William Moodie - Letters 9,10 - from Alexandria, Scotland, 1856

Wm Moodie Letter 9  - 6 pages

Jun 29^th, 1856   - North Street, Alexandria, Scotland

This letter gives information about Wm’s father (William snr) who has gone to Turkey to get work. He now has a position (as an engraver) at the Turkish Mint for £22 per month with no deductions and with paid overtime. Wm gives details of the hours, living and work arrangements, etc.

The letter also contains opinions on politics/war and the local “Teetotal Intellect and Literary Talent” or “Genius” and the rantings inflicted upon members of the ‘Movement’ (and the musical relief offered by Wm and others), as well as brief news of the ‘Literary Circle’ and local friends including the Stevens.

Wm Moodie Letter 10  - 12 pages

Nov. 28^th, 1856   - North Street, Alexandria, Scotland

In this entertaining letter, as well as general comments on foreign and local affairs, William responds to Alex’s goading with a ‘non-poetic’ description of his new love, Mary Rankin.

He describes a week of his life, wondering about Alex’s life, and comments on Alex’s stoicism despite continuous hardships and failures in the goldfields at Ballarat. He talks about family and mentions news of mutual friends:

• his father’s new job and life in Turkey
• Alex’s father and brothers, now in Australia (with a description of William’s qualities)
• John Dickson – baker at the Ovens goldfields
• W. (Willie) Stevens – ‘at the diggings’; hearing problems
• John Buchanan – failed venture
• James McIntyre – died on ship shortly after leaving Melbourne (bronchitis)