Alexr Dick _Letter No. 62 from Glasgow, Scotland, 1861

Letter #62 to son Alex in Australia

                          Glasgow, 19th.Dec'r 1861

My Dear Son,

I have yours of 20th. Sept'r. The run to New Zealand has blighted your business somewhat seriously and no doubt damped your spirits, impressing on you mind the uncertainty of subliminary pursuits. However, the rush may end. A great deal of capital will have left your district involving serious loss to many dealers. That the population will soon be about as large as ever in your district I have no doubt, though the runaways dont return. So I hope your firm will get over this mischance and in a short time do a more flourishing business than ever.

Jack & William are in the blighted district also and I suppose have moved somewhere else by this time. I often think their going out was a mistake and yet with the turns trade takes here ! can hardly be sorrow at it either. But I am anxious to see them in better circumstances.

I expect your Guilford branch will make some amends for the deficit at Smythesdale and that a trip to New Zealand will quite unnecessary except as a grand extension spec.

Joe Docherty continues in good health but he is still with James. He does little in the wincey
way, but times are too dull for taking a shop. James Hall has not got a job, no doubt he did not
intend to leave Busby; he thought o get more salary. Wm. Moody was too much engaged with
getting married to mind an old friend on the far side of the globe. Prince Albert is gone after a
short illness with gastric fever. But the momentous affair is the 'Trent'. The 'Trent', British
mail packet on her way from Havanah to Southampton was boarded by the American ship "San
Jacento" and two Southern Commissioners taken out of her and also their two secretary's. It
appears this was a great outrage, unwarranted by the laws of nations. The British despatched a
message to demand the commissioners, but it is doubtful if the Americans will give up the
prisoners and so we may have...........

I send a paper weekly and I also send a "Herald" containing a letter from Mr. Clay, an eminent American politician and a reply by the editor of the "Times" conveying all the information that can be given on the subject. Should a war take place between England and the North freights will rise and your markets will rise slightly owing to the risk of ships being taken by privateers. But it is very improbable that the American President will think of going to war with England.

You will have read the traditions before this reaches you and I think, with some little pride. The Mr. Leckie was John Leckie's ancestor. Are the Dicks and Leckies always to be at war? Our trade is still in a languishing condition, mills on short time and numbers idle. The American Generals are cautious, not choosing to advance till they have their soldiers in a fit state of discipline and so there is no prospect of the cotton being sent to market.

Alex'r Russell is still out of a job. Annie is in the cap warehouse and Aunty is still moving about. I showed James Dick your last adress. He is well pleased with your job and and he says you must just, persevere, that seeming difficulties often vanish. I have heard nothing of Busby since I came in, but had anything important taken place I would have heard of it. I think David wrote you last mail.

I keep in moderate health, with no great prospect of work, though should printing mend I would soon get in. But I have as much as will put me over the winter and it is probable I will get some other job if printing does not turn up. Mr. Maxwell's family are in their ordinary and always have their compliments for you. James Wilson has got round and is still in the government service. Peter Robertson expects to be home soon. Give my best compliments to Mr. & Mrs. King and David Tweedie. I am glad David has met with some success. Expecting to hear of three smart pushing young men succeeding beyond their own expectations,

I remain, your affectionate Father,   

        Alex'r Dick.

Names & Notes on Letter #62

Joe Docherty

James Docherty

James Hall

Wm. Moody

Prince Albert

'Trent'

Mr.Clay

John Leckie

Mary, Annie &. Alex Russell

James Dick

David (Alexander?)

Mr. Maxwell & family

James Wilson

Peter Robertson

Mr & Mrs. King

David Tweedie

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

(Note- the ‘original’ transcription was in printed format on paper, and has been re-formatted using OCR – so may have some inaccuracies which have escaped my editing. I don't seem to have the original copy of this letter, just the transcription.- C.S-P)