Alexr Dick _Letter No. 70 from Liverpool, England, 1862

Letter #70 to son Alex in Australia

                                                                                                Liverpool, 4^th July, 1862

My Dear Son,

I am safe and sound in Liverpool and in good health. I have taken an intermediate passage in the 'Donald McKay' to sail on the 10th.

I called on Mr. M. Macadam but he is removed and I did not find him. I have found Mr. E. Magee. His father is expected in Liverpool one of these days so I have missed my trip to Warren point. Peter Robertson has got married; his wife is admired by all. She is good looking and tastefully dressed. When I was in Busby they were down the Clyde; their stay in Scotland was to be spent in jaunting. I left notice for him to meet me in Glasgow, but he did not do so.

Busby works are pretty throng, but the journeymen engravers were all idle. I was in Leven and told Alex'r Steven of your wish to get the plate but he did not give it. He had got it framed and it may be he had disposed of it. I have Macauly and Dean Ramsay.

Mr. Magee has just called. His father will be in Liverpool tomorrow morning July 9th. I go on hoard tomorrow at 12 so I think it best to finish my letter. I would have taken a second cabin passage, but on counting my purse in Liverpool I was afraid I had not reserved sufficient to take me to Ballarat. I have got a good airy berth in the centre of the ship and I feel I will get along quite well.

The portraits Wm. spoke of have not arrived yet. I called on Mrs. King's mother; she has no word with me. An acquaintance had left a fortnight previos. Alex'r Veitch is getting married and that puts Mrs. Veitch a little about.

There is no appearance of the American war drawing to a close, nor of the North conquering the South. Much distress is occasioned thereby and to all appearance trade will be much worse than it is.

James Dick is doing little as an agent and he has given up all idea of speculating. He thinks he will leave Glasgow and he thinks it not improbable that he will pay us a visit at Smythesdale,

I hope to find you all hale, hearty and prosperous. I have bid my native land farewell, indulging no hope of ever returning unless I live to see you all make your fortunes and all be homeward bound. Meantime, I am outward bound to indulge no dreams, but to be useful as far as possible. Trusting to see all industrious, harmonious & prosperous,

                                                                                 I remain, your affectionate Father,

Alex'r Dick.

Names & Notes on Letter #70

'Donald McKay'

Mr. M. Macadam

Mr. E. Magee

Peter Robertson & wife Alex'r Steven

Mrs. King's mother

Alex'r Veitch &. Mother

James Dick

- 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 – C. S-P)

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