Letter #43 to son Alex in
Australia
Renton, Dec'r. 9th.
1859
My Dear Son,
I received your's & William's of September. It
is pleasant that you are all somewhat more prosperous, though William's
prosperity seems rather transient. You have some cause for congratulation.
Promotion generally implies merit and it is plain Mr. Slater thought you
worthy. That you will get higher yet in your adopted country I do not doubt.
That a quarter of a century had passed since your
birth was calculated to rouse reflection in both you and I. It reminded you of
youth and manhood and me of old age. The feeling of loneliness must pass over
you at times and I have often thought how fortunate you all would be if
providence would throw wives like your mother in your way. Marrying is perhaps
as much a lottery as gold digging, only the effects of a shirer are felt
longer. I have often thought, had your mother been alive when printing gave
way in 1841, we might have turned our small capital to a profitable, trade and
had all a very different life. That you have escaped the degradation intended
for you by J. Leckie, I hope a happy and honourable union will come your way
when you see fit to venture.
Jack seems to have had a lass in ??? town. I hear
of one in Renton he had picked up the few weeks he was at Ferryfield, but I
would think he is not so light in the head now. As to the fighting, I doubt it
would have gone on under any circumstances. But Tot would not have so often got
the worst of it had his mother been alive.
The
"Musings on board the ‘Argincourt'" began with the scene in Leven,
but it would not do. So I tried the scenes of my youth and a fancyful heroine;
the last verse coming as a deduction of both sets.
I hope John King will fill your place with
satisfaction to himself and Mr. Slater. I am still at Cordale, doing my best.
But I want the quick sight and smartness of youth so that I do not get on so
well in a set, though I am not found fault with by the masters.
Our friends in Leven are in their usual and no
change to note down. I have sent three papers that I hope will arrive. The
wreck of the 'Royal Charter' is being searched by divers. £100,000 of gold was
got the other day. The Board of Admiralty had an enquiry. It appears the R.C.
was every seaworthy; stress of weather is the sole cause.
The 'Eagle' from Glasgow to Londonderry went down
at Arran by collision with a timber laden vessel and 30 or 40 persons drowned.
The 'Indian' (American steamer) from Liverpool to America was wrecked at Nova
Scotia and a number of passengers drowned. It is feared that a grandson of John
McColl's is gone.
The frenzy about a French invasion is dying away; the
"times" is getting calmer, but volunteers are at drill all over the
country and riffles are in demand. Spain and Morocco are at war. Spain is said
to be urged on by France, but there does not seem to be any fear of any other
powers interfering. Livingstone has made farther discoveries in Central Africa
of lakes and rivers. And you may see a fresh work more marvellous than the
first and then you will be off no doubt.
William writes in quite good spirits and speaks of
picks and spades as a matter of course when Mr. S's stores are finished. John
has, I would think, a dangerous job in the OGP but I trust he will get it
finished in safety and great profit the result.
I wish you all a good new year and many returns of
the season. Dr. Ross, Busby, was dangerously ill; report says he is dead. No
block printing at Busby.
Auntie, Annie & Sandy are in their usual
health. Sandy left his shop and went to a spirit seller at 15/- per week. He
did not like it and left. He is now with a grocer in Alexandria. He came down yesterday. He boards and lodges with
his employer, but I do not know his wages.
The Government inspectors have found great fault with the workmanship
and materials of the 'Great Eastern'. Scott Russell's credit is smashed. £40,000
wont make good the deficient workmanship. The 'GE' is not seaworthy and the
company have no funds. My next will be to William M. Dick. I hope to hear of
nought among you but what is honourable and praiseworthy.
I am your affectionate Father,
Alex'r Dick.
P.S. Alex'r Russell has 7/- per week, Bed, Board and washing. Not amiss
for a lad of 16. The letter you speak of with the preliminaries of your
argument did not come to hand. The steamer with the mail was wrecked in the Red
Sea. It is likely our letter was drowned. The gift of £5 was unexpected and I have
reason to feel great pleasure in the attention you have all shown me. I hope
great peace and prosperity will attend you. A.D.
Names & Notes on Letter #45
Mr .Slater
Mother (Isabella McLachlan)
J. Leckie
John King
John McColl
Livingstone
Jack/John (Dick)
Dr. Ross
Auntie, Annie & Sandy
- transcription and Names/Notes by Ian A Scales,
c.1989
Scans of the original letter (click on thumbnails to enlarge):
No comments:
Post a Comment