Alexr Dick _Letter No. 27_ from Belfast, Victoria, Australia, 1856

In November, Alex snr and sons John and William arrived in Belfast (now Port Fairy) in Eastern Victoria, Australia. Alexr mentions the jobs they had on the ship (the 'Euphrates') during the voyage. He had been keen for the two boys to build up their carpentry skills before leaving Scotland, but it did not help them get jobs in Australia as expected.

Letter #27 to son Alex in Ballarat                    

                              Belfast, Victoria,                           21st.Nov'r.1856

My Dear Son,

Here we are in good health and in good spirits. There is no letter for us telling how you did and where joiners would get good mployment and good wages. There are no joiners wanted here and the commissioners expressed their surprise that any joiners were sent here.

We left Southampton on the 7th. Aug't and arrived here on the 19th. Nov'r. All the passengers, a few excepted, kept in good health. What you think we ought to turn our attention too and where to go is now the question with us. We have written John Leckie. Travelling here is so expensive that John & William will take any job they can get till we hear from friends so that we may get direct to a favourable spot.

I have no particular news from home. Your friends J & J Docherty are well and doing well. We got a portrait of Joe in a jelly can for your acceptance. We do not expect a visit from you till we get nearer you and we have £30 good, so that we are in no want. I was Schoolmaster on the voyage out, William a constable & Jack my assistant, so we had none of the drudgery, cleaning, pumping &c. I hope Mr.& Mrs. King had a happy honeymoon &c... If you are doing well at the diggings there are two lads here willing to join you. Jack asked me to add: The Busby folks sent their compliments in dozens. Your old friends were well, David in his usual health, I hope we will have the pleasure of passing an evening together in a short time, now that we have got near neighbours We will remain here till we hear from Mr. Leckie & you.

22nd. John has engaged with a farmer a mile & a half from Belfast for a month at £.I per week & rations. Till we see you or hear from you, the time will not be long, I hope.

I am Your Affectionate Father,

Alex'r Dick.

Direct: Government Emigration Depot, Belfast.

Names & Notes on Letter #27

J & J. Docherty

Mr.& Mrs.King

Mr. Leckie

David (Alexander ?)

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