as would all their children. Three years earlier he had been appointed Deputy Judge in Admiralty of the Exchequer Court of Canada, but his law career in British Columbia had spanned some thirty-eight years. His last day in court would officially be January 17. It had been a long and interesting career; this honour from Ottawa was the icing on the cake.
He clutched the letter to him as he rose slowly. Once the news got out, he knew that many people would be calling at Pentrelew to congratulate him. The house would be full again. He liked it that way. The hustle and bustle of social activities always gave him pleasure.
But first he must go to Sarah and tell her. She would enjoy a quiet moment with him, to contemplate. Sir Henry and Lady Crease—he thought it had a nice ring to it.