Alexr Dick _Letter No. 40 from Glasgow, Scotland, 1859

There is an envelope from Dumbarton (from Wm Moodie?) postmarked 12 May, but no matching letter; the next letter we have is from Alex's father, dated 19 May.

Letter #40 to son Alex in Australia                      

                          Glasgow, 19th.May, 1859

My Dear Son,

I now send the receipt for the package containing Miss Strickland's "Life of Mary". Cost £2-8 and carriage 13s. They have charged more for carriage than I expected, to Liverpool 1 /6d., shipping 1/-. The post office charge for books is 1 /4d per lb. and I suppose it would be delivered in Geelong. So the post office would have been the better way.

The perusal will give you great pleasure, add to your knowledge of mankind and enlighten you on a portion of your country's history. Perhaps Jack & William will see it through time.

The Australian mail is telegraphed from Suez. A shaft had broken and delayed her 9 days.

Our winter has departed at last and we have now fine summer weather. And wreathes of leaves in beautiful green adorn the trees. This is Her Majesty's birthday and cheap trips are announced in all directions by flood and field. I saw Jas. Rattary, he does not intend to return to Australia, his passage home cost him in all £130. He is establishing agents through England for Brow & Polson. Geo. Richardson has charge of the finishing department at Busby. I have done nothing since I wrote, but I have no fear.

Our elections are nearly over, 353 liberals, 299 Derby's returned.

The war is causing great uneasiness from the mischievious propensity to rush into all quarrels being hereditary in our Aristocracy. The belligerants have not met in force yet and the inundations of the Po may keep them separate, for some time.

I should like to hear of a turn of fortune for the deserving J. King, I hope Mrs. King and her babe are doing well and that Mr.& Mrs. Leckie are comfortable.

I expect to hear of William continuing in good health and meeting with better fortune. Jack is out of the quarry and I hope at something more congenial to his spirit. I trust the day is not far distant when all three will be in a better sphere, ascending in the scale courageously and honourably. The motto, steady perseverance. With my best wishes and paternal regard,

        I remain

Your affectionate Father, Alex'r Dick.

Names & Notes on Letter #40

Jas. Rattary

Brow & Polson

Geo. Richardson

J. & Mrs. King

Mr.& Mrs. Leckie

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

Scans of the original letter (click on the thumbnail below for a larger image):