Alexr Dick _Letter No. 7 from Busby, Scotland, 1853

This is the last letter for 1853, containing news of local people and business as well as cholera and the war.

Letter #7 to son Alex in Australia

                          Busby, 26th Dec'r 1853

My Dear Son,

I have seen James Alexander and received your letter. We are glad to know you are getting on well in good and good spirits a strong heavy man. David & J. Docherty got their letters a month ago. Our second letter was to sail on the 5th. August and we expect one in return in January. I have seen complaints in the papers about Newspapers not being delivered in Australia. Perhaps you will get them when sent to Mr. Allan. Alpine sent the Dumbarton paper containing Lochlomond regatta. J. Twaddel sent you an Illustrated London News. I have sent several. One a week ago. The last two were copies of Loyal Peter's Gazette. I receive Newspapers now & then a penny each. Letter by sailing vessel 8d, by steamer 1 /-, by overland mail from 1 /7d to 2/3. Jas' came by 'Victoria'. I hope John Leckie is prospering. Say what he is doing. Peter Robertson inclines to go in April.

Jack & William are still at Barrhead and I doubt will make little progress with the saw & plane till they reach Australia. Are there no such thing as apprentice wrights &c.in Melbourne? I doubt not that we could come altogether if advisable, but Bill & Jack could scarcely stand your march to the roads. Tilda Moore's direction is Mrs. Jas. Murdoch, post office, Melbourne. Mr. Hunter's daughter's direction her husbands name is John Bain to the care John Johnstoun, Tailor & Clothier, Stephen Street, Melbourne.

My Dear Brother, I dont know what my father thinks, but if a 'chap' of 5 feet 7 1 /2 inches in height and 10 stones in weight could not do a good bit of work it is strange. So I think the sooner I see you in Australia the better. I am still working away at Barrhead. I will try and get a bit of the wright trade. Wishing you a Happy New Year, Your Affectionate Brother, John Dick.

My Dear Brother, You were telling us in your last letter about THE GREAT WAGES joiners and all such were making. I should like to know why you did not commence as apprentice to one of those trades. I am 5 feet 8 inches in height and I should like very well to come out and do a bit at the joiner trade if I could only get my hand broken in before then. We are all quite well and wishing you a Happy New Year. Your Affectionate Brother, William Dick.

Dec'r 29. A letter from Tilda Moore came by overland mail cost 2/6. She has sent rather a queer direction, Mr.Ferguson at Macarthney and Galbraith's, Great Collins Street West. I have little by way of news to put down. Stockwell Street new Bridge will be opened on the 2nd.January. Turkey and Russia at war, no great advantage to either side. Russia considered a wicked agressor. Britain and France are negotiating in favour of Turkey and demonstrating, likewise a British and French are at Constantinople to protect it and it is probale part of them has entered the Black Sea to prevent the Russian fleet from doing mischief.

William has been jobbing at home this week. Block printers at Busby have been slack these 3 months. Indeed printers generally are rather slack and attempts are making to do the Paisly Plaids and shawls by a machine. The shawls are sewed on a cylinder 27 feet in circumference and 14 long surface rollers are used of the same breadth as the block and shifted after the manner of the engravin machines. The cuts are served on the shawl and for bordering the shawl is sewed on the cylinder, first one way of cloth, then the other way that the border may be run along and then across. Rob't Campbell gets married on Friday and Jack goes to the wedding. Your friend Alpine also gets married on Friday to a girl from Leven. I have got 3 papers within 3 days, David one paper.

Asiatic Cholera is in the country.There were 78 deaths in Glasgow. 8 days no cases in Busby yet, but several country villiages have been visited. There has been no changes worth putting down amongst your friends. That you have done well yourself is the opinion of everyone. Were I out I think I would try the diggings, it would perhaps suit my time of life as anything I could do. I expect you will get into a job more suitable and more remunerative than any you have had yet. Teetotallers should have the best chance & I have no doubt but you are always on the lookout. How Jack & William would take with the hod is very questionable, yet if you see your way to dispose of us no doubt we will all try to reach Australia. I am sure I should like to see us all together again. It might be we might prosper in your adopted land where so many fortunes are made.

If you engage in any business, be punctual, honest and honourable in all your dealings. That is the way to get on. I hope you devote more than ever to the reading of the scriptures. The truly righteous are the happiest in this world and happy in the world to come.

I am your Affectionate

Father,

Alex'r Dick

The first steam vessel from Glasgow to Australia sails on the second of January and this goes with her.

Notes & Names on Letter #7

James Alexander

David (Alexander?)

J. Docherty

Mr. Allan

Alpine

J. Twaddel

'Victoria'

John Leckie

Peter Robertson

Tilda Moore (Mrs.Jas.Murdoch)

Mr. Hunter

John Bain, John Johnstoun

Mr. Ferguson, Macarthney and Galbraith

Rob't Campbell

- transcription and Names/Notes by Ian A Scales, c.1989

Alexr Dick _Letter No. 6 from Busby, Scotland, 1853

More local news, including local printing works, the new water wheel, and cholera; also mention of the war in Turkey.

Letter #6 to son Alex in Australia.

                              Busby. 31st.Oct. 1853

My Dear Son,

I said my next would likely go with William Wilson. But I have yours per Queen of the South on the 13th. and yours per Essex on the 19th. So I thought it best to acknowledge the receipt of them. You would likely giv up that per Essex for lost. There is no change for the better in Busby print works. J. Hunter, the drawer is put off in the meantime. There is only one pattern in the cutting and drawing shop, whereas you will remember Drawers and Cutters used to be quite throng at this season. A great number of the printers are at labouring work. Busby masters are putting up a new water wheel and widening the lead at the old London shop for the wheel and some of the Printers are at that.

I am happy you are making your position better and better. I trust you will better and better it for many a year and live long to bless the day you sailed for Australia. Jack and William are still at the wright trade and will continue at it until May. They make no doors or windows yet. We will see what your future letters say. Mr. Lechtie and Catherine White got married.

Cholera is still among us but the cases are getting fewer. Jas. Hall had two children, a girl the elder and a boy. The boy died on Saturday of Cholera. A. Thompson, precentor in Busby church died a fortnight ago. John Calderwood the Smith lost his wife and his apprentice and a woman he got to keep house. This is Hallowe'en and a fine clear night. The dulness of trade prevented the usual soiree from taking place. The committee and a few friends have met, Jack among them, and say to Faither Leckie the teetotallers are still rampant in Busby and Mr J. Wilson at their head. Our street is crowded with noisy juveniles and green Kail stocks and turnip lanters are in high honour. Nothing like it on Geelong streets past or future.

William Wilson and his sister intend to sail in the James Baines from Liverpool on the 15th.Nov. John Brown, Alex'r Dick and Will'm Steven, Engraver, sail for Sidney next week. News of the fall of Sebastopol arrived as I closed my last. The authorities at Constantinople have been imposed upon by a Tartar. The French and English forces landed and gained a victory on the heights of Alma. A newspaper I sent will give you a full account of this. The bombardment of Sebastopol is carried on by sea and land, it must soon fall. I will send you a paper.

Faither Leckie does not expect me to put down some dozen names adding all well, all in their usual. But anthing important among your old friends I put down. Our friends at Carnlachie are in their usual. Most of the folk in Australia from this quarter send cheering accounts home but some complain of want of work &c. I fancy we must try what we can do in Australia notwithstanding. Jack and William are quite disposed to venture. They have no doubt of being brilliant lads. So unless you have judged it wise to consel further delay and for William to gain more experience at his business we start. We have got an agreeable sort of old Irishwoman to keep house. Jack thinks of coming home every night all winter, William on Saturday only.

The spirit rapping made some noise in its day in our isle and Glasgow had an astounding notic in
the papers of a visit of two Ladies Learned in the mystery from America. The Wizard of the North
however took the opportunity to fill his house by opening the public eyes to the humbug. Chairs
and tables danced or moved about at the word of command. Bells answered questions. The wizard
laid all bare. The two ladies did come forth. So our. ? is just--------- ? as wont.

One mistake in your letter. You say the unsold land in Australia belongs to the Colony. A great mistake. All your unsold land belongs to Great Britain by right of discovery and being at the expense of taking possession.

Your letter for David has not arrived, I have sent 4 letters in 4 successive months and I intend my next on 1st. January. A paper per F. Henty has just come, postage 1d. Our postage is reduced. I pay 6d for this letter.

Your Affectionate

Father

Alex'r Dick

Names & Notes on Letter #6

William Wilson

'Queen of the South'

'Essex'

J. Hunter

Mr. Lechtie

Catherine White

Jas. Hall

A. Thompson

John Calderwood

Faither Leckie

J. Wilson

William Wilson &sister

'James Baines'

John Brown

Alex'r Dick

Wm Steven

- transcription and Names/Notes by Ian A Scales, c.1989

Alexr Dick _Letter No. 5 from Busby, Scotland, 1853

This letter contains lots of snippets of news about local friends, and mentions the start of the war against Russia.

Letter #5 to his son Alex in Australia.

               Busby Oct. 14th. 1853

My Dear Son,

! received No.2 per overland mail. We are very happy at your success. Turning your hand to anything till better casts up is the way to get on. I have no doubt of your industry and teetotalism leading to happiness honour and wealth. To be a faithful servant, honest and honourable in all your dealings is the way to get on. Each of us is able to keep himself so do not damp your ardour and enterprise by sending money to us. Keep a lookout ahead. You are in the land for profitable investment. Give your prudence and courage a fair trial. Keep your eye on the go-ahead boys. We could and likely send you more money, but I have taken a great fancy to leave Busby and I have some notion of looking at your diggings nonsense?

Mr. Wallace died a few days after leaving Rio Janerio on his voyage for England. A fellow passenger took charge of his effects and has acted very decently. Mr. Wallace made a will in favour of his wife, I wrote for John Buchanan's address. His brother has written "Where John is I cannot tell as he is always shifting from place to place at the diggings. The last I heard of him he had gone from Goulbourn to the Ovens. But * Peter Buchanan, Government Printing Office, Sydney, will I think be able to give the address." (viz.* John's brother).

John Leckie's friends are sending out £100 worth of crystal wares &c.to him. John Waddel has charge of the ware room here and David Alexander has succeeded Mr. Gay. David's friends have done a faiur thing at the diggings. John Shaw (his brother in law) intends to leave Australia about new year with £300. Mclntyre was at the diggings last account. John and William still at Barrhead and moderately throng. Both are keeping healthy and in good spirits. I see building materials are selling with you in any quantity and at any price. So tiling is likely to last some time. Mr. Anderson of the mill store has a son sway to Melbourne Baker in the Contest he is not quite resolved whether to remain in Australia or continue with the vessel. Peter Robertson is detained at home by want of Browns.

Camlachie friends are in their usual way. It appears by the papers you have had the most severe winter in Australia that has been since 1835. Snow, frost and rain have all exceeded. Has this had any effect on making you turn your thoughts to New Zealand? It has a pleasanter climate but I have not heard of any other advantage it possess over Australia.

Dear Brother, I am happy to think you are in good health and making money. I saw Joseph Docherty last night and he is going to write to you and introduce you to a master wright. William Moodie's father has split partnership with James. And Mr. Fenton who was in Busby is in company with James. His wife* had three sons last week all well. The cutting is rather slack just now in the shop that I am in. But William is quite throng. (*Jame's wife). Your Affectionate Brother, John Dick.

My Dear Brother, I am happy to hear that you are in good health and that you can turn your hand to anything which is the way to make money. I expect to see you home in a year or two an independent gentleman. I expect to come out sometime but I suppose there would be little use in that except I was a wright or something of that sort. Your affectionate Brother, William Dick.

There were a good many newspapers sent you. Wm. Moody sent several. We have sent a number and others sent. John T Waddel sent an Illustrated London News about 2 months ago. But it seems to be of no use to send you papers. However we will send one now and then. Thos. Kinlock has a large store in Melboune and sellSs all sorts. Since writing the above I have heard that Mclntyre keeps an Inn in Melbourne. Matilda has sent word to direct her letters to the Melbourne Post Office. By dropping her a letter you can let her know where you are. Mc's letters are directed James Trotter Mclntyre, Melbourne Post Office. You can drop him one.

The Australians, like the folks at home, will bit by bit adapt their political institutions to the wants and sentiments of the community. Agitation is necessary and praiseworthy. But no separation from Queen Victoria. She shields you. Without her protection you might be eaten up.

Our new bridge at Stockwell Street is about ready. A handsome structure to have an appearance something like Jamaica Street Bridge, but the footpath is laid with granite instead of Asphalte. The suspension bridge at Portland Street sports a fine figure and is in full play.

Russia has declared war against Turkey. France and England are expected to assist the Turks. There has been a great number of strikes in England and Scotland for an increase in wages. Some successful, others the reverse, some rioting and bloodshed attending them. I hope some more agreeable employment than you have had will cast up and I suppose you are looking out and putting yourself forward. You have no doubt learned to measure Mason's work and Carpennter's work by this time. Alpine and Tom Findlay (a brother clerk) rent Wilson's Hall at 15/- per month and keep a school in it in the evenings and are doing a good business. Your last came per Overland and cost 2/3. Send no more overland. Docherty got his same day per Argo for 8d. Wisdom's ways are ways of pleasure and all her paths are peace.

Your affectionate

Father

Alex'r Dick

Names & Notes on Letter ^#5

Mr. Wallace

John Buchanan

Peter Buchanan

John Waddel

David Alexander

John Shaw

Mclntyre

Mr. Anderson

Peter Robertson

Joseph Docherty

William Moodie's father

James.

Mr.Fenton

John T Waddel

Thos. Kinlock

Matilda (Muir)

James Trotter Mclntyre

Alpine and Tom Findlay

Docherty

- transcription and Names/Notes by Ian A Scales, c.1989

Alexr Dick _Letter No. 4 from Busby, Scotland, 1853

This letter mentions the threat of cholera in the village, and has paragraphs added by Alex's brothers William and John.

Letter #4 to son Alex in Australia

                                Busby, Oct. 1, 1853

My Dear Son,

No.1 made a quick passage in the Marco Polo. It is not all fun in Australia. But I have no doubt but you will pull through and soon make yourself more comfortable than a Lime Larry. We understood nothing about Australia when you went away and I doubt we not understand it thoroughly yet so I believe it is the best way to wait until further notice.

I am well satisfied with your proceedings. Your letters are admired. The spirit they evince will yet place you in a comfortable sphere. The last from Mclntyre he was going to the Bendigo diggings. His letters are directed to the post office in Melbourne. Mr. Wallace has had an untoward passage. He has written from Rio Janerio. The Calcutta came by Cape Horn. Several of the passengers had died of cold & hunger. Mr. Wallace is very poorly owing to privations and he is living in an Inn in Rio Janerio. He expects to be home by November. There was a letter from John Donohue this week, He is at the Ovens diggings doing well £2 per day is his average. I am well pleased to hear that John Leckie is likely to prosper. G. Mains has done marvellously.

I pay 1/- for each letter now I send away and receive. Your last was 1/4 being double. Write away, write away. There was a round number of newspapers sent you by Sundries. We pay 1 penny sending and receiving Newspapers.

I see by our papers your markets are glutted with provisions. You will likely be glutted with building materials too. Jeanne Wilson has written. She is joyful, joyful. Wants all her sisters out. Her direction is Mrs John Fleming care of Mr. Sloane, Brickmaker, 158 King Street, Melbourne. The works are at Richmond 2 miles out of Melbourne. My present housekeeper was with Mr. Loudon when you were with us and Margaret Wylie lodges with me. They are Australia daft and are intending to go out by the government emmigration next year as domestic servants.

I do not see how you can have any disastrous crisis so long as the gold fields continue productive. House rents are likely to come down by & by and retailers profits. A few merchants may have made bad specks and get into the Gazette but I see no reason for general panic. Alex’r and Auntie are in their old way. Annie and Sandy are quite merry. James Dick is still buying and selling. Trade has been good this season. The threatened war with Turkey and Russia is still hanging over us and damping our trade. Our provision markets are up. The building of the new cylinder shop at Busby is going on. Mr. Gay's friends or acquaintances are intending to put up a monument to his memory in Carmunnock Kirkyard at a cost of £29/10/-. John and William are still at Barrhead. They will be in directly and write you a bit. I wrote by the mail of 4 Augt and 4 Septr and this goes by 4 October and a paper with each letter. This is No.1.

My Dear Brother, I am glad to think that you are quite well and making lots of money. I am working away at Barrhead. I am making a good wage here although it would nothing in your country, about 15/- to 16/- per week. William is here also. He works in Millear's I am in Roy's. We are very busy just now. The Barrhead people have got up a newspaper entitled the Barrhead and Neilston Advertiser a monthly wor price 1 1/2d. I hope that you will see rne soon in Australia. Your Affectionate Brother, John Dick.

Dear Brother, I am happy to hear that you are in good health and working away at your elligant trade. I am at present working in Barrhead and can make preety good wages when working but we are a good deal idle from want of drawers and I expect to come out as you give us the word of command. Your affectionate brother, William Dick.

It is rather annoying to me sometimes that I allowed a young chap to face the hardships of Australia. You have been mercifully preserved in health and spirits and success is likely to justify the venture. Notwithstanding the above talk of going to Australia there is nothing pressing. Indeed William is very indifferent about it. Jack is somewhat desirous but so long as they are moderately employed they have not the slightest occasion for troubling yourself about them. William is only 15 and could not face the roads and marches. Unless they could get good wages as apprentices to a trade they are better for some time where they are. I hope you will be able to work your way to comfort and congenial employment that you will be enabled to shun the ways of wicked men and the blessing of Him that rnaketh rich will be upon you.

The cholera is visiting our land and cleansing operations are going on through the villiage. William was at Bonhill lately. The folks are well and enquiring for you. I hope you are paying attention to mental culture and you are educating yourself as you find opportunity. Such employment is pleasing and profitable and adds immensely to one's character. If you think of anything you would wish sent out let us know. At present you are in a sort of migratory state and one does not know where you may be or what direction you may have next advices. William Moody wrote you but I suppose you have not got his letter. He is in Bonhill. The Moodys have not got well on with their spec yet.

I am

Your Affectionate

Father Alex'r Dick

  

Names and Notes on Letter ^#4

Mclntyre

Mr. Wallace

John Donohue

G.Mains

Jeanne Wilson - Her direction is Mrs John Fleming care of Mr.Sloane, Brickmaker

Mr. Loudon

Margaret Wylie

- transcription and Names/Notes by Ian A Scales, c.1989

Alexr Dick _Letter No. 3 from Busby, Scotland, 1853

By August, Alex (jnr) was working as a navvy ('navy') at the diggings (the goldfields) in Victoria, probably near Ballarat.

Letter #3 to son Alex in Australia

                               Busby, 31/8/1853

My Dear Son,

Your cheering news from the diggings (on government roads) arrived on the 17th.August and your newspapers of April & May at the same time. You are now fairly set agoing as a navy and it is to be hoped that a few years of that (if spared) will lead to somewhat more comfortable. Tis well you have set a stout heart to your circumstances. We trust your health will enable you to persevere and all will prosper with you.

There are a great number of Kent folk in Melbourne. Jas. Mclntyre is in a shop. Thos. Kinlock has got there to keep shop. Jean Wilson's husband is with Mr. Sloan (he married Kirsty Smith of Busbyside), brickmaker, two miles from Melbourne. Catherine Cassidy is with a Mr. Orr about 50 miles from Melbourne. From paying some attention to the news from Australia I see there is no other than laborious work to be looked for in Australia. 'Tis a comfort that it is profitable. John Nimmo had a letter from Mr. Wilson from Bendigo diggings. He invites more diggers cost of living 5/- per day gains 20/-.

I am somewhat inclined to come out. William and John can keep themselves now so I will leave my more than disagreeable job. William is rather young for such rough work. I will, I think, let him and Jack remain. I think April a good time for leaving this to be in Australia in the spring.

An acquaintance will lend me some money. I will, if all goes favourably, have £50 on arriving in Melbourne and put my hand to anything. This is only in contemplation, not by any means fixed.

Mr. Wallace has not arrived yet. Mr. Alexander has done little good at the diggings. Since my last little has ocurred worth noting. Mr. Gay died about the end of July. Janet Holmes will get married next week. There are to be 10 more cylinders to be put up at Busbyfield where the Broom sheds stand, they will be shifted farther up the brae. The cutter's strike was settled 3 weeks ago. William and John are at Barrhead, they always come home on Saturdays. It is a pleasant thing to hear that John Leckie has been fortunate in getting an agreeable job. I trust John will be a burning and shining light as he intended. By your paper of May I see your winter has set in and I reckon you are down in Melbourne to pass the winter. You have by no means an agreeable job of it. I hope you will have health and spirit to push through.

I wrote you on New Year's Day and by the mail of 4th.of Aug't, this goes by the mail of 4th.Sept. We have sent several newspapers, one goes with this letter. Trade is very good in this country. Ireland is sending thousands to America and there are still hundreds leaving for Australia.

It will be something new for us all to be living in a tent working on roads or in a hole for gold. A change not dreamed of 2 years ago but now has no great improbability about it. Jack is in a great way. He wishes he could get out. Tot is still complaining a little and is not minding much. I have some fear sometimes when I read some newspaper paragraphs that I would not be able to stand the killing labour. Other paragraphs however accommodate the labour to ordinary frames. This inspires with hopes then thinks I'll go so here I arn unresolved. Yet that there are better opportunities for making money in Australia than here in the meantime is plain. I fancy your uncivilized contrast disagreeably with the society you left behind and cause you to wish you had your fireside with you more than you otherwise would do. It might do well for us to be altogether. We are all tolerably stout but I think Tot is better at home a year or two yet and Jack with him.

If you try some business be an honest and honourable dealer. These are the chaps that prosper through life and live happy. Cheats may thrive for a wee, it is only for a wee and they never know what a light heart is or if you enter the service of a dealer the highest honour is to be found faithful, no peace of mind in crooked ways and fortify yourself against temptation by reading the scriptures and conversing with God.

I was at Camlachie on Saturday. Uncle, Aunt and cousins all well and hearty and very much delighted with the spirit of your letters. I had nearly forgot to mention that John and William have bought 2 planes with the view of learning the joiner trade but I am afraid that is all the progress they will make this side of the Cape and that should they pass the cape they will just have to be causey cleaners. The comfort is, that is a money making job and should grow into something better. Hoping all will go well with you my Dear Son.

I remain,

Your affectionate

Father

                                                                                                       Alex'r Dick.

NAMES & NOTES on LETTER  #3

Jas.Mclntyre

Thos.Kinlock

Jean Wilson's husband is with Mr .Sloan

Kirsty Smith

Catherine Cassidy

John Nimmo

Mr.Wilson at Bendigo diggings

Mr.Wallace

Mr.Alexander

Janet Holmes

- transcription and Names/Notes by Ian A Scales, 1989