Letter #31
to son Alex in Geelong
Ballarat, April 13th. 1858
My Dear Son,
I have just received from Mr. Simpson £27 as per
Bill. He wishes it transferred to you tonight. If I find the expense is not
great I will do so. If it takes 10/- I will want your orsers. Mr. Simpson has
been some time poorly with a bad cold and he is still complaining. He says his
farming speculations have paid well. He paid his rent last week and bought 8
head of cattle.
William came in from Pinchgut a fortnight ago with
sore feet. They had been bit by mosquitoes, his stockings and wet had inflamed
the parts. He could not get a job, either on Ballarat, either at diggings or at
his trade, so he left, for Pinchgut yesterday. He does not expect to make more
than his meat.
Jack still works at the O.G.P. The dividend was £2
last Saturday, but there was £150 of debts paid. Jack thinks the claim will pay
yet. He expects to see them put out a great deal more stuff per week than they
do yet.
William Stevens still perseveres with the band of
hope. The Great Western has joined them, but a great number cannot pay the calls.
Some claims on the Inkerman are doing well. I hear of no new rushes or of any
fresh ventures about Ballarat. Lang, Beattie &. Co. have fenced in a bit of
land and put up a small tent to secure it.
We have no word from John King since Jack wrote. My
compliments to Mrs. King. I hope this cold weather will cheer her and set her
all right, at heart... Remember me to Mr.& Mrs. Leckie and to Mr.& Mrs.
Mains.
Is Sandy Dick still a chaff cutter. Has his family got well situated.
What is John Aitcheson doing. Has James returned - James Rattary.
In your
last there was some word of home. I do not see I can do anything for myself
here, so the sooner I start the better the stump is all out.
I got £6 from the Nightingale last month, their wash stuff is very
variable. The secretary believes his pile is in it.
Jack will look after the settlement of the dispute* when the court sits again.
I am happy to hear you are comfortable in your
situation. You are the only comfortable one in the family. A good time coming
for young folks.
I am, Yours affectionately,
Alex'r Dick
Names & Notes on #31
Mr.Simpson
William Stevens
Lang, Beattie & Co.
John King & Mrs.King.
Mr.& Mrs.Leckie
Mr.& Mrs.Mains
John Aitcheson
James Rattary
- transcription and
Names, Notes above by Ian A Scales, c.1989
*The Nightingale Mine Dispute was reported on in the Ballarat Star, 13 May 1858 - see http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article66048079, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article66048067
Scans of the original letter (click on the thumbnail below for a larger image):
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