Letter from Peter H. Sims from Glenelg, September 18, 1869 to his wife Jemima Sims: "My dear wife
I arrived here safely last night and I Can tell you I was pretty tired. I feel somewhat sore this morning but will be all right soon. There was nothing remarkable happened on the way worthy to being related. When I came in sight of the old House in the moon light I then began to feel lonesome. I felt like turning in and staying all night but I knew you were not there to greet me on my return so I went on to mothers where I got a cup of tea and then went to bed. I slept well for  I was very tired. I begin to see now how lonesome I am going to be without you. No one can supply your place and now you are away I begin to feel it . . . I now bid you good bye with a good hearty kiss.
Hoping to hear from you soon.
I remain your loving husband
P.H. Sims.”
Includes a stamped envelope addressed to Jemima at Flora P.O. (later Floradale) and postmarked Walkerton.

Letter from Peter H. Sims dated Salem, October 4, 1869 to his wife Jemima Sims: "I am making every endeavour to get out of the bush country but I cannot do so untill [sic] I collect the accounts and straighten the business somewhat. After I got back I went out collecting but found it was impossible to get any money, consequently I took cattle. By this means I got a dozen together and I then started for Elora to turn them into money, which I will do tomorrow."

Letter from Peter H. Sims dated Waterloo, July 28, 1876 to his wife Jemima Sims: "I am getting along very well, have plenty to do to keep me from getting lonesome. But when night come and before I retire to rest I feel that I [am] alone and that home would be dreary enough without you . . . What do you think the town has had a visit from Mrs Von Schultis. She is dressed up in wonderful fine style. Black. Silk. Bustles and flounces. I suppose she came to see her children, and get a plan (place?) for her little girl at [B---'s?] I think she has left. She created quite a sensation in town . . . Remember me to Harvey and tell him Pa would like to see him and that I hope he is a good boy. Be careful of the water and do not let him go too close to it. I do not wish to hurry you home but I feel that I would like to see you back sometime next week. I am your loving Husband, Peter."
Letterhead is The Mercantile Fire Insurance Company, President I.E. Bowman, P.H. Sims Secretary.

Letter from Peter H. Sims dated Waterloo, September 6, 1876 to his wife Jemima Sims, who is in Montreal visiting Peter's brother James' family. He describes Harvey's distress at her leaving on the boat, his trip home to Berlin, arrangements for Harvey staying with Jemima's sister Rosy, and plans for visiting him the following day. Includes envelope.

Records documenting the lives, activities and interests of Peter Harvey Sims and his wife Jemima Cook, of Peter's interactions with his father James Sims, mother Janet Harvey Sims, step-brother John Robertson, sister Janet McQueen, and business partners, and childhood records and young adulthood records relating to their children Harvey and Rella.
Letters from Jemima's sisters shed light on girls' and women's lives in the latter half of the 19th century, the activities available, the desolation of being socially isolated, detailed recounting of the deaths of loved ones, all interspersed with everyday news of family and friends.
In his letters to family, Peter displays an articulate and caring nature, a love of his children and family, and good sense of humour. He writes long letters; the larger the paper the larger his writing, and he never hesitates to offer Harvey advice and opinions on Harvey's actions and activities, most of which fall short of Peter's expectations. Whenever Peter and Jemima travel together or alone, Peter surveys the social, economic, cultural, architectural state of the place visited, the habits, dress and morals of the inhabitants, and its agricultural and business prospects.