Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales
James Macarthur letters received, 1865-1867
A 2926
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[Previous pages are covers]
20 Francis St. East Sydney.
January 1. 1865.
Dear Mr. Macarthur,
Amongst the very many warm expressions of "Welcome Back, which will have greeted you on your safe return to Camden Park, with Mrs and Miss Macarthur, none will have been more sincere than the humble, but earnest congratulations which I now offer.
I overlooked your names in the Heralds shipping list of arrivals, and only knew of your return when I read the Advertisement, announcing the Banquet to be held in your honor, on the 28th ultimo.
I then delayed writing, until I had prepared an Article referring to the
James Macarthur Esq
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the Three Public Banquets to which you have been invited within the last twenty-two years :- The first being at Parramatta in 1843, after the first Election of Representations in the Legislative Council; the second being "The National Banquet" in 1856, to commemorate the establishment and inauguration of Responsible Government in New South Wales; - and the third, being in the midst of a General Election, the results of which must lead to an immediate change of Ministry.
I was present at the first two Banquets, but was prevented, by serious illness, from attending the third. I however, prepared an Article on the subject of your return to the Colonys;- the warm welcome which had awaited yourself and family:- with a retrospective glance at the various important incidents which had attended the three Banquets.
This
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This article I sent to the Freemans Journal, expecting it would appear on Saturday last. It seems, however, that on Friday, previous to my sending it to the Office, the Editor had desired an abridgment to be compiled, of the Heralds report of the proceedings at the Banquet, and my contribution was, therefore anticipated.
Under these circumstances, I have written another Article, which I sent today to the Editor of the Illustrated Sydney News, a journal published on the 16th of each Month, and having a very large circulation, both here and in England. I post a copy of the last number with this letter.
I will mention, that my first attempt at reposting public speeches was at the Parramatta Banquet, and that yourself and Mr. R. Therry were pleased to express, in terms far too flattering, your approval of my report. During the long period that has elapsed since then, I have
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have experienced all the vicissitudes which attend the very improfitable profession of a journalist in Sydney. But pleasurable thoughts, nevertheless, arise, when I reflect upon the many courtesies extended to me by yourself, and others of the leading gentlemen of the Colony;- of the friendly and liberal support and patronage of many of whom, however, Death, or their absence in distant lands, has deprived me,
I have the honor to remain,
Dear Mr Macarthur,
Your Faithful Servant,
Rich Thompson
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Camden 2 Jany 1865
My Dear Sir
The Bishop of Sydney has sent me a "Circular" fixing the 7th of February as the date of the Conference and desiring me to take measures for the Election of lay representatives for Camden as before.
The date and place of meeting for such Election are left to me, but as I wish to consult the
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conscience of Sir Wm Macarthur and yourself perhaps you will let me know before I send out my Circular whether Monday the 9th Instant at Six P.M., and the Church School room, will, in your opinion, be a convenient time & place for the meeting.
I am
My dear Sir
Yours Faithfully
Henry Tingombo
James Macarthur Esq
"Camden Park"
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Camden Park,
3rd January 1865
My dear Sir,
Until the receipt of your note of yesterday I had heard nothing of any intended Church of England Conference.
My brother William is equally in the dark on the subjectunaware of any such intention. I We should be pleased to know the objects proposed to be [indecipherable] & I will call at the Parsonage with this [indecipherable] in the hope of seeing you.
As regards the meeting for the election of Lay Representatives is to represent Camden at the Conference is
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to be a preliminary meeting or a meeting for the actual election If for the latter the time seems [indecipherable] & I should think as [indecipherable] [indecipherable] Monday the 16th January at six P.M. would be better. The Church school room seems [indecipherable] as the place of the meeting. Yours Faithfully
JMacarthur
I have written this [indecipherable] as you may be free
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time when I call.
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Sofala 2nd January 1865
Dear Sir,
I have the pleasure of enclosing an introduction to you from my brother Mr Smith Maxwell of London. I may acquaint you that I came out to this Colony 18 months ago in hopes of procuring employment in any capacity of respectability that might present, but hitherto I have been unable to obtain occupation, which I attribute to want of interest, not having provided myself on leaving England with recommendations to any one possessing influence here. Although I would gladly accept of a situation either in a Public Company or under Government, for which, I might be deemed competent, should an opportunity offer, my inclination leans to Agricultural & Pastoral pursuits, the annexed testimonials speak to capabilities; Colonial experience is naturally looked for in any one aiming at an appointment of Superintendent of a Station, & with the view of qualifying myself for such a trust, I spent sometime at the Lachlan where I had ample opportunities of learning all the details connected with the management of a Cattle Station while a visit to
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Mr. E. U. Bowler near Forbes & elsewhere; I am at present resident with my brother Mr. C.G. Smith, Telegraph & Post Master here, I can make reference to the principal residents in this neighbourhood.
Accept my apology for this trespassing upon your time, rest assured however that should I be fortunate enough to obtain employment through your instrumentality, it will be my endeavour to prove myself worthy of your confidence; Wishing you the compliments of the Season,
I am
Yours faithfully
Archd Smith
James Macarthur Esqr
Camden Park
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Testimonials
- Gold Medal, for Essay on "Compost Heaps" published in Journal of The Highland & Agricultural Society of Scotland. year 1849
-Prize Essay, on "Home Manufacture of portable Manures" published in Journal of The Royal Agricultural Society of England, year 1862
-Contributions to "Scottish Farmer Journal" for which periodical I was a paid contributer, impressions referred to
Febry 1862
"Grass with or without a White crop"
Febyr 1863
"Steeping or coating Seeds with Manure"
-Author of numerous Articles upon Agricultural subjects which appeared in "North British Agriculturalist" & other Journals.-
*Printed copies of the above in my possession)
- Occupied a Farm (arable & grazing) for several years in Stirlingshire Scotland, at same time being Factor over the Estate of Craigend in that County, then the property of my eldest brother, now deceased from which I withdrew on the sale of the property to Sir Andrew Buchanan.
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Sofala 11th January 1865
Dear Sir
I am in receipt of your Note of 6th inst conveying polite invitation to visit you at Camden Park between the 23 & 30th instant. I regret extremely that owing to existing engagements I am deprived of the pleasure of availing myself of your kindness at the time you name. It will gratify me much to pass a week with you anytime you may fix most convenient to yourself, after the 20th of next month,
I send by post for your
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perusal two articles written by me, which can be returned when I see you personally, you will observe, when at home I assumed the name of Maxwell (through Maternal entail) but as my brother here merely retained the patronym of Smith, I have done so likewise since my arrival in the Colony to avoid confusion,
I remain
Dear Sir
yours faithfully
Archd Smith
James Macarthur Esqre
Camden Park
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No.1
Invercargill
New Zealand
28 January 1865
Sir
You may probably remember being in the Caledonian Hotel OBan Scotland when you were on your European tour. I was proprietor of the Hotel at the time, and before leaving you were kind enough to say that if ever I came to New South Wales you would be glad to be of service to me. At that time I little imagined I would write to you from New Zealand and in such circumstances as I am at present. In 1847 I gave up the Hotel my wife and myself being of opinion that it was an unsuitable place to rear a family in and the Sabbath being the busiest day of the week we could not conscientiously continue.
I was a farmer at the time and continued to be so till I came here in 1861. I had one main object in being the health of my family.
Three
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Three of my daughters after getting into womanhood died within two years of one another shortly before we left Scotland and a fourth within a few months after landing here. My eldest son is a land surveyor and the next is learning with his brother his brother in the field. The other two children a boy of 14 and a girl of 12 are at home.
I purchased some land and having got the office of immigration officer for the Provincial Government we were likely to go on improving our circumstances when unfortunately gold was discovered in Otago and the result has been that everybody has been ruined. The finances of this and the Province of Otago having become completely deranged in consequence of the great demand for roads bridges, constabulary etc.
And now so thoroughly prostrated is this Province that all public works are stopped as also immigration, the very foundation of Provincial and Colonial prosperity.
The great results expected from the gold fields caused a rush of mercantile men from Sydney, Victoria & Tasmania
and
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and Ό acre sections that were previously sold for ten & twelve pounds were as high as £1000 and miles of street frontages rented at from two to five pound per foot per Anm... Business places of every description rose as if by magic, wages were high food dear and money plentiful.
In the course of a few months it was found that everything was overdone and down tumbled the whole fabric of Society at once and everybody ruined. It then turned out that most of the Merchants from Australia were mere adventurers but they managed to create the unnatural excitement that led to such disastrous results. From want of Colonial experience I unfortunately speculated a little like others and like them lost my means. And now as all Government employment is to cease we will be thrown on the world without a home or anything else.
A sad enough termination to a life of pretty active toil mentally and bodily of upwards of thirty years. My object now in writing you is to solicit the favor of
your
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your kind nessinterference on my behalf the management of some of your properties or some such situation where I could make myself useful and provide for my family. My children are active and intelligent and could make themselves useful.
If you save me and my family from ruin by placing me in any situation requiring trust I feel assured your confidence will not be misplaced. I have been a farmer since 1831 having cattle crops and sheep and understand these matters thoroughly.
I may also mention that I had the management of the fine fleet of Highland Steamers on the West of Scotland from the year 1835 till I left my native country.
I have no testimonials to lay before you and therefore mention these circumstances and with reference to my personal character.
I may further state that I was elected a member of the General Assembly of the Free Church of Scotland in 1852 and continued to be so elected every year till I came away.
I was also chosen Chief Magistrate of OBan on three different occasions and
held
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No.2.
Invercargill
28th Jany 1865
Sir:
Immediately on posting my letter to you this morning it occurred to me that after all I might injure my case by referring to my social standing among my fellows Townsmen in OBan Argylshire That having occupied the position of Chief Magistrate I might not be so pleasant to deal with in subordinate situations - My reason for alluding to the Circumstance was to give an idea of the confidence placed in me as I had no other testimonials to offer. I hope therefore you will look upon it in the light only
and
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And with what anxiety I will be looking forward to your reply.
I have been long enough in the world to know that people must suit themselves to circumstances. And if I know myself I am not so anxious for honours as for an honest way of supporting my family. It would be a singular instance of the mysterious Providence of God if the apparently accidental meeting in the Highlands of Scotland should result in your being the means of rescuing myself and family from present distrefs and of placing us in the way of improving our circumstances and settling in New South Wales permanently. How sincerely do I hope for this [indecipherable] can only be felt by one in my
circumstances
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Circumstances. Again expressing a hope for a favourable reply
I have the honour to be
Sir
Your most obedient servant
Duncan McArthur
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London February 1865
My Dear Macarthur
I dined with your brother at [indecipherable] last night and heard (through the [indecipherable] of his conversation by [indecipherable] ) that the vefsel in which you were pafsengers had arrived safely at Sydney after what must in point of time be considered a favourable voyage. You would therefore be able to eat your Christmas dinner, and see the coalescence of the old year at Camden. I would fain hope that you have found things in general afsuring a more cheerful aspect than they have been for some time past. The exceptional character of the seasons such as we have had for the last 3 years, cannot continue to be the permanent one and with average crops the seasonal population, and landed interests of the Colony which I heard [indecipherable]. I wish I could have the same faith, and [indecipherable] [indecipherable] hope in the temporary character of the political evils and complications under which the Colony labours. The pupilage and education of Communities and Nation is very slow, as without [indecipherable] at the present moment where all the [indecipherable] and [indecipherable] self [indecipherable] maxims of government are completely injured and set aside, and a despotism established more arbitrary and [indecipherable] than any ever identified in Europe. The contemplation of what is going on in America, and elsewhere at the present moment has had a profound effect upon the minds of all reflecting persons of every political shade of opinion. People ask themselves whether it is true, that society will ever resolve itself into forms founded upon the abstract immutable laws of justice political and social, andor whether all government must not to the test of time be the result of a
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mere conflict of interests - [indecipherable] and [indecipherable], - in which the best to be hoped for is to minimize wrong and promote as far as our efforts can be made to extend, - that which is right? [indecipherable] that such are my own conclusions and that (as in the Colonies) we must accept the "Status in quo" as we find it, and try gradually, and as far as we can, to infuse the element of better things. I must not however attempt a [indecipherable] on political [indecipherable] in the shape of a letter, although it is difficult for a Colonialist to avoid breaking open politics on many occasions where in England their introductions would be considered as wrongincongruous - from the intricate [indecipherable] they have upon the personal interests and fillips of any number of Colonial Society.
You will have been somewhat surprised to hear of Clarke Irvings sudden death. I saw him within a few days of the event. He and his wife had repeatedly prefsed me to dine at their house to meet some of the noble and disaristocratic guests, whom they managed to muster at their table I systematically declined all their invitations from the [indecipherable] that a man like C. Irving was playing a ridiculous [indecipherable] in affecting a high religious tone and surrounded himself with dignatories of the Church and evangelical noblemen. I however told him that I would be willing to dine with him and his wife alone and in a friendly way and the day before his departure for Brighton I did dine with him and his wife and one or two other people in Hyde Park Square. I thought that he seemed very much subdued, and really improved in manner and character a change which I attributed to the influence of English Society, and the tact and influence of Mrs I.
The next I heard of him was that he had died suddenly at Brighton under very painful circumstances. - He had it turns out got himself largely involved in some of the newly formed speculative
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Companies. He had endorsed Bills to the amount of £300,000 for me of the (The "Rolling stock Companies" and for another similar speculative concern for £100,000 in both of which had to be called up, and he was called upon to make good his liability for these, and I believe for large amounts. It appears that the unfortunate man made a desperate struggle, he offered to give up all [indecipherable] he had upon [indecipherable] of his being allowed to settle 20,000 on his family when he stated he would be willing to go to the Colony and work his Estate for the benefit of his creditors. This I believe was not agreed to, and had he lived 12 hours longer a pact of Bankruptcy would have [indecipherable] against him. What the cruel cause of his death was God only knows. It is impofsible not to feel some commiseration for the unfortunate man and his family a victim to his greed for wealth and its [indecipherable] accompaniments of social work and importance. He was I believe not incapable of performing liberal, and even generous acts some [indecipherable] of which I have in point of fact witnefsed. The melancholy [indecipherable] made by this unfortunate man (and by others) of ostentatious display and hankering after aristocratic acquaintances is suredly damaging to the Colony and Colonialists generally, - to those who may not be guilty chargeable with these follies.
Your sister and husband start for home next week. The General and Lady Macarthur are both looking extremely well. George [indecipherable] and Mrs M. are at Palermo, but return to England in the course of a week or two. I have had a cold and dreary winter up to the present time and at the moment when I am now writing the snow is coming down in thick flakes from the dark and leaden hued sky. The aspect of everything is as "triste" and dreary as imagination can well conceive. I wish I could escape from this [indecipherable] this state of things
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and take a walk with you in the garden at Camden amidst the whispering beeches and flowering vines. I think I would endure any amount of terrestrial heat to escape this damp and chilly atmosphere of a London winters day.
You will of course have heard of Mifs Marshs marriage and the painful incidents that accompanied it. The wedding was I believe twice postponed, first on account of an accident that Gary Croft met with, by which the base of his skull was fractured and from which ( a perfect marvel) he recovered, - and on a second occasion by the death of his mother. The wedding was finally [indecipherable] upon and took place on the 10th of January, - and on the self same day ( about 10 oclock in the evening ) Sir Archie Croft the father of the Bridegroom died - ! I suppose such an instance never happened before. but Mifs Marsh was in one day Mifs Marsh, Mrs Croft and Lady Croft !!
Pray [indecipherable] my [indecipherable] regards to William Elizabeth and Mr [indecipherable] [indecipherable]- and with the same to Mrs Macarthur believe me always very Dear Macarthur
most faithfully yours
C. Nicholls
James Macarthur esq.
Camden
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Camden
February 3 : 1865
My dear Sir,
You have presented me with a very beautiful copy of Domenichinos Painting "The Dawn of Reason."
I cannot tell you how much I prize your noble gift how much I feel indebted to your own and
James Macarthur esq
Camden Park
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own and your brothers kindness for I see by the label that it is your joint present.
I can only beg of you to convey to Sir William Macarthur the expression of my grateful acknowledgements, and that you will yourself kindly accept the tender of my sincere thanks and of the esteem and regard
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with which
I remain
My dear Sir,
yours very truly,
John S Rigney
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Wellington Parade
Melbourne
16 Feb [indecipherable]
My dear Sir,
Allow me to congratulate you on your safe return to the Colony with your wife & daughter, and on the kind reception you met with from old friends on your arrival at Camden.
I trust that both yourself and Mrs and Mifs Macarthur enjoyed your visit to Europe [indecipherable] and that you are all in good health & spirits after the fatigue of the voyage.
Since my return I have invested again in sheep farming with considerable [indecipherable], as
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Sir William will be able to tell you, and my family, all of whom are in good health [indecipherable] the Colony My eldest son rents a landed property of mine upon the Lodden plains. It consists of about 15,000 acres of open level grazing land and when enclosed will carry about [indecipherable] sheep to the acre My second son attends the University with the view of studying the law and my third & youngest attends the Scots College without any well defined ideas as to a profefsion My eldest daughter married a squatter a Mr Wilson of the firm of Wilson Brothers [indecipherable] two years ago and my two other daughters are
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are living at home with us I have thought proper to give you a detailed account of us all as I know you always take an interest in my family as they were (4 of them) born on your property while I had the management of it.
Between the management of my property & [indecipherable], and my duties in the Legislative Council I have my own time pretty occupied and thank God I am in good health and able to go through a good deal of fatigue fit - I rode 80 miles within 20 hours the other day without feeling it much
with my best & kindest wishes
to you all, I remain
very sincerely yours,
M. Campbell
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17 March 1865
Dear Mr J Macarthur,
I think that my last letter to Camden, was addrefsed to Sir William, & I have now to exprefs my gratitude for two of yours, dated 19 Dec & 20 Jan.
It gives me pleasure to observe that in spite of the untoward circumstances which meet you, you regard your position & prospects, hopefully
I confefs, that I feel a special [indecipherable] in regarding them, because I fear that any remedies which you may think it wise to apply, will occupy much time in producing the desired affect & hinder the period when we might hope to see you in England very distant
I ventured in a letter to your Brother to make some remarks upon the nature of your soil & climate
( the below is the writing down the side of the page)
Poor Tristan Hodges is dead His history has been a tifsue of folly & impudence His widow
(the below is the writing above the commencement of the letter)
Phils destiny will soon be decided. His time of probation 13 [indecipherable] I think being almost over [indecipherable] yet made no proposals
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as respects the growth of [indecipherable]. So far as I recollect, they agreed generally with what you state to be your own opinion
The Banquets given to you, in which people of all opinions religious & political, participated must have been very grateful to you I have not received the newspapers, giving an account of it They will doubtlefs arrive in due course.
I observe your remarks on the Politics of the Colony I often think of how the Democracies which are springing up in so many places are to end, for end I suppose they will, like every thing else human.
I cannot think that the end, can ever be peaceful. Democracy has many attractions I may say advantages for the Mafs of the People, & you will never find a number of people willing voluntarily to resign however - such conduct
The below is written along the side of the page
& sister deeply lament him He had the art of inspiring affection -
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is even rare in Individuals
From this I infer, what indeed History teaches, that the termination of Democracies is always indeed Either civil War, and Revolution, or foreign conquest - I shall be glad to hear, what you think upon this most important subject.
One of the worst caracteristics of Democracies, is their tendencys to adopt a system of Protection The truth is, that the dogmas upon which is based, the Doctrine of of Free Trade, altho clear & impregnable do not at once trifle the ill = educated mind, while they are opposed by specious Fallacies, which it requires a cultivated intelligence, to confute
In England Free Trade would never have been established had the many been suppressed & could hardly
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be preserved, into the Suffrag to be widely extended
It seems to me, that Educate deep & widely [indecipherable] is the only remedy to mitigate the Evils, & increase the advantage which belong to Democracies.
I have however taken up too much space upon this subject, & must prefs to others
The Govt appears to be getting through the Sefsion without much difficulty In July, Parliament will be difsolved & I will not venture to predict the result of the Election. we shall have a Contest in [indecipherable] I think, but find extreme difficulty in getting Candidates
I leave domestic news to the Ladies, only remarking that one and all, thank God, in good health.
Say everything kind for me to Emily Elizabeth & Sir William
Ever yours
Geoff Grossman
Jas Macarthur Esq
The below is written along the side of the page
I observe that your intimate friend & my old acquaintance H.S.Maclay is dead.
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Invercargill
17th March 1865
Sir
When I wrote you lately I was so thoroughly absorbed with my misfortunes that I neglected to give you any idea of the nature of this country for a house & for an opening to such as have the amount of Capital. Information on these points might be desirable as you may have relatives and friends who would like a change of climate & Country provided both were good and a probability of succefs attending the outlay of Capital.
I may state at once that the climate is all I could desire, without any extreme of heat or cold, and almost always lefs or more of a breeze, and with only as much rain as is really necessary for the pastures and the succefsful cultivation of all the crops usually grown in the best parts of the South of England.
For rearing stock I dont think it can be surpassed as there is neither heat nor cold so extreme as to check the growth of the
grasses
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2
grasses whether natural or artificial and the country is intersected with rivers and rivulets ever flowing with fine cool water from the distant hills that border the level [indecipherable] lands. The plains from the seaboard on the east to these magnificent mountain ranges on the West about 100 miles are also studded with fine bush at convenient distances and invaluable to settlers on the agricultural lands for houses fences firewood &c.
There are valuable sheep stations to be had here from time to time from parties who have been prodigals and other kindred causes. The acreage generally from 30000 to 100000 with from 8 to 10 to 12 years of the leases to run and the return from a ewe stock well managed is from 80 to 90 per cent. If I had a few thousand pounds I would not be afraid of investing profitably in sheep and cattle in this Province.
Full grown ewes and wedders in Australia when imported here get heavier both in carcase and fleece, no doubt the result of a climate
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3
climate not having the extremes of the former and also as a consequence from having pasture throughout the year.
There is no loss of stock either from droughts or floods, a very important consideration. The annual licence is 2/- per 1000 sheep and an afsefsment of one penny per head - the latter principally to make up the salaries of the Sheep Inspector.
As yet there is but a small proportion in the Province of the Stock it is capable of carrying a large amount of money might be invested in stock here and be as safe as if in Bullion in the Bank of England and at the same time yielding a large return.
Permit me again to bring my own personal affairs under your consideration.
I have 100 acres of land, 20 of which forest, most of it fenced, 12 under crop and about the same extent ready for the plough. There is a very good dwelling house upon the section which is five miles from town on the great north road and within
Ό mile
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4
Ό mile of where there is to be a station on a line of railway in the course of formation The "Section" is at the intersection of the great north road, by another main line, and consequently faces two roads, the former for half a mile, and the latter about one fourth. Last year it would realize at least £20 an acre at present, if forced into the market, it would not probably bring the one fourth, but in the course of a few years hence, I have no doubt it will again rise in value and realize from £15 to £20 per acre.
It is beautifully situated and a nice distance from Town near railway station & facing two leading lines of road to the interior of the Country all together making it valuable and desirable.
I have 200 acres within three miles of Town one half forest and the other open land. The road to [indecipherable] another Seaport, which in the course of time will become the fashionable watering place of this country, intersects the open land
rendering
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5
rendering it of course more valuable.
What will by & bye give special value to this is the circumstance that the whole front of the Bush is elevated terrace, having a view of the estuary The length of the Bush frontage is fully half a mile, and will be in demand in the course of time for sites for dwelling houses. I have four Ό acre sections in the Bluff harbour Township the chief harbour of the Province, and likely soon to be one of the most important in the colony. It will be the first and last port of call to & from Europe on account of the Telegraph already completed for several hundred miles northward on the way to Dunedin Canterbury Nelson &c. I have also 2 Ό acre sections in Wallacetown a Town inland from this about seven miles and likely to become a large place when the interior of the country is occupied.
About a year ago these small properties would be worth about £5000 at this moment, if forced into market it is
very
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6
very likely they would not realize the fifth of it, about the amount of my liabilities, chiefly because no one has money to invest
It is hard to be deprived of all this and be left destitute when a few years would very probably restore the value again.
I am this minute as I have taken up the idea some how or other that you may be the means of helping me out of my difficulties But how slender the formulation nothing more than an undefined feeling that it will be so arising from the singular circumstance noticed in my previous letter of our meeting in Argyleshire your remarks at the time, and their indelible imprefsion upon my memory.
The extraordinary state of things here last year led me like others to hope that I was in a position of comfortable competency, and such was the case but the change was so sudden, so unexpected and so thorough that I was paralyzed and found myself in debt to the extent
already
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7
already stated. And from one of the accompanying enclosures by this hour the present Superintendent of the Province intimating that my services are no longer required, assisted immigration having ceased you will see that I am now without any income or any employment neither is there any to be had. I also enclose other documents, which may perhaps be the best testimonials I could produce to satisfy you regarding my personal character, and to show that any aid rendered is not likely to be thrown away.
I.R.Menzies Esq late Superintendent knew me when at school in PerthShire my native county, and that if your own forefathers, for we are descended from the McArthurs of Glenbyrn & Glenstrae on the borders of Perth & Argyle Shires.
The circumstances in which I now find myself are so depressing that I can scarcely eat or sleep. The state of matters being ever present to my mind. So much so that I hope my heavenly Father will
prevent
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8
prevent my mind giving way, and afford me the necessary strength and at same time submifsion to His will.
And now that you know my circumstances what more am I to say. May I without offence ask your aid an influence for our relief. I have not a duplicate of my former letter but think I stated that my eldest son is a member of the Government Survey Staff. he is the only officer now in the field the others having been paid off from time to time as their work was completed. My son has been triangulating a block of about 200000 acres and is now taking the bearings &c. When this is done, which may take a month or two, his services also will no longer be required.
We are anxious to be employed, there is none. What are we to do? Perhaps you may have it in your power in connection with your sheep stations, vineyards or otherwise.
My recollection is that you mentioned
in Oban
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9
in Oban that you had brothers and that you were extensive owners of Sheep lands &c. &c. If my recollection is right and that you and your relatives are so engaged. I hope there may be an opening for myself and family in some sphere of labor where we may be useful.
My eldest son might possibly, through your influence get Government service in his own profession.
I am naturally very unwilling to lose the little preperties above referred to as they will become very valuable by & by and would be of great consequence to my children but for the want of a few hundred pounds I am likely to lose all. If we were in employment so as to be able to pay the interest of money borrowed and to pay off about £300. that is pressing just now, I would I think get time for the most of what would remain. The £300 referred to is what is likely to be the means of bringing about my ruin at once if I cannot raise as much and this at present
here
[Page 48]
10
here is impossible. I have no doubt you will look upon a suggestion to lend me a stranger any money less or more as the very height of presumption or the result of unsound mind, but it is not so it is the pressure of despair and to say the truth I am not a little astonished at myself for doing it. It is just the action of the drowning man. And were it only self that was concerned I believe no amount of temporal distrefs would have induced me to do so. I hope therefore you will bear with me.
I ought to have stated that in 1847 I insured my life for £1000 which now should be of the value of £1400 to £1500. Previous to my leaving for this country four years ago I got my Policy entered into the, what is called, "First Clafs" or "unchallengeable" that is a clafs that permits the party to travel over the wide world, to be a soldier or sailor of anything else. In short it is absolutely unchallengeable, nothing being required
but
[Page 45]
11
but proof of death, no matter where or under what circumstances.
I feel persuaded you never would have cause to regret aiding myself and family, nor would you have the cause to feel ashamed for so doing, in whatever form that aid might be given directly or indirectly.
How I do hope my pleading for my dear family sake may be of service in some way or other. It is impossible for any one, not in similar circumstances, to conceive the agony of mind I endure, and most sincerely do I hope that neither you nor yours may ever experience the same while thus far your anxiously looked for and most welcome letter arrived and how grateful for your kindness and sympathy. I scarcely know what to say in reply or whether I should send my letter in its present form whatever may befall us and yet I think this would not be right.
I regret to learn that New South Wales is undergoing one of these phases of
distress
[Page 50]
12
distress and hope you will not be affected by it.
It is true there are many of my countrymen here, and Dr. Menzies referred to is one of them who would cheerfully lend a helping hand, but without a single exception, everyone of them the runholders have large over drawn accounts in Bank chiefly on account of sheep upwards of 100000 imported last year. Some of the Banks bad policy I think have been very stringent & very unaccommodating for some time to men of undoubted character & substance.
There is therefore not one of my friends able to relieve me at present. This leads me to the subject of Banking. I have been informed a few days ago that the present manager of the Bank of New South Wales here is likely to be removed - probably in part on account of losing some of these Stock owners from doing an ungracious act in an ungracious way.
and
[Page 51]
13
and it has occurred to me that as this is a Sydney Bank, you might probably be in the directory and be able to procure me the Situation. Although not bred a banker I would not be afraid to secure the best share of the businefs of the Province from my personal and intimate knowledge of most of the people worth having What is more particuarly required in a Banker at present is the Judicious management of the Community Indeed this the main point at all times, the details of Banking can be acquired I believe I could get any ordinary amount of security.
Should you take any action in this matter please not to make mention of my reference to the present manager. If true, and the Bank Solicitor is the authority, the matter will be laid before the Directors otherwise. And should there be any Bank transactions on my account (forgive me again for referring to this) I would prefer it through the Union Bank of Australia
And
[Page 52]
14
and in conclusion allow me to exprefs to you my heartfelt gratitude for your kind letter and the trouble you have already taken. Although it may never be in my power to make any return I know you will "have your reward" In the hope you will forgive the extraordinary liberty I have taken
I remain
Sir
Yours most gratefully
Duncan McArthur
James Macarthur Esq
Camden
Sydney
N.S.W
[Page 53]
Superintendent Officer
Southland
27 March 1862
Sir
I have the honour to inform you that I hereby appoint you to be a member of the Education Committee of the Province of Southland under the provisions of the Education Ordinance 1862.
I have the honour to be
Sir
Your Obedient Servant
I R Menzies
Duncan McArthur Esq
Invercargill
[Page 54]
29th March 1862
Appointed Member of Education Committee
[Page 55]
Superintendent Officer
Southland
16 December 1862
Sir
I have the honour to enclose a copy of the Provincial Gazette which contains a notification of your appointment on a Commifsion of the Waste Land Board of the Province of Southland
I have the honour to be
Sir
Your Obedient Servant
IR Menzies
Superintendent
Duncan McArthur Esq
Invercargill
[Page 56]
Invercargill 15 March 1865
D McArthur Esq
Immigration Office
Invercargill
Dear Sir
We have your note of 16th inst. We require some particulars from the manager of the station & have written for them.
We hope to be after to reply to you in time for your purpose
We are
Dear Sir
Yours truly
Dalgety & Rattray Co
Invercargill
[Page 57]
This has reference to a sheep station advertised for sale
I was desirous to send you the necessary information by this mail but fear it will be too late
D.McA
Jas. Macarthur Esq
[Page 58]
Superintendents Office
Southland 1st March 1865
Sir
I have the honor to inform you that in accordance with the wishes of the Provincial Council expressed in the estimates present at its last sitting the Government is reducing the different staffs and that your services will not be required after the expiration of a month from the date of this notice.
I have to express to you the high appreciation of your services by the Provincial Government and its regret at having to part with so valuable a servant
I have the honor to be
Sir
Your obedient Servant
J B Taylor
Superintendent
D McArthur Esq
Immigration Agent
[Page 59]
The Honorable
James MacArthur
Camden Park
Camden
NSW
JW Dunn
177 Castlereagh Street
Sydney
C
[indecipherable] 24th March
discharging to comply with requests
[Page 60]
March 23rd 1865
177 Castlereagh St
Sydney
Sir
The reason I have to offer for addressing you may seem like that of a mad woman. It is this - looking at your Portrait in the Sydney Illustrated News it struck me that it was one of the most Baronial and kind faces I has ever seen and asked myself "does the face belie the Heart"
I am a sorrowful
[Page 61]
woman therefore I write fearlessly to a known gentleman, feeling sure that as such he will never betray my truth, and will treat my sorrow with kindness
I am the Daughter of a Clergyman, my Husband was lost in the China Sea, leaving me and my Boy without any provision I live with my widowed Mother who is paralysed, and my two sisters. Somewhile ago
[Page 62]
in a great strait we mortgaged a Pension my mother receives from home for which we have to pay an enormous Interest and to pay this off I write to you Sir & entreat you to lend us £50 to be paid back by Instalments the first in September next.
Remember Mr. McArthur when you read this prayer of mine, all the Blessings which you have had and my forlorn state We will pay you back honestly. To us it will bring that Peace above all peace.
[Page 63]
Freedom from those petty debts which make the heart grow old I am sure you will not speak of my commisseration. But for your satisfaction I am well known to the Revd W. B. Clarke, and Mr. Pollard The Revd Thos Hassel of Denbigh first knew me when my hopes were very bright this is a matter of Life and Death to me, for long I have been unable to raise sufficient to pay for my boys education my kind friend Mr. [indecipherable] has done so for me- My father would have had an appointment
[Page 64]
out here had he lived and his friends offered him Letters of Introduction to your Family Think Sir how small a thing I ask from your wealth to buy the Happiness of two very sad women who will gratefully pay it back
In the name of the God of the Widow and Fatherless I ask you to hear me
I am Sir
Yours faithfully
Gertrude A. Dunn
[Page 65]
Private
[Page 66]
16 Lowndes Square
27th March 1865
My dear Macarthur
Your kind letter of 19th January now lies before me, and although disabled from writing with my own hand, by severe illnefs, ever since the end of Novr.
I have great satisfaction in congratulating Mrs Macarthur, Befsie, and yourself upon yr. safe return to yr. dear native land and finding all yr friends so happy to welcome you back among them.
The newspaper account is truly gratifying to all your attached friends,
[Page 67]
here, and the reality must have therefore been peculiarly so to yourselves.
Respecting yr previous letter (to that of Jany) Mefsrs J. Fe & Co addrefsed you by the last Mail, and I heartlily wish, and am fond of believing, that all yr affairs, will go on well for the future, now that William & yourself are on the spot.
There is every reason to believe that sheep farming is the most profitable investment in New South Wales when you have so much fine grazing land in yr own pofsefsion.
[Page 68]
We are indeed glad to learn that yr whole family party are quite well, and that you do not take a despairing view of colonial matters in general although you have unfortunately suffered so much from the misfortune of your tenants.
As you may expect me to say something of myself, I may tell you that I am slowly creeping our of a severe attack of what I suppose I should term, the effects of old age: it is a very severe nervous affection from which I have suffered preatly ever since my sad & irreparable lofs, in August last.
My daughter Kate with her
[Page 69]
husband and four nice children have been with us during the last two months, and we see Eliza and Mr. Wicham from time to time. I had hoped to be a Grand Papa in that quarter before now, but God willed it other wise, last Autumn.
Martha Anne you will perceive is my kind [indecipherable], and she desires to join me in love & affectn good wishes to yourself & all your home party -
Believe me always, my dear James, your affecte old Friend
M.T.Davidson
P.S. To think of a railway reaching Menangle is indeed astounding and not lefs satisfactory & flattering to Colonial enterprise & perseverance.
[Page 70]
35 Hyde Park Gardens
March 27th 1865
My Dear Friend,
I had scarcely finished reading your [indecipherable] letters which arrived by last mail, preshadowing any from dear [indecipherable] Williams [indecipherable] death when a servant from [indecipherable] [indecipherable] in a Telegram [indecipherable] [indecipherable] announcing the sad fact - Alas my poor dear [indecipherable] [indecipherable] [indecipherable] in [indecipherable] [indecipherable] world whatever he might be [indecipherable] similarly to others of far more [indecipherable] [indecipherable] [indecipherable] myself he was ever [indecipherable] [indecipherable] [indecipherable] considerate most [indecipherable] [indecipherable] This was [indecipherable] [indecipherable] [indecipherable] & looking for something [indecipherable] a [indecipherable] [indecipherable] my past some of my friends [indecipherable] [indecipherable] seen to have [indecipherable] I can [indecipherable] I would bring out to the Colony [indecipherable] [indecipherable] that his illness [indecipherable] a fatal character [indecipherable] [indecipherable] he would [indecipherable] [indecipherable] as soon as he possibly could for [indecipherable] [indecipherable].
[Pages 70-73 are mostly indecipherable].
[Page 71]
I cannot blame you or any of the others the wish was fathers to the [indecipherable] and [indecipherable] thought to [indecipherable] - but it was most unfortunate that the [indecipherable] [indecipherable] my poor Brothers case, for the subsequent disappointment seems to have cast a gloom over his last hours. It hurts [indecipherable] desponding of my poor Brothers state [indecipherable] after his fall & this report arrived too late to have enabled me to reach the Colony by January more over he alone thereafter held out hopes of his surviving anything like [indecipherable] the [indecipherable] [indecipherable] to have held out a [indecipherable] to me of finding him alive - but why [indecipherable] I dwell on this ? much & deeply as I [indecipherable] my poor Brother. unlefs I had received a summons from himself couched in such terms as to make me feel that my presence was essential to his happiness I would not have left my wife again while I made such a voyage. She indeed would have refused to have been left behind - & from what took place on the voyage home I do not feel justified in coming back a
[Page 72]
frightful [indecipherable] as [indecipherable] last voyage [indecipherable] [indecipherable] - [indecipherable] be angry my dear friend at my writing in this [indecipherable] I have had to write to others on this [indecipherable] very painful matter - & it is truly right that you [indecipherable] in what I write to you the [indecipherable] [indecipherable] of what I have written [indecipherable].
I am not in a mood to dwell on other matters but I cannot but congratulate you upon the kindly feeling which appears to have been most [indecipherable] & gracious manifested towards you [indecipherable] at the Banquet given to you at Camden.- How much I should have liked to have been there I may say if I could get there by means of [indecipherable] [indecipherable]. How much I should like to be there now. [indecipherable] as we are to [indecipherable] you all I cannot but feel that you are in some right place & that you are far happier than you could possibly be had you remained in England.
At first we are mere waifs & strays wandering from house to house [indecipherable] from post to pillars & so
[Page 73]
would you have been had you stopped here Had it not been that my wifes health necessitated changes I should say without hesitation that I committed a grand sum in leaving New South Wales I was to old to become [indecipherable] in a new Country & new society I have fairly declined by the way to contact [indecipherable]. tho I had a summary I ask [indecipherable] sent to me & have [indecipherable] in the way of occupation before [indecipherable] but [indecipherable] unlefs it may be the editing of poor Williams papers. Should they be left to me [indecipherable] to the already if [indecipherable] [indecipherable] of several leading Scientific men I have [indecipherable] by the way letters from [indecipherable] [indecipherable] [indecipherable] & [indecipherable] of a most [indecipherable] character becoming testimony to Williams [indecipherable] & [indecipherable] problem as a [indecipherable].- I have been trying to speak about Arthur [indecipherable]. I got what [indecipherable] I say If as I fondly [indecipherable] he assumed in as robust a state of health as [indecipherable] if his medical attendants [indecipherable] [indecipherable] indicated- he would of course [indecipherable] him in hurrying up to Camden. If his cough assured a [indecipherable]
[Page 74]
20 Francis Street
April 5. 1865
Dear Mr Macarthur,
As my poor husband has departed this life, I write to inform you that in looking over his papers I find an Article, which poor man, he was so eager to get well, to finish, and did not do so, being for some weeks confined to his bed.
however,
James Macarthur
[Page 75]
however, on his death bed he requested me to write to you to acknowledge some mistake he had made, relative to the said Article. If you should wish me to send it to you, as it is, I will do so with pleasure.
As Mr Thompson has left me totally destitute, you will, I trust pardon me if I ask you to
[Page 76]
contribute a trifle towards purchasing housing
Allow me to subscribe myself,
Your humble and Obliged Servant
Mary Ann Thompson
P.S. I could not exactly understand what Mr Thompson said, as he had lost his speech, and could only make signs, He kept his senses to the last.
[Page 77]
James Macarthur, Esq,
Australian Club
Mrs Thompson
Widow of the Reporter on death of her husband
April 1865
[Page 78]
Image of the back of an envelope with flower seal
[Page 79]
115 Palmer Street
Wooloomooloo
Monday morning
Dear Sir,
I return you my grateful thanks for your handsome donation.
I withhave left this Parcel myself at the Australian Club and only regret that my
late
James Macarthur Esq
[Page 80]
late husband never rallied sufficiently to make the required alterations.
Your Obliged Servant,
Mary Ann Thompson
[Page 81]
Stockbridge
Houts
23rd April 1865
Dear Mr Macarthur,
I do not know that I should write to you by this Mail was it not, that I am quiet here with Sibella, & with more leisure than falls to my lot at home
I must begin by thanking you for your letter of the 23rd Feby which contains a very interesting account of the proceedings & to your Church Meeting You will find, I should think, much difficulty, in obtaining a satisfactory Legislative Enactment Should you fail in the Legislative, you might gain useful lefsons, by enquiry as to the condition of the Episcopal Church in America.
I notice what you say, as to the Tenantsy of the Camden Estate & am glad to hear that the Ranks are paid better than you expected I do not doubt from
Along the side of the page the following;
I should like to see more members for this [indecipherable]
[Page 82]
what you say, as to the condition of the Squatters, that a fall in stock prices will soon enable you to purchase Stock, for the consumption of surplus grafs on reasonable terms
However I must now give you a little news as to ourselves & children
As to health, I can say, that we are all fairly well What prefses upon me most at present is the position of Phil at the Mill Laynoon has behaved very ill to him & his Companion Hepburn giving them nothing but vague promises, which like those past, would probably prove abortive Under these circumstances I am desirous that both the young men should withdraw, & am only waiting for the [indecipherable] of Hs Father-
I am a little apprehensive that the latter will think it preferable for his son to stick to a concern which yields at least £20,000 yr [indecipherable] in profit, in
Along the left side of the page the following:
altho I disagree with many of his opinions
Along the right side of the page the following:
He would never be a Parliamentary [indecipherable] [indecipherable] take the Public [indecipherable] which it was [indecipherable] soon
[Page 83]
the hope, that something after all, may come from the connection It would be a thing to be much lamented, if he & I were to take different courses The young men might enter a Partnership somewhere else, or set up for themselves At any rate it is most desirable, that this should hold them.
With much difficulty we have found two candidates ready to contest this I think with the Tories, whose men are Lord Holmesdale & W.H.Dyhe our Champions are Angerstein now member for Greenwich, and John Lubback whom you must know We had a great meeting at Maidstone last Thursday, at which they were adopted, & I think, that playing their cards well, they have an excellent chance of succefs Having bothered to launch them, I shall take but little more trust in the fight After having worked
Along the left side of the page the following:
He would never be a Parliamentary orator [indecipherable] might tell the Public [indecipherable] which it was not to [indecipherable]
[Page 84]
hard for 35 years, I may fairly claim to be excused from active operation, more suitable for younger men Besides I must confefs that having seen all the objects, which excited my enthusiasm in youth, attained with more or lefs completenefs I am willing to leave things much as they for the few remaining years of my life In short I do notice clearly my [indecipherable] in advance.
I am desirous for instances to give the Working Clafs more power, but how is this to be affected without making it supreme?
After reading what precedes you will ask particulars why object to a Tory Gov? Because one must stick to ones ideals & besides I do not like to be ruled by people who hate & have opposed almost everything that I think good X - Give my love to Emily & Elizabeth, & Kindest Regards to Sir William
Ever yours
Geoff [indecipherable]
James Macarthur Esq
Along the left side of the page the following:
X They would undo the good if they could
[Page 85]
294 Castlereagh Street
Sydney 26th April 1865
Dear Sir,
I have seen Mr Morris twice since the receipt of your Note of 19th inst. he has kindly offered to assist me in procuring employment if in his power, at present he hears of no opening; Appointments not being made to order, the only alternative is patience; In search of an occupation I discard from my thoughts the term suitable (in its ordinary acceptation) making myself subservient to circumstances I only desire an opportunity to test capacity; importunity keeps an application from being over looked on the occurrence of vacancies, tho rather delicate in itself, it seems to be the only way in which competition can be met
[Page 86]
Foreseeing that an indefinite time might elapse before any situation came my way, it occurred to me to apply for a Custom House Agents licence, and upon mentioning the matter to Mr Stuart he was good enough to give me a Note to the Collector of Customs, whereby I obtained a licence; Ship Broking could be combined with this agency, my past experience of Mercantile Affairs has not, however, been of such an encouraging nature as to prepossess me in favour of this resource,
With the best regards to the Ladies
I am
Dear Sir
Your very truly
Archd Maxwell Smith
James Macarthur Esqre
Camden Park
[Page 87]
294 Castlereagh Street
Sydney, Wednesday morning
Dear Sir,
I have taken up my quarters at Mr Elders Private Boarding house, as above (a few doors above Park Street )
I am
Dear Sir,
yours very truly
Archd Maxwell Smith
James Macarthur Esqur
Camden Park
[Page 88]
Envelope
James Macarthur Esq
Of Camden Park
near Sydney
N.S.W.
D. Macarthur
Invercargill
[indecipherable] [indecipherable]
Enclosed [indecipherable]
24th May
1865
[Page 89]
Back of envelope stamped
Sydney ship Letter
A
MY 23
1865
Camden N.S.W
M 23
1865
[Page 90]
Invercargill
12th May 1865
Dear Sir,
I received your two letters of 30th March and 5th April, but the last first in consequence of an irregularity arising from the steamers occasionally calling at Hokitika the new goldfield on the West Coast. And from the same cause there has been in-opportunity of reply since. A mail however leaves tomorrow of which I gladly avail myself to return you my heartfelt thanks & gratitude not only for your trouble and the kind interest you have at once taken in me but also for your sympathy.
It is only in adversity that genuine and disinterested sympathy can be appreciated. I have to thank you also for reminding me of my duty in reference to the Visitation it has pleased My Heavenly Father to visit me with
How ready to repine and to lose hold of Gods promises amidst the anxieties cares and fears of this busy world
I have
[Page 91]
I have ever been of a hopeful turn of mind and although I have not been without trials I have always endeavoured to look upon them as coming from the hand of a Gracious Father. But at the time I took the liberty of writing you I felt overwhelmed and bewildered.
The Cloud seemed without a ray of light and a sort of despair overcame me for which I have much cause to feel humbled And I sincerely hope I may be enabled to put my trust in Him who has cared for me hitherto and who is ever nigh to those who call upon Him in truth.
My age is to the best of my knowledge 56-58. The records of the Parish of my birth were destroyed in some disturbance connected with the Local Militia about 45 or 50 years ago.
My acquaintances say I look to be about 45. I have reason to be thankful that I feel as vigorous as ever. My constitution was originally good and has not been injured by ill health or otherwise.
My eldest son is 27 in good health
and
[Page 92]
and a practical land surveyor.
I enclose document from Dalgetty Rutty & Co. in reference to a small Station the only one in the market at present and in the hands of the Union Bank the Crown Lesee has one year more after the expiry of the Banks lease which he would gladly hand over not to be called upon to pay the improvements.
The Crown Leases of the Pastoral Company of the Province all terminate in about six years hence.
With the 3600 sheep mentioned at the foot of the enclosed and now on their way to the station I think it will be rather heavily stocked and would probably be better if two or three thousand were sold.- All the stations that exchanged hands hitherto were sold for very large sums besides the value of the stock.
Mr McDonald Manager of the Union Bank told me privately that If I were in a position to offer, that 15/- he thinks would be accepted - Horses improvements & a given in. And run
also
[Page 93]
also without any bonus. I would not hesitate a moment if I could.
I told him I was writing to Sydney about the matter and it will not be sold till I get an answer.
I have been so much disturbed and called upon to attend to other matters that I am more hurried than I could wish, and have not time it being near Mail hours to be as minute as I could wish I therefore enclose a pencilled note to show what I found upon. If I could get the money the Stock could be given in security The wool alone would pay a profit. Please accept my gratitude again- I am
Dear Sir
Yours very respectfully
Duncan McArthur
James McArthur of Camden Park
Near Sydney
I have the misfortune to be a J.P and you will see by the accompanying newspaper that my time was taken up for the last three days in court.
D.Mc
[Page 94]
Conservative Club
S.T.U
23rd May 1865
My dear Sir
As I observed on sending the report of your speech at the dinner given to you at Camden on your return to the Colony that you alluded to the Society of which Sir William Farquhar
is
[Page 95]
is the Treasurer as worthy of attention I have alerted the Secretary to send you a copy of the financial report as adopted at the public meeting held at Willifs rooms on the 15th instance
I regret that you now find that New South Wales makes so small a
show
[Page 96]
show in our proceedings which is attributable to the inability to obtain any afsistance towards the pafsage of [indecipherable] except by payment of the deposit and [indecipherable] of the person in the Colony.
There is just now a great dearth of [indecipherable] coming forward and as South Australia
[Page 97]
and Queensland list so highly for them they get the pick - [indecipherable] may pofsibly modify the present system as it is hopelefs in this country to do anything under it. and with [indecipherable] to Mrs Macarthur
Believe me
by truly yours
H.H Browns
Jas. Macarthur Esq
etc
[Page 98]
OPENING
of the
NEW SCHOOL CHURCH
AT HARMER HILL,
IN THE PARISH OF MIDDLE
This School-Church (licensed for Divine Fellowship)
will (D.V) be opened with
TWO FULL SERVICES
on Wednesday, May the 31st
The Sermon in the Morning will be preached by
THE REV. G. BELLETT, M.A.
Incumbent of St. Leonards, Bridgnorth.
The Sermon in the Evening, will be Preached by
THE REV. JOHN BURD, M.A.
Vicar of Chirbury.
The Morning Service will Commence at a Quarter to Twelve oClock, and the Evening Service at Seven oClock
A Collection will be made after each Service, in Aid of the Building Fund in which there is a considerable deficiency.
A COLD DINNER WILL BE SERVED AT THE BRIDGWATER ARMS, HARMER HILL, IMMEDIATELY AFTER MORNING SERVICE AT 2S. 6d. PER HEAD
[Page 99]
Middle May 25.
My dear James,
The other side of this sheet will show you what we are about just now & what most just at present occupied our thoughts & energies. Thanks to you & the other kind friends we have brought our work at Harmer Hill almost to conclusion. The building itself was very different to the drawing of it you saw & which Emily did not like I think it very pretty & it has been universally admired I will send you a Photo of it some day.
We were very glad to get Emilys letter by the last mail dismay to hear that Elizabeth had been most poorly. I hope soon we hear she is quite herself again. We were much interested in the illustrated paper. The section containing your partial history. I saw in it the sailing of the Duneen Dunbar & curiously enough in the very next [indecipherable] Times, I saw the report of her arrival at Falunith I daresay by this time you are beginning to feel quite settled at home again. We joy on much in our usual routine. The 4 children give Mary plenty to do & to think of I am never absent of work of our kind This
[Page 100]
Harmer Hill & church has of late occupied me a great deal they seem to have required me there almost every day. The only outing I am looking forward to is a visit to Bromley around the last week in June for the Handel Festival at the Crystal palace - Sibella writes word that she has got tickets for me. How I wish you three were to be there I suppose some time in the Autumn if all well we shall have to take the children somewhere for tea, air & bathing It did them all so much good last year. We are having a most beautiful season every morning with excellent [indecipherable] a good many themselves [indecipherable] of late - & the last few today seems to be causing the [indecipherable] it from almost [indecipherable]
I am sorry to hear when [indecipherable] almost of your [indecipherable] The bad season must have told severely on them. I hope now you are alright then & able to look after
[mostly indecipherable passage]
[Page 101]
them, [indecipherable] will mend.-
I [indecipherable] & [indecipherable] are now in London. She quite well enough to be able to [indecipherable] herself thoroughly they did not visit me on their way up but talk of doing so on there return. Willie & Fanny are at Leamington He often came down but I have not seen Fanny for some time.
Our garden is looking very pretty just now the Rhododendrons, Lilacs, Laburnums, tree Peonys are all in full bloom- other foliage of the trees so fresh & crisp at night We have made a real improvement I think since you were here at the end where the seat was by the Rookery we had [indecipherable] accounts from Fredric yesterday they have recovered from their regrets at having to leave their [indecipherable] home. I have a very nice house at Amritser tho Mary says it was beginning to be fearfully lost. This is a [indecipherable] letter written in haste. & only intended to them
[Page 102]
[mostly indeipherable]
SPES ANCHORA VITE
35 Hyde Park Gardens, W
May 26TH 1865
My dear Friend,
It is useless for me to dwell on the distress which your kind letter & those of some other friends which referred to poor dear Arthurs state caused us. [indecipherable] indeed has somewhat rallied & begins to hope again. Remembering probably in what a very different condition we found the poor fellow at Malta compared with that which [indecipherable] [indecipherable] [indecipherable] [indecipherable] had he found us to find. and calling to mind how very rapidly he had appeared to [indecipherable] when under I am [indecipherable]
[Page 103]
in treatment. But I confess I despair. Should he even be spared in some few years I cannot hope for that on which we had set our hearts. Well Gods will be done. Arthur was so completely the flower of all his generation of our family. and his Aunt & I had become so fond & I may say proud of him - that we [indecipherable] his loss as irreparable We have no [indecipherable] now away our own [indecipherable]. It is a sad blow indeed coming so soon after his poor Uncles death. [indecipherable] counts in them ones [indecipherable] as I may say make one time with in [indecipherable] affection to friends [indecipherable] him. and every day I feel drawn more & more towards those who like all your dear
[Page 104]
ones at Camden have [indecipherable] [indecipherable] [indecipherable] in tribulations also are to [indecipherable] [indecipherable] doors & later the plan of those who have been called away.
I am of the wish that I was back again with you all, for I [indecipherable] to care less and less for England & the English but my wife would not stand the climate so I do not allow myself to dwell on [indecipherable] [indecipherable]. In an [indecipherable] of us will just now. the warm weather being [indecipherable] life in the old way & I [indecipherable] [indecipherable] at one he the remains of my [indecipherable] attack. We have determined in [indecipherable] as soon as Barkham is able to [indecipherable] without [indecipherable] [indecipherable] to go for [indecipherable] batting & [indecipherable] drinking to Vicky. We were very very sorry to hear of Miss Elizabeths illness. I had [indecipherable] been a [indecipherable] [indecipherable]Vicky it would have
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[Mostly indecipherable]
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[Mostly indecipherable]
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[Mostly indecipherable]
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[Mostly indecipherable]
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[Mostly indecipherable]
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J. Macarthur Esq
Kent
England
16 June 1865
Dear James Macarthur,
I write to you, if I recollect aright from Stockbridge about 6 weeks ago, & have [indecipherable] reced a letter from you, dated Sydney 21st March.
I have also reced the copy of the "Sydney Morning Herald" which you sent me & which contains a reply to an Article in the "Times" on the State of the Colony, which appeared to me succesfsful
I lament to learn that Elizabeth has been unwell, but as you call her complaints a trifle, we may hope that it has long since disappeared.
I can describe the Grape Crop as a failure, & the Maize as being good, but say nothing about the Wheat I may at any rate, infer from your
The following is written along the left side of the page.
I [indecipherable] on having promised to take one of the young [indecipherable], into Pasturship exprefsly, & the other by implication, has hitherto. Ever yours
Geoff Harman Bromley
[Page 111]
silence, that it is better than during the preceding years especially as you add that the tenants are grazing better
I generally leave domestic news to Sibella - & as suspects them, will only say that all our Belongings are in good health I cannot however say as much for my self for several weeks, I have been going backwards I sleep badly, am much deprefsed, & generally out of order I have however put myself once more into Headlands hands, & expect that his Acid Mixture will set me up in a few weeks, & correct the morbid actions of the Liver & Kidneys, which are doubtlefs at the root of the mischief
External circumstances have had an unfavourable effect upon me among these I may mention poor Prescotts death, & the conduct of Layson,
[The following is written along the left side of the page.]
not given either a farthing, & only held out a vague expectation that he will make them a present at the end of the year
[The following is written along the right side of the page.]
adding that the Mill must be sold at his death, by [indecipherable]
[Page 112]
which has led to Phils retirement form the Mill I could not urge him to remain altho his Compassion Hepburn is still there, meaning to take the Chapter of Accidents and thinking that something good for him, must turn up, if he sticks to a concern, which yields £20,000 per annum profit -
At Philpresent Phil is enjoying himself thoroughly, playing at cricket taking long walks with his cousin Harry [indecipherable] This is at any state good for his health
The Macleays have been studiously kind to us, & last week we had a Septimus Onslow with us I presume a Brother of commander Onslow, whom you mention as being ill
Altho preparations for the Election are going on over all England, there is very little political excitement The Country is so prosperous, & the People so well contented with things as they are, that, with
[The following is written along the left side of the page.]
adding that the Mill must be sold at his death, & may be sold at any moment Has much of good faith & feeling is palpable
[Page 113]
a great deal of talk, there is very little like the real fights which I have known in former days I proposed our two Candidates Angerstein & Lubbock at a large Meeting at Maidstone, & took the Chair at Bramley last Wednesday, when they addrefsed the Electors of this Polling District I do not feel at all confident that they will succeed at any rate, the Contest will be severe I do not [indecipherable]
On the whole, it is probable that the Govt will gain a few Seats throughout the Country as a balance, & that it will remain in Office, as long as Palmerston lives & can hold office
I could say a great deal to you about [indecipherable], but have neither time nor space & will only therefore say ([indecipherable] my Reasons ) that if the Southern Leaders are punished as Vulgar Rebels, a great crime & mistake will be committed
Love to Emily & Elisabeth
[The following is written along the left side of the page].
A distinction should be drawn between a simple Rebellion & a civil item This is well [indecipherable] out by His losses in the Tories.
[Page 114]
Bromly Common Kent St
June 19th / 65
My dear Uncle James
I am very sorry to think that about 10 months have elapsed since I saw you, & that this is the first time I have written to you I intended to behave quite differently; but I have been postponing my letter from day to day, until I am quite astonished to find how many months have elapsed since your departure.
I dont know, but I suppose I have to thank you for having sent me a newspaper containing & a long account of your reception at Camden. I think you must have been very much gratified by it, & I should like very much to have been present at the festivities: I am very glad to see that the colonists know how to value the services of a true liberal.
I am going on exactly the same
[Page 115]
as when you left; I occasionally make a guinea, & usuallmore particularly at the quartre sefsions & on circuit About a year has elapsedpafsed since I first tried to get any practise & I have made 14 guineas, not a magnificent income but more than a good many. The truth is that I think none except those who are immediately connected with attornies or parliamentary agents in some way or other have really a substantial chance of succefs. However my directorship at the [indecipherable] gives me between £300 & £400 a year; so that I am quite independant, & in fact very well off I have no doubt I should have been in a much better position pecuniarily, if I have squatted, which I think I should have liked very much, but you know my father was always very much opposed to that, & I have no doubt I shall get along
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very well as I am
Phils connexion with the Paper Mill has come to final termination, Joynson having deliberately & decisively declined, to offer him any permanent position there, it was of course uselefs for him to continue to work there
My father is very much annoyed about it as he always looked to it as a permanent position for him, & placed the utmost reliance in Joynsons candour & honestly; & I think he now hopes that Joynson may at a future time relent & act in a more honourable spirit but we do not think there is any chance of that.
Charlie & his children are now at Bromly & are likely to remain there sometime as he is doing considerable alterations to his house in town so as to make room for his increasing family
We are now in excitement about the coming election. I expect the sefsion will
[Page 117]
be over in about a fortnight I understand that the liberals expect to gain about 5 to 30 seats on the whole. The sefsion has been an unusually quite one nothing hardlyexciting except the malt tax, the Union chargeability bill, & lately the bill to abolish the oath on taking the MA Degree as Oxford
In West Kent we expect a very tight contest & I think no one can tell who will be succefsfull; probably those who canvas best. Our two candidates are Mr Augestein (late M. P. for Greenwich) & John Lubbock. The latter was started only asto play, 2nd fiddle, but he has played it so well that he has quite taken the wind after the windout of the other mans sails, & is expected to beat him easily. Snr J. Lubbock is unfortunately very ill in fact no hope of recovery, & he will probably not last a week; so that John has plenty on his hands
Best love to Aunt Emily & Betfsy.
Yr Affecate Nephew F.H. Norman
[Page 118]
P.S. My friend Mr Pavell who visited Camden shortly before your arrival with a letter of introduction from Aunt Emily has arrived in England I have not yet seen him but hope to do so soon I hear that he was very much pleased with Camden, & derived great advantage from his introduction to Sir William.
I dined with Sir Edward about a fortnight ago, & went to a ball with Lady M afterwards. They are both very well
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[Indecipherable].
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[Indecipherable].
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[Indecipherable].
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[Indecipherable].
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Carlton Gardens
26 July 1865
Dear James Macarthur,
I am come up from Bromley with Sibella for a few hours, in order to consult my Doctor-
This beginning of a letter would naturally lead me to enlarge upon the [indecipherable] state of my health but upon that matter I shall say but little, knowing that Sibella must have said a great deal to Emily I cannot however but remark, that having pafsed well thro the Winter, & have since become worse during the last fortnight especially I have suffered a great deal, & cannot but regard the future despondingly
I have given up [indecipherable] for the time as Experiment
[The following is written along the left side of the page.]
& it is hard to be always simpley with depression & hypochondria which is his fate will we all none of us have all right here below & he says he has been blefsed in most ways but his health my best love dear James.
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thinking that rest may be of service to me - & read for many hours daily, but this cannot go on forever My eyes would not stand the strain
He [indecipherable] promises me fairly, but to recover from a serious, & a constitutional malady X 2 is not a thing to be relied on I meant to say little upon this matter, & yet, more than a page has been occupied by it, so here I will stop
We have had a fierce Contest for West Kent, & been beaten by a Majority of 170 this with more than 9000 electors shows a close fight
The present Sir J. Lubbock, ( his Father died a month ago) became a candidate rather late in the day, & gave, as I expected general satisfaction. My son Charles seconded him
[Page 125]
at the nomination, & I am told that his speech was well composed, well delivered & on the whole very effective
I was compelled to refrain from any active interference in the Election
The new H of Commons is now chosen The Govnmt has gained 24 seats 8 Votes on a Division They will therefore start with a good working Majority
Unlefs, when any great & important Measure such as Free Trade is to be carried, I believe that great advantage results from a strong opposition Public Measures are thus more closely scanned
The Harvest has begun & the result, will on the whole be satisfactory The summer has been the most enjoyable, that I can recollect
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I have now to conclude, with what I ought to have begun I mean Elizabeths probable Marriage It will be indeed a most fortunate event according to all reasonable prophecy May the Blefsings of the Almighty [indecipherable]
Give my love to the Ladies, & to Sir William,
& believe me
Dear James Macarthur
yours truly
George [indecipherable]
James Macarthur
My dear James One line to you I must send as there is room You see my poor George is very sad about himself, & were I not in rude health & spirits I should too be sad but thank god for thus helping me on - Your dear man he does suffer
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Envelope
Mr. W. E. Frere.
Royal Hotel George Street
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[indecipherable] by Wn. E. Frere Esq
[indecipherable]
James Macarthur
ADarling Sydney
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Toorak Melbourne
9 July 1865
My dear Mr Macarthur
A friend of mine Mr W. E. Frere a brother of the Governor of Bombay & lately senior member of Council at that Presidency
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dency, is, accompanied by his daughter, making a tour of these Colonies before returning to England. They have been staying with us for some time and as I am anxious to attend their every opportunity of making themselves
acquainted
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acquainted with all that is best with seeing in New South Wales, you will I hope excuse me for venturing to introduce them to Mrs Macarthur and yourself; and asking you to give them the benefit of your advice, as to making
the
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the best use of their time.
Lady Darling begs to be kindly remembered to Lady Macarthur and your Daughter and I am,
Yours Faithfully
C Darling
The [indecipherable]
James Macarthur
[Page 133]
Telegraph Station
Sofala 12th July 1865
Dear Sir,
My brother, Mr Archd Maxwell Smith, came to this Colony about threetwo years ago and resided with me until he received from England a letter of introduction to you and, on your kind invitation, paid you a visit since when he has been residing in Sydney endeavouring to get employment. Every letter from home
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speaks sanguinely of his prospects of obtaining some appointment or occupation through the great influence you are supposed to command from the high estimation in which you are held and in consideration of your vast profefsions in this colony, and to myself it appears that my brother from feelings of delicacy or the sensitivenefs that arises from restricted means, has shrunk from
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explaining to you his true position which is simply this that he had literally nothing when he landed, and since then has been and now is, dependant on me and although I would not, individually, hesitate to share my last shilling with my fathers son, I feel that I cannot justly continue to deprive my wife and three children of whatsoever necefsaries and comforts my limited
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income might supply them with, I therefore take the liberty to addrefs you not only to explain my brothers position financially but to suggest that (supposing you are willing to make some personal and energetic appeal to the Government of some other quarter on his behalf) perhaps, until an opening occurs you could find him some employment on your own or anothers property. I know he would accept of
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of any temporary occupation that would afford himself support and I am confident he would faithfully and satisfactorily perform any duties his office might impose on him
Apologising for this trefspafsing on your good nature.
I am
Dear Sir
Yours faithfully
Charles G Smith
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Telegraph Station
Sofala 20th July
Dear Sir
I have received yours of the 17th in reply to mine of the 12th July and hasten to exprefs my regret that there was any want of courtesy or consideration apparent in the tone of my letter written in the hurry of businefs and of regret that circumstance the more from my having been aware that I was
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addrefsing one pofsefsed of all the attributes of an English gentleman which my own taste and feelings led me to appreciate and value in proportion to any contempt for the rascally [indecipherable] and the wretched toady.
Thanking you for the kindnefs shown to my brother and for your polite and temperate notice
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of my somewhat inconsiderate effusion,
I am
Dear Sir
Yours faithfully
Charles G Smith
James Macarthur Esq
[Page 141]
UNION CLUB
July 18th, 1865
Sir,
I am desired to inform you that on the 6th instant a resolution was passed by the General Committee to the effect "that the Members of the Club be invited to contribute £5 each towards defraying the expenses amounting to about £1,000 incurred for the late improvements, which the terms of the Lease, and the proper accommodation for the Members, rendered absolutely necessary."
It was further resolved to obtain the authority of a General Meeting to raise the Entrance Fee from Fifteen Guineas to Twenty Guineas, in order that the new Members shall enter upon the same footing as those Members who now constitute the Club.
As it is most important that this invitation be immediately and generally responded to, the Committee will be glad to receive your contribution at your earliest convenience. Should the invitation however not be generally responded to in the opinion of the Committee, then the amount of your contribution will be returned.
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
Thos. C. Bentley
Secretary.
[Page 142]
Clifton August 13
1865
My Dear Macarthur,
Your last letter dated May, reached me at a moment of more than ordinary bustle and excitement. Then in short on the eve of entering into that most important of all human engagements marriage. The event is one which I am sure will not fail to interest both yourself and Mrs Macarthur and did you know the lady (I am not sure whether you have not seen her at my house) who has accepted my hand, you would I am sure not fail to approve my choice. In sober breath I have felt as life advanced an increasing
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want for that close sympathy and companionship which married life can alone supply. My previous existence has been so active, bustling, and varied, that I had scarcely been so fully sensible of the solitarinefs, and deprivations of a life of celibacy, as I have since my last return to Europe because of course it is an easy thing to enter into the new marriage tie. I have always felt that without any of the wild romance of youthful pafsion there was little prospect of happinefs in any union in which there was not to be found a close conformity of laughter, sympathy, habits, characters and tastes. All these I believe I have found in her, who now bears my
[Page 144]
name. She is the eldest of a family of four daughters, - her father a solicitor in the Register of the Charter House where she was born, and her spirit a great part of her life with a [indecipherable] [indecipherable] disposition, she posefses very considerable intellectual accomplishments, - and has seen a [indecipherable] of this world Humanly speaking I believe I have as fair a prospect of happinefs as in this [indecipherable] condition of life anyone has a right to expect. We are now on our wedding trip, and after returning to London for a few days, we go to the Continent for 2 or 3 months.
I would fain hope from what you tell me
[Page 145]
(and what I collect from other channels) that things in general are somewhat more hopeful in the colony, than they have hitherto for a long time been. The system of taxation adopted is a very painful phase in the history of the Colony. An [indecipherable] tax and "Legacy duty" is one of the last expedients any new Government should have become to. It could have been infinitely more prudent to have increased the "import duties" on tea sugar & spirits.- Were the government determined to meet the special burdens with which any are struggling; they might I am sure at once accomplish this and so supply alluring land for depasturing purposes
[Page 146]
to be sold at an afset price of 5 shillings an acre in large blocks. The squatters would welcome this convert from the position of mere tenants at will (ready to leave the Country at any moment) into "bona fide" Colonists they would have a tenure that would enable them to realise any amount of Capitol in England and the security they could then give. The great difficulty with all the momentary Companies established in England, for the purpose of making investments in the Colony, is that no [indecipherable] tangible, indestructible security can be given by those who form the Chief bulk of borrowers. If a squatter
[Page 147]
has 30,000 sheep and wants to borrow money it is with the greatest difficulty he can do so, through Banks and Merchants at rates varying from 10 to 20 percent. If he had land that he could [indecipherable] he could raise money readily at 6 or 7 percent. I have often regretted that Cowper did not persevere and act upon this principle. he always agreed with me in advocating the law afset price. As for the notion of the lands falling into the hands of monopolists it is a perfect bugbear. The present system does constitute a virtual monopoly. If the land were sold in sufficient areas to enable
[Page 148]
the [indecipherable] to [indecipherable] sheep and stock in sufficient numbers, - the [indecipherable] monopoly of [indecipherable] areas being held by a few individuals, could be [indecipherable], a landed proprietary body formed, - and a real and permanent basis to society [indecipherable].
I saw the [indecipherable] and his wife a short time ago. The [indecipherable] is looking well but [indecipherable] I think a decoy of [indecipherable] vigour. Donaldson is in a very unsatisfactory state of health and obliged to give up nearly all businefs. The Henrys are well A.T. has [indecipherable] of his [indecipherable] to resume his permanent residence in England. Dolice getting thinner and still sadly [indecipherable]
[Page 149]
The general elections have pafsed over - [indecipherable] very little [indecipherable] without [indecipherable] in one or two [indecipherable], as at Oxford. In Palmerston Ministry is somewhat straightened but not in any important degrees by
[The remaining letters have not been transcribed].
[Transcribed by Beth Macauley for the State Library of New South Wales]