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
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