When the oldest boy, Alex, was 18, he wanted to go to Australia to try his fortune. Alexr agreed to his son travelling to the other side of the world as there was a Christian temperance group which had arranged to purchase a ship, the 'Sir William Molesworth', to sail to Australia. Young Alex gained a place on the ship.
Alexr (snr) wrote the following letter to his son:
Letter #1 to son Alex in Australia.
Busby, Jan. 1, 1853
My Dear Son,
You will remember that on the last 1st. of January I wrote William
Donald in Illinois. We little dreamed then that on the next 1st. of January one
of us should be on the farthest verge of the earth we hope that God who
disposeth of all men has brought safe and in good health to your home
Before you receive this letter you will likely have adopted some means of living. Whatever
you may have betaken yourself to be scrupulously honest kindly and obliging a
kind look and pleasant word to everyone. Perusing the scriptures with attention
to assist you in keeping a proper disposition. Seeking first righteousness.
Believing that all other things shall be added thereunto. I trust you will not
regret the change you have made and that you have kept up a stout heart all the
while. A Coward cannot succeed. We saw by the newspapers that the Sir William
Molesworth was spoken near Madiera when 12 days out. We were pleased with the
beginning of the voyage and we hope you got on pleasantly to the end. I hope
John Leckie Mrs.Leckie and you have kept good friends all along. John I suppose
is a snug shopkeeper in Geelong congratulating himself on the happy change he
has made.
There was a service in the school as usual last night and there were
three hearty cheers given for John Leckie and Alex Dick. The service went pleasantly
off with songs and addresses as usual. You will remember that William was
ailing on the morning you departed. It turned out to be a severe cold and he
was some weeks at home. He is now quite well and John and he are off to new
year it in Glasgow.
Jas.Brown Cutter is likely to go to Australia in the spring and John is
anxious to go with him. That I would think of. But what do you think of an old
chap like me going out. I have taken a fancy that I should follow you 33 soon as possible. It is a
poor job for an old man a table. I see that every day. We had a letter from James Mclntyre he is off to the
diggings. We have no word from Mr.Wallace or John Donahue. Kathy Cassidy sailed
from Birkenhead for Melbourne in the British Queen 2 weeks ago but I see by the papers the vessel is
back to Liverpool. Thos.Kinlock and his sister (of the temperance Hotel Candleriggs) sailed a few days ago in the Loch
Lomond also for Melbourne. James Rattary, Bookseller, sailed from London in a
Steamer for Melbourne about 3 weeks ago. Hugh Miller was married last night on a Granddaughter of
Jas .Gait's. All the Moodies will leave the Engraving shop in a short time. The
elder ones are to start engraving on their account in Bonhill.
In the works there has been an addition built to the Dyehouse.
Jas.Wilson has taken David Paul's place.
Mrs. Wilson the shopkeeper is dead she is said to have left about twelve
hundred pounds. I do not remember anything else worthy of remark and it is
likely we will not write you again till we hear from you. I will send you a
newspaper along with the letter. Write what you pay for the letters and
newspapers when they arrive and tell us everything about Australia and about
the voyage out. I have no doubt but you will be more comfortable by and by in
Australia than you would have been here and so will rest contented until we
hear what your own views may be. Aunty and Alex are in their usual health and
the wee Black and his sister are quite hearty.
I am
Your affecionate father
Alexr Dick
NAMES AND NOTES on Letter #1
William Donald in Illinois
Sir William Molesworth - son Alex's ship to
Australia
John Leckie - family friend and fellow passenger of
Alex.
William - brother
of Alex Dick
John - brother
of Alex Dick
Jas.Brown Cutter
James McIntyre
Mr.Wallace
John Donahue.
Kathy Cassidy.
Thos.Kinlock
James Rattary., Bookseller.
Hugh Miller.
Moodies - family friends.
Jas .Wilson.
David Paul.
Mrs.Wilson, shopkeeper.
Aunty and Alex - Alexander Dick's sister Mary & her husband Alex
Russell.
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