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PRG 630/2/1-29 Sir Charles Todd family correspondence Transcribed by Lyndall Fredericks, Volunteer at the State Library of SA, 2011 These letters are published here with permission of a family member

Sir Charles Todd family letters, chiefly written during Todd's absence on the construction of the Overland Telegraph. Letters 1-2 from Todd to his sons Charles and Hedley and to his wife Alice 1872 Letters 3-19 from Alice to Todd 1872-94 Letters 20-21 from Alice to daughter Maude 1891 and ca.1897 Letters 22-24 from daughter Elizabeth (Lizzie) to Todd 1872 Letters 25-28 from Todd to Alice 1872 Letter 29 from Todd to his family in England describing his voyage to South Australia in the ship Irene 1855.

Letter 1 Charles, S.S. Tararua, River Roper, to Charlie and Hedley 20 March 1872 Letter 2 Charles, Mt Margaret, to Alice 6 October 1872 Letter 3 Alice, the Observatory, to Charles 23 May 1872 Letter 4 Alice, the Observatory, to Charles 29 May 1872 Letter 5 Alice, the Observatory, to Charles 12 June 1872 Letter 6 Alice, the Observatory, to Charles 9 July 1872 Letter 7 Alice, the Observatory, to Charles 24 July 1872 Letter 8 Alice, the Observatory, to Charles 11 August 1872 Letter 9 Alice, the Observatory, to Charles 29 August 1872 Letter 10 Alice, the Observatory, to Charles 5 September 1872 Letter 11 Alice, the Observatory, to Charles 9 September 1872 Letter 12 Alice, the Observatory, to Charles 19 September 1872 Letter 13 Alice, the Observatory, to Charles 24 September 1872 Letter 14 Alice to Charles 7 October 1872 Letter 15 Alice, the Observatory, to Charles 17 October 1872 Letter 16 Alice to Charles 23 October 1872 Letter 17 Alice, the Observatory, to (Sir) Charles 24 January 1886 Letter 18 Alice, Port Elliot, to (Sir) Charles 12 March 1894 Letter 19 Alice to her daughter Maude ca.1891 Letter 20 Alice, the Observatory, to Maude 19 October 1891 Letter 21 Alice to Maude, ca. December 1897 Letter 22 Lizzie, the Observatory, to Charles 23 May [1872] Letter 23 Lizzie, the Observatory, to Charles 29 May [1872] Letter 24 Lizzie, the Observatory, to Charles 13 June [1872] Letter 25 Charles, S.S. Omeo, River Roper to Alice Feb 1 1872 Letter 26 Charles, Steamer Young Australian Maria Island, Gulf of Carpentaria to Alice 2 March 1872 Letter 27 Charles, Barque Bengal, Roper River N T. to Alice 3 April 1872 Letter 28 Charles, Govt Residence, Pt Darwin to Alice 12 May 1872 Letter 29 Charles, Barque Irene to his father, mother, brothers and sisters 28 October 1855

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Page 1 S.S. Tararua. River Roper. 1872 Mar 20. 3h am.

My own dear boys Charlie & Hedley It is past 3h am and the steamer sails at 6h – I have been writing hard all day – but I must write a few lines to acknowledge your letter per Tararua which pleased me very much – You will see in dear Mamas letter all the news and as I am dreadfully tired I must ask you to excuse me saying much – I should like you to see this fine river and the large alligators – they soon demolish man when once they catch

Page 2 hold of him & the blacks have a great dread of them – I am glad to hear that you \& Hedley/ are abt to learn drawing – and hope you will both persevere. Remember my dear boy – now is your time for improvement. Many boys no older than you have to go out into the world and earn their living – but you & Hedley will, I hope – should my life be spared – have several more years at school & under Nasters. You will I know both persevere to

Page 3 make the most of your opportunities – and by diligence & assiduity – do all you can to secure a first class education such as I wish to give you – All the news is contained in my letter to dear Mama and the photographs which Captn Sweet has taken will do more than I can by words to make you understand & appreciate the kind of life I am leading – You will see me in full bush rig – This river abounds in alligators of large size – and in sharks – we

Page 4 caught a number of them yesterday – also cat fish – which we cooked but I can’t say I liked them – they were like the Bishop’s apron – they went against the stomach – Now my dear Charlie & Hedley good bye. Kiss Maude & Gwynnie – I will write them next time – With fondest love. I am dear Charlie & Hedley

Your loving Papa Charles Todd

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Page 1 Mt Margaret 1872 Oct 6

My own dearest Alice Although I shall so soon see you (i e by the blessing of God who has so far mercifully preserved me) I cannot resist the temptation of sending you a few lines, the more especially as, although it was very pleasant to be able to have a telegraphic chat with you, I could not by telegraph say all I could wish, nor express myself so affectionately as my heart prompted me. I was a long time without letters from you, and it was only owing to my being delayed by break downs on starting from the Roper that I got your letters by the Lucy. I was 25 miles out, camped on the Sherwin creek, when a messenger

Page 2 arrived in camp in the middle of the night with a note from Fred Davies, to say that the Lucy had arrived with cargo & a mail. I started back next day when I found the Lucy was 50 miles

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______down the river I therefore went down, starting at daylight next morning, in the Young Australian opened the mail, arranged for purchase of part of cargo most urgently wanted & got back to landing about 8h pm and the following \day/ made fresh start & joined my party at Shirwin creek same evening – not bad work for the tropics. Your letters per Mary King are in Mr Patterson’s hands. But at the Alice S Charlotte Waters I got 4 bags of letters & papers from May 29 to Aug 5. Delighted indeed I was to have them & read them over several

Page 3 times. At the Peake I received 2 letters Aug 20 – 29 & Sep 5, and yesterday’s mail brought me Sep 19 you having evidently mistaken the week on which the mail starts. I must, my dearest Alice, leave unanswered many things referred to in your letters – but my heart is filled with joy & gratitude at the decided step you have taken which, with God’s blessing, must exercise an important influence on our future life in this world as well as all our dear children whose characters have now to be formed – so much depends on our example – what their future career will be. Your letters, so loving as they are, make me long for home. & I shall not loiter on the road – there will be much page 4 to say on both sides, and as I shall see you so soon it is not necessary for me to give you a recital of my adventures. I may perhaps, if time permits, & I am not lazy, throw my diary into a narrative, in manuscript of course, for friends at home – only I am such a wretched writer, and so abominably procrastinating there is no certainty. I hope our pets wont take after me in that respect. I am riding the whole of the way – and although I had the buggy fitted up so nicely I have not slept in it all through, but preferring a hammock, to which I have got so much attached that I laughingly say I must suspend it between the G.P.O. & a lamp post when I have

Page 5 to sleep at the office! It wont hold two you know – I am so sorry you have been so anxious about me. I have had a very anxious time of course – & not the least of my troubles have arisen with Patterson I would not let him quarrel & have treated him throughout with every consideration, but he is naturally despondent, disgusted with his position, & the work, has no confidence in the line, and never thought it would be completed – My plan (I tell you in confidence) was to keep him away from the working parties as much as possible, as he only frightened them about the climate, & urged the withdrawal of the party before the work was satisfactorily completed. Yet, when I say this, I believe he means well, &

Page 6 would do nothing dishonorable – He does not seem to have realised the extent to which his own feelings influenced his activities, & the spirits of his party. I shall do all I can for him. My health has been good – tho the journey has been fatiguing & the absence of nutritious diet has not served to strengthen me. I don’t feel so strong as I could wish – but I look very healthy & well, & believe a little relaxation this next summer will do me good. I should so like to take you & dear Lizzie to Melbourne & Tasmania & hope the Government or Parliament will be sufficiently generous to justify our taking this trip together. I would like to go to England, but must not think of that

Page 7 just yet. I do not look forward to any recognition by the Harne Govt, in respect to title, but from the tone of the press I do hope parliament will vote a ₤1000 or so which will be a nice little addition. I was very gratified at the remarks of the Melbourne Argus – Did you see them? I hope you posted some of the papers to England – giving them accts of the line – I was sorry to hear of your having neuralgia – but hope you are well now – Give my kindest love to dear Mrs Bell – I have been very anxious about her – & about her affairs – which I trust are now quite satisfactory – Lizzie’s letters delight

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Page 8 me she expresses herself so […] I do so long to see her, Maude, Gwynnie & the boys. We must have fine fun when I get back & I will tell them a long yarn – They would have laughed to see me nurse a little black piccaninnie the other day – to the intense delight of the father & mother both of whose tailor’s & dressmaker’s bills were not very heavy I should think. I gave the mother a shirt, of which she was very proud. The little one is called “telegraph”. They always liked to be named – & now dearest Alice I must say good bye – with fondest love to all, especially to my own dear wife. I am, dearest Alice Your loving […] Charles Todd

[written vertically over the above] I am glad to know that William gets on well at the office – give my kindest love to him. Remember me also very kindly to the Stephensons –

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Page 1 The Observatory 1872. May 23

My own dear Charles I am so thankful I have an opportunity of sending you a letter. I was spending the day with Mrs Burt Tolley and about 4 pm Mr Burt returned home & said that Mr Elder had engaged him to go up with camels to meet Mr Todd and that he would have to start tomorrow morning at seven o’clock. Mr Elder has been most liberal to him and I am very glad of it for the goat have not behaved at all well to him. They only gave him 15₤ as bonus and after so many privations it did seem rather […] I received a letter today from Mr Elder with a cheque for 2 guineas for the widow of that unfortunate man Edward Privitts who died on the 31st March of scurvy

Page 2 In his letter he states that he was sending up camels from Beltana on the 27th of this month to meet you and you were to use them as you wish – I shall write & thank him for his kindness – Poor Mr Field has been spending an hour with me he seems to feel his Wife’s loss very much – it is indeed an immense loss to him and the family – Rosey is spending a day or two with […] It seems so sad to see them all – the house appears so desolate – I have all the Views from Captain Sweet they are beautiful I constantly look at you and wish you were nearer to me – how ever I do hope that by this time I shall you have started on your homeward journey and when once you start homeward I shall hope to see you in a few months time. My darling little Gwenny is delighted with your portrait – she knows

Page 3 you in each picture and always says “My nice dear old Father I will kiss him when he comes home – Today she was watching the boys putting Manure on the front bed of the garden & she said to Lizzie – “Oh Liz I didn’t saw such good boys did you”? meaning that she had never seen such good boys – poor Mr John Baker died last Saturday he suffered fearfully – I met Mr Ross last Tuesday and he stopped to have a chat about you he says you will either be a Knight or a C.G. I said I did not care about that if you were brought safely home but I sincerely hoped your exertions would be appreciated all seem extremely kind and very anxious to have you back again and none so anxious as your humble servant

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Page 4 Mrs Patterson has come to Adelaide to live – I think I shall call upon her – Eden Babbage and his bride have returned – they have taken a house in Kent Town and have furnished it so nicely – Mrs Babbage and Ada have gone to Melbourne and Dr Wooldridge is having made for Ada a false hand – it will be of flesh colour and flexible. I am so glad I have felt so often sorry for her. Charles Babbage and his wife and children are stopping at St Marys [?] during Mrs Babbage’s stay in Melbourne and two of the Dugald Babbages are living with them The D Babbages went to England by the March Mail Steamer – The Uncle at home Colonel Babbage has sold all the family plate and the Diamonds and I fear they will be terribly annoyed

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Page 1 The Observatory 1872. May 29 –

My own dear Charles I do not know whether Mr Cunningham is sending you letters and Papers but I shall send this letter and hope you may receive it. I have not heard from you for more than a month. 5 weeks tomorrow and it seems such a long time – I was very much cheered by the Telegram that Mr Patterson as I hoped if you came down the Line to Newcastle Waters to meet that gentleman you would not be at all likely to return to the Roper – I hope therefore by this time you have commenced your journey homewards and may God in his kind mercy permit you to return safely to your home and family – The time has been so wearily long. I should not have minded the separation so much if you had been comfortable. I have been so troubled to hear from Mr Symes our new Parson that that unfortunate man Alfred Symonds who went out in Mr Patterson’s party as Storekeeper has been really guilty of felony – he and his wife are most respectably connected. He will is I believe heir to a baronetcy and Mrs Symonds brother holds some high position in the Telegraph Dept in Victoria, her

Page 2 Uncle is Warden of the Portsmouth Dock Yard – a Telegram has been sent to her brother in Melbourne stating that his sister is starving in Adelaide but no reply has been received – the fact is poor thing she married him against the consent of her family and they do not wish to recognize her now – she has five children the eldest 8 years the second 4½ one 3½ another 2½ and the baby is six months old. I went to the poor creature she has only two chairs and a Table in the room and she receives rations from the Government Mr Symes thinks she had better go into the Destitute Asylum with her children and then he had better Telegraph to her brother in Melbourne – if they are rich of course they would not like her to be living there on Charity – The world is full of distress. Lizzie likes Mrs Symes so much but I expect she will enclose one to you and tell you all about her. I attended a meeting last evening. They have been erecting School rooms and Class rooms and they will be finished by the end of the year – and the Deacons are so anxious to go into them free of debt and the seatholders were requested to […] Mr Hay gave 100₤ and the Hon Mr Parkin promised 50₤ Mr Stuckey 50₤ Mrs Starkey 5₤ and Mortimer 15₤ I said I thought you would give 10₤ I did not feel we could possibly afford more. I hope you will not feel vexed – Charlie was with me and when Mr Hay said he would give 100₤ Charlie said

Page 3 “What a nice horse that would buy” I like the Symes so much – they are people of refinement and good taste. They are both very fond of our darling girl. We are all quite well Gwenny has a little Native Pock about her neck and arms but she seems pretty well only a little fractious – she cannot understand why her “father” does not come home and kiss her. Charlie astonishes

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______me every day he is growing so strong and stout – they are nicely progressing under Mr Howlett Charlie is in […][…] now – and I hope you will be pleased with them all. it is a great anxiety for me having all to arrange without you my dearie one but I trust you will be pleased with my management – We see a great deal of the Miller’s – Muddy is as nice as ever. she is fearfully delicate and seems to get weaker day by day – her boy is a beauty so strong and well. I like the Dr very much. we are going i e Lizzie and I go with them tomorrow evening to an Entertainment in aid of the Building Fund of the Stow Church. The first time I have been out of an evening since you left. Mr Clarke from Melbourne gives recitations and the Choir sing different pieces. Tickets are 2/6 each. How very thankful I shall be to have a message from you. I often wonder when I shall hear. Michael has got quite strong and well. he only comes up to the Obsy in the morning – he has plenty to do I assure

Page 4 you. I go out occasionnally – Today I am going up to call upon Mrs Davenport and Mrs Cleland Mrs Cleland asked me to call and see her as she would like to show me the little […] I have not done up the newspapers as well as usual as I was not at home last night but I do not like to keep Michael. besides Mr Cunningham tells me that he sends them in a bag and I need not fold them up at all. I have called upon Mrs Barrow – she was so pleasant & several times I have seen Mr Ross in town – he […] stops to speak and says he hopes soon we shall be in communication with you – all seem very anxious to have you back again – Mrs Burt has been to see Mr Elder and he was to [..] – unfortunately Mr Burt did not take his luggage – it never left the station – Mr Wearing lost his brother very suddenly last week. he was a farmer & very poor he has left 8 children and a widow I don’t know what will become of them. The Wearings have gone to live in Gover Street North Adelaide – Lady Charlotte is going to give Mrs Stephenson a benefit – she is to stay with her for a fortnight All unite with me in kindest love & with a large share yourself from your own loving wife Alice –

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Page 1 The Observatory 1872 June 12 – 12

My own dear Charles Everyone seems to be getting very excited and think that very soon now we shall receive a Telegram from you – Mr Boothby stopped me today & he said he hoped we should soon hear from you. I cannot tell you how grateful I shall be – I do not forget that you are now I hope on your homeward journey – When I can hear from you I shall not feel the time so long – Mr Cunningham went to see the Chief Secretary and he thought there should be some signal given to the public when the first through message arrived

Page 2 and Mr Ayers at once ordered a splendid large red ensign to be made for the Tower of the Post Office and I am sure there will be great rejoicings – All our dear bro ones are quite well it is been most fortunate that we have had no sickness since you left home – The Hughes of Torrens Park have invited me to a large party on the 21st inst I have declined the invitation I should not like to enter such a scene of gaiety whilst you perhaps are enduring such hardships – if you are comfortably situated you will still have many discomforts to endure and I could not go into a large party with any pleasure. I called upon the bride Mrs Warburton last Monday just

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Page 3 as I was getting out of the wagonette I saw Mrs May of the College and we went in together Mrs Warburton was so pleasant they have commenced house keeping in a very small scale the drawing room was very meagrely furnished and not at all a nice looking house. The Barbers are going to live in Pulteney street near the St Paul’s Church they have taken a very nice house. I have been down to see Mrs Miller I generally see her every day she is a dear young thing so changed and so affectionate her boy is growing such a beauty. he knows me so well and laughs at me & talks in his pretty crooning way – Mr Wright has not been very strong lately. Mrs Wright feared

Page 4 at one time that he would not recover poor man I should fear that he is very unfitted for a change of worlds. Gwenny is sitting on my lap and she has kissed the paper because this letter is for her dear Papa – she is growing such a fine girl she is a splendid child so strong & […]. dear little loving Maude is growing so fat and though she was very delicate before April and I felt very fidgetty about her but after she went with me to Mt Barker she seemed to gain strength and she is now so well. The Bank of Adelaide has issued new Scrip and it is at first offered to the Shareholders and which shares are left are to will be offered to the public – Mr Stuckey has bought 100 shares and they are even now

Page 5 2 At 2/6 […] – I have had a chat with Mr Cunningham about buying some as I believe you would not let such a good chance go slip and he has been to see Mr Soullar about the matter and he says it can be managed so we are going to buy some for you my dear and I hope you will be pleased. I am sure you will be grateful to hear that Mr Cunningham thrives to do all he \possibly/ can and he seems so very desirous that you should have some of these […] – There have been two calls on the Glenelg Railway shares. you have 15 I find I thought you had only fift five – I suppose it is all right – There is a dividend awaiting you of the […] In Shares, The Bank of Adelaide

Page 6 and the […]. it is a pity that the dividends control be obtained and placed to your credit at the Bank but you will be glad to have them when you return. The contracts for the Glenelg Railway Works have all been […] The Sum that was expected to I hope you will after a time have no more to pay on calls – 9h pm Wednesday. I have just returned from Church. we had such a good sermon from Mr Symes Liz attends the Bible Class at ½ past 4. she then takes Tea at Mrs Symes and I walk down in the evening They are such good nice people I like them so much. They are building new Class Rooms and I School Rooms William has stayed to the Bible Class so I have just been out to take the observations – it is so cold

Page 7 3 The weather has been bitingly cold early in the morning & in the evenings – I went to the Office to see Mr Cunningham about the Shares a few days time & I saw your nice room. They are keeping so wrapped up during your absence. The carpet has cloth over it to prevent the Moth dust going thro’ and camphor is thrown all over it so that the moth may not touch it – how pleased all in the Dept will be to have you back again. I think you like like Mr Symes very much. he is such an earnest good man last week the boys went to his house to tea and they were so delighted with both Mr & Mrs Symes Mrs Symes told them what her brother used to do & they chatted

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Page 8 with them and Charlie said in the evening that if all clergymen were like Mr Symes he thought there would be much more religion in the world. Liz and I are going to Mrs Miller’s to dine this evening – I expect you will have so much to read and find so many bags awaiting you that you will almost wish […] me a bore – With fondest love I am dearest Charles ever your loving wife Alice Gillam Todd

The boys and darling Maude & Gwenny send their love & such lots of [written vertically across the above] kisses – they are such darlings

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Page 1 The Observatory 1872 July 9th

My own dear Charles – I have the map of the Overland Telegraph from the Office nicely mounted hanging up between the Hall door & the Dining room door that I may constantly watch where you are my own dear one – I was so grateful to hear of your welfare so pleased to hear you were well. I was anxious about Griff’s finger and so thankful that you said it was healing nicely. I felt so very fidgetty about him – it would have been so very sad if he had

Page 2 lost the tip of his finger – You will I know be glad to hear that we are all so well. Oh how I have longed for you lately my own darling. I want you so often now dear more than ever. You will I know rejoice with the that during the last few days my mind which has been distressed for some time has at last found peace in my saviour. I could not imagine that I had nothing to do but I believe and I went to see Mr Symes and had some chat with him and he showed me that of I myself had nothing to do but believe God’s Holy Word which says “Him that cometh unto me I will in no wise cast out.” I trusted that God would not be worse than His Word

Page 3 and I have had such peace for the first few days my mind was continually fed with spiritual things but the last few days I have been again distressed I am so fearful lest Satan should again gain hold of me but I trust and I also pray that the Divine Arm may be round about me and sustain me & He who has begun the good work will I feel assured continue it “He will not leave the comfortless” – You cannot think what a comfort it would have been if I had had you to talk with! you would have helped me so much – I have told Mr Symes of my feelings &

Page 4 I also said that I wished to join the Church but that I could not speak to any of the Deacons and he said that he did not consider it at all necessary – this evening he preached most beautifully upon the redemption. I enjoyed it so much You will my darling be so sorry to hear of the sad accident which has happened to 5 of our fellow colonists – 2 of Mr White’s sons – R.B. White the Musician and […] White one of Mr Monteith’s sons & \one/ of Mr Primroses’ and a Mr Hey […] – they all went out last Sunday fortnight with Hains and Sugars 2 boatmen from the Bay. The boatmen told

Page 5 them that the night would be a dirty one and that they ought not to go but they would persist in going – for some days they felt i e their friends felt no anxiety about them as they had gone out

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______with dogs to hunt but about a week since some little anxiety was felt and ever since boats have been out looking for some clue – the […] have been found and the key of water. Poor Mrs R.B. White has been prematurely confined and it is said that the dear little baby does nothing but moan – it certainly is most lamentable. Maggie Milne is to be married next Tuesday and there is to be a large party on Wednesday evening – it is

Page 6 to be a very quiet wedding Liz is invited to the party & I wish she were not. I am going I do not care for it but I do not like my child going without me. [different writing] dear Papa come back your little Gwenny wants you lots of kisses Papa dear – [original writing] dear little Gwenny is sitting on my knee and she has written that one sentence – I have bought Maggie a very handsome plated fish knife and fork and Lizzie has worked for her an antimaccassar such a handsome one – The Milnes have been very kind to Lizzie she stayed with Barbara with Josey Ayers and during her stay

Page 7 Mr Milne took them all to hear the Curundinis’ Liz & Josey are very fast friends. Gwenny says When our Papa comes home he is going to […] her a large doll and it is to have a […] dress on – I have received the Views of Captain Sweet & I am rather vexed with him – he has charged us ¾ each view and Mr Williams the Stationer only charges 2/6 each view and I consider it an imposition – if Mr Williams who of course has to get his profit can sell them for 2/6 Captain Sweet ought not to charge us ¾. I thought Captain Sweet was a friend of his yours but I do not think so of him

Page 8 now. You told me in your letter that he was to send me 10₤ worth I have 64 which comes to ₤10. 13. 4 I suppose I must keep them. Mr Cunningham is so kind to me so deniably kind I am so pleased with him and when you return I hope we shall see more of him – How unfortunate that the Cable has broken down I am so sorry – I had such nice letters from England all week and expecting that I should have you known by this time – would that I […] I hope dear one you will think I have been careful – there were a great many bills

Page 9 left for me to pay and I have […] […] the best I could until this month I have had to pay regularly every week to Mr Howlett 1₤ but after the holidays the boys go to the College. There was Miss […] bill & the Pew Rent and lots of little things but I have kept a strict Cash a/c & when you return you can see how the money has been spent Mr & Mrs Stephenson are spending a few days with me. I wish they were not Mrs Stephenson is too noisy – they are going to the Curundinis tomorrow night I gave them a hint about taking me by saying

Page 10 that I did not like to spend the money but they did not take the hint. Miss Huston has been staying a few days with me and she has gained the hearts of the boys – They like her so much and she likes them She is extraordinarily clever makes use of every little bit of material and uses them for the poor. She gives away so much of her income – you know old Mr Austin The Revd Austin who lives at Macclesfield – he wants her to marry him – he is 72 years of age and not at all well off I think it is a very unwise step myself but I have said to

Page 11 her all that a friend can & I must leave it of course – Mrs Burr I with whose brother married Mr Austin’s daughter would I think make a settlement. I fancy she will marry him – she is quite excited about it. I have refused the invitation to the Bachelor’s Ball. I do not care to go out without you but there is no necessity for us to go to a large crowded Ball I should now feel

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______myself strangely out of place. Liz and I went to the J.N. Smith to a party last Thursday – we spent a very pleasant evening and got home about 3 in the

Page 12 morning – All the darlings send their kind love – I think you will be so astonished to see Charlie he has grown such a hearty strong boy Hedley is so tall and they are all well and such darlings – what I should do without our dear children and you away I can not tell – I must now say good bye my own dear husband there is a loving home awaiting & loving hearts longing to welcome you home but better than all my darling “There is a Home prepared for those who love our saviour in Heaven – May we all be found in “Him” who will

[written vertically over the writing on Page 9] never cast off our […] of Him In faith with fondest love from your ever loving Wife Alice –

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Page 1 The Observatory 1872. July 24.

My own dear Charles I cannot tell you how grateful I am that I can hear of you any and every day. it has seemed as tho’ you must be so much nearer to me now I can hear from you. I hope you received my last Telegram in which I stated that little Gwenny wished me to go and fetch you. When last I wrote I think the Stephensons were spending a few days with me they left after staying about five days. Mrs Stephenson was much calmer than usual and was very nice indeed. I quite enjoyed her company – she will spend a few days with

Page 2 Mrs Barr Smith in August. The Barr Smiths are going to England in March next. I do not think they intend returning but mean to live on the Continent to educate their children Mr John Gower is to be ordained tomorrow at Christ Church I am going to the service – he has three churches to look after. Echunga Macclesfield and the Meadows and with the three he will only have 100₤ per year – I think he has a grant from Synod – it is wretched pay – Last Tuesday week Maggie Milne was married – and on the following evening the Milnes gave a large party there were 150 invitations and the rooms were much too crowded – I would not have gone but for Lizzie. I do not now care for large parties at all – it seems to me such a waste of time

Page 3 and it seems so unsatisfactory a way of spending money and time – Lizzie enjoyed herself very much – on the following Friday evening the Bachelor’s Ball was held – I went on Monday to have a chat with Mrs Sabine. She is very decided in her opinions – she does not think it right to play cards or dance and would not allow her children to be taught dancing Mr Symes does not like dancing parties and last Thursday evening he preached from the text “Let him that \cometh after/ followeth me deny himself and let him take up his Cross and follow Me” I know he felt very much hurt that Mr Hay went to the Ball and also to the Milne’s party – he particularly said in his sermon that if those who went to the opera or \in/to a Ball Room could ask God’s

Page 4 blessing or could take “Jesus” with them there he would say Let them go and if they could not it was decidedly wrong to go. I could see Mrs Hay bending forward and smiling. I felt quite annoyed. She says she wishes Mr Symes would not preach such long sermons and she hopes

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______that he sees her looking so constantly at the Clock. I do not think Mr Hay sleeps upon a bed of roses with his new wife – she has had 4 or 5 dancing parties & she will have them dance on the drawing room carpet because she wishes it to get shabby as soon as possible that she may not have any of the old furniture left – she cannot be a nice woman – Thursday morning – Lizzie went to take Tea with Mr & Mrs Symes last evening and I went down after tea to the Meeting – it as a Meeting

Page 5 of the City Mission – it was a very interesting meeting the City Mission is doing a good work and it has many helpers – a great many gentleman have arranged to give to me 6d per week others 1/- & upwards and they have provided comfortable dwellings for the poor and they […] the houses for half price – Mr Symes made a capital speech and so did Mr Lyall but Mr Hay who was the Chairman made a great mess of his part in the performance he has not the least […] of speaking in public – Mrs Hay and her step-daughter were present. Liz and I stayed

Page 6 until ¼ past nine o’clock & then we returned home. I was so grateful to hear from you last night my own darling one you are so precious to me do take all the care you can of yourself. I have sent you a little book dear which I think will please you. I have been so sorry since I have found the delight of reading religious books that you did not take with you more nice reading I do enjoy reading God’s Word it has […] such beauty to me I wish my own darling you could be with me the evening I join the Church and the first Sunday I partake of the Lord’s Supper I fold should be so thankful

Page 7 to have you to speak to about everything my own darling. Poor Mr Edward Hunton who has been ailing for so many months died on Tuesday morning & is to be buried today. I wish the Chief Justice had been present at his death-bed – he gave such fine testimony of his sincerity as a xtian [christian] and he bore his sufferings so calmly only regretting going because of his dear Wife and children – they are left so badly off. Our darling boys have gone back to College Charlie is in the class that Mr […] […] to have and Hedley is moved up. I slept so well last night having heard from you – when I really have you with me I shall spoil you my own darling

Page 8 one I do indeed long to give you one fond kiss and I will […] more than one – All our darlings send their fondest love. Liz has gone back to Miss Jenner’s for Music – Drawing & French She must not sing at present as she is suffering from relaxed sore throat – They are having special Services at Mr Mead’s Church for the Unconverted. I get the servants to go sometimes – Accept fondest love from your own fond wife Alice Gillam Todd My dear Mother sends fond love

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Fragment, c 11.8.72 Page 1 myself and then Mr Symes gave us a most beautiful & solemn address on Sunday I for the first time partook of the Lord’s Supper – The service of the morning was most solemn and impressive – In the evening Mr Symes preached a sermon to the young from Proverbs “ A friend loveth at all times” – I forgot the morning’s text – the day was so very wet and miserable and in the evening it poured with rain but we were able to go to Church and did not get wet at all. We have such happy Sabbaths I am generall up early and we have breakfast by ½ past 8

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______oclock When that meal is finished I & the children sing whilst William takes the Obsry – when he comes in we have prayers and then more singing – the boys enjoy so

Page 2 much singing hymns – then we have some \more/ reading in the Bible Then we go to Church and one of the servants goes too – we generally have a cold dinner – about ¼ past 2 I get for each one a Bible and we commence reading We are going thro’ Genesis and I stop with them and miss the genealogical and other awkward parts and we read away until past 4. Then the boys go out a little while and Liz reads to them for awhile and more singing then at 5 Tea and after Tea more singing and to Church after Church we always have before prayers “Abide with me” “[…] of my Soul” […] – the day seems so short and I always feel so happy – I feel our dear ones know so little of the Bible but with God’s help

Page 3 they shall not long be so ignorant. you will be glad to hear that they always seem so eager and ready for the Bible reading Our little Gwenny came into my bed this morning and she looked up at your portrait and said “That is my dear Papa – when he comes home I will hug and kiss him – I will give him such a great big kiss” whilst dressing I gave her Bogatsky1 to read – and she wanted me to tell her the Tale of the Serpent which Moses lifted up in the wilderness and I told her about God loving us so much that “His Son came down from heaven to die for us – and the little darlings eyes sparkled as I talked to her of Jesus taking little children in his arms and blessing them &

Page 4 she said “Oh how kind. I must live in Heaven with such a kind Jesus – “ she says her prayers very morning and evening – Today I went to the Botanic Gardens with the two little ones they did enjoy so much being with me. There were such numbers of people in the gardens. The children enjoyed themselves so much at the Milne’s Juvenile Party – Charlie looked an awful little swell he had on a suit of black cloth I bought it ready made for 35/- a dickey over the Front of his Crimean shirt with 2 of your plain studs in the front – white cuffs and white cravat and a pair of my Lavender Kid gloves on – they fitted him beautifully he danced the Sir Roger de Coverly with Mrs Milne

Page 5 and danced it so nicely too I think Liz was quite proud of her brother – he did look such a dandy – he enjoys going out very much. I am happy to say that it only cost me 4/6 for them to go and return which was a great pleasure to me. Mr & Mrs F. Price (nèe Maggie Milne returned after about 10 days trip into the country last Tuesday week she went to Church and was obliged to come out. the whole of the Milne family is delicate I hope that Fred Price will not find that he has made a mistake – Wednesday evening – My birthday my darling I have thought much of you. I received this evening a Telegram from you it was dated Gilbert Creek and and I was called out of Church

Page 6 I had such a fright. I thought at first something had happened to you and then I thought some \thing/ \happened to one/ of the children but my mind was soon relieved when I found it was a message from you I will let Mrs Burt know tomorrow I am so glad you have […] I hope you will have a nice game of chess – so pleased you liked our letters Clement Giles was married today to Miss Coulburn a very nice girl who has recently come from England – her brother has gone

1 Bogatsky’s Golden Treasury for the Children of God: Consisting of Devotional and Practical Observations for Every Day in the Year … Published 1877. Copy in State Library of South Australia

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______to Port Darwin – my boy Charlie is so busy doing up the papers for his Father – I have bought the Adelaide Post to send to you because I thought you would be amused to

PRG 630/2/9

Page 1 The Observatory 1872. Aug 29 –

My own dear Charles I have opened my letter to tell you how delighted every one seems that The Overland Line is at length completed. The congratulations by persons calling & by letters have been overwhelming. The first who called was the Private Secretary John A Ferguson early on Friday morning and he was so pleasant then later in the day numberless friends called and all were so hearty I felt quite overpowered. We are all

Page 2 quite well and longing to hear that you have arrived at The Alice Springs Gwenny has gone down to Dr Gosse’s to be vaccinated she is quite happy about it says she does not wish to have Small Pox – She & Maude are such pets Accept fondest love from all but most from your own loving wife Alice Gillam Todd

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Page 1 The Observatory 1872. Sep 5

My own dear Charles. I was so pleased to have a nice chat with you yesterday at Alice Springs but sorry you would not leave there until Thursday – glad you are able now to fix a date for your return All say I shall not be able to see you at all for the first day the public are going to have you all to themselves but I hope I shall get a sight of you by some means or other. My little Maude is

Page 2 practicesing – she gets on so well with her music and her other studies – she is very quick and has such a good memory – Lizzie reads her some history and teaches her Geography and she is so fond of all her lessons – Gwenny has been vaccinated and she has got over it so well. She was only ill one day – small pox has been in Melbourne but there were only a few cases – If small pox comes here it would be dreadful indeed as there is so much destitution – That poor woman Alfred Simmon’s wife is just living on the Government Rations

Page 3 and it scarcely keeps soul and body together – she has been very ill and the doctor said it was because she had not sufficient house & […] She is living in the Old Theatre. The City Missionary has taken it and lets it out to poor families – I went to see her a few days since and my heart ached to see the misery – she has two rooms one of which is so dark that you can scarcely see in broad daylight. in the other there is no ventilation & when the window is opened the smells from a Closet close by and the remains of vegetables that are thrown out make the place most unwhole

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Page 4 some– I went to see another poor creature who is in a decline – and it was such a scene every thing was beautifully clean and so was the poor woman but underneath the room in which they slept wis a cellar which is filled nearly to the top with water and you can see the damp rising – her husband who is a shoemaker is unable to procure regular employment – he is a steady man – it makes my heart ache to see so much misery but I am sure it is not right to shut one’s eyes and not find out the misery […] is around one – so many say to me that you ought to have 5,000₤ from the Govt and 12 month’s leave of absence if you got 2,000 it will be very nice I should not

Page 5 expect more should you? I would like to have 2 or 3 more rooms built as we are fearfully short of rooms. I should like a Drawing room – There will be a great fuss made with you I am certain. I went to the Floral Bazaar on Tuesday it was held to raise funds for the Norton Summit Church on Mr Baker’s land and then I had a chat with Mrs Brind [?] She said to me where have you been all this season? & I told her that I did not care to go out with out you but she said you will not have that excuse long – I am so pleased that Mr Todd has completed The Line – All say the same thing – I should not think of going to Tasmania without our darling Liz – the change would

Page 6 do her good and it would be such a pleasure to her – she is such a dear girl how pleased you will be with her – she is taking such delight in working your slippers – it was her own wish – I gave your message about the slippers being slippery – I hope you have sufficient Trousers to last you until you arrive at the Port Augusta – you know you left two pairs behind you besides the grey pair which I have sent and as they were very old fashioned and the boys were wanting strong trousers for College wear I had them cut up for the boys knowing that by the time you returned you

Page 7 would want Summer continuations – Mrs Patterson had such a laugh with me when I called about her husband’s Trousers she seems a nice little woman she has been married three years and eighteen months of that time they have been separated – very hard for them both is it not? she has a nice little cottage opposite the College Avenue and the Drawing room is very prettily furnished. Mr & Mrs D.D. Daly have returned to the Northern Territory – I think it a pity if they were doing well here or rather at Narracoorte I think the Soutters are sorry that he should make a change – Gwenny has gone down to

Page 8 Dr Gosse to have other children vaccin\n/ated from her. Mrs Miller is going to Tasmania as soon as the hot weather has set in she is much stronger than she used to be – her boy runs about all over the house. he is such a darling – I saw Mrs Wearing this morning she looked so […] The Judge says you must be knighted and get a handsome bonus too – we do not miss either the Barber’s or the Wearing’s much. I like to keep to myself – All join me in kindest love & with a very large […] from Your own loving wife Alice –

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PRG 630/2/11

Page 1 The Observatory 1872 Sept 9 –

My own dear Charles I am so glad to have your message today dear from Strangway’s Springs and so very pleased you are getting on so well. I think dear you are right in refusing to Lecture if you think you will not have time – I am so thankful you are nearing home and that you will really be home in three weeks. Darling Fannie will be so pleased to have you with her for one night. she nicely crows of me for having you before I see you.

Page 2 Last week our new School Room was opened. On the Monday evening we had a Devotional Service commencing at ½ past 7 oclock and the next evening we had a Tea Meeting I had a Tray and I had such a number to make Tea for – in the evening we had a very pleasant meeting I did not enjoy it very much. I had such a number of young folks to keep in order. Barbara Milne was staying with Lizzie and Ernest Ayers came in the morning \evening/ and I was sitting just before Dr Gosse and Mrs hay & Mrs Melville and everything that was said they turned into ridicule and I felt that I was so wrong that I professed to her a Child of God and yet I could sit

Page 3 and listen to those who were making fun of good people – I have just sent down by Arch and Sarah a message to the Office for you how thankful shall I be w when I have you to talk to. I am afraid I shall get rather excited as the day for your return approaches. I am so pleased you enjoy our darling girls letters I think when you know her character you will indeed be pleased with her. Liz returned from Mt Barker this morning and she has been to the Bible Class and also to the Evening Service and she is very tired – she will write you tomorrow – she enjoyed her visit very much The Misses Gower’s are so very kind. she

Page 4 spent one day at Mrs Stephenson’s and enjoyed herself very much She cannot think how Mrs Stephenson can leave such a lovely home but I think it will be well for her to have the change of a voyage to England. I certainly think she is not quite right in her mind. She imagines people speak against her in Little Hampton and it seems to trouble her very much. I am afraid May repeats to her all the gossip that she hears. Mr J. Stuckey saw Henry in Cambridge and stayed with my brother several days. Edward has taken a mansion of a

Page 5 place in Chesterton and I think he will give up his house in Town. it is so healthy and […] for the children – Mrs Edward Bell just had Mrs Henry Todd and her children to spend a long day with her and they seemed to enjoy their visit very much – Your little dear Maude wants her dear Papa’s make haste home. We all want you my own darling & none more than your own true wife – dear Maude wrote those few words – She wishes me today She has the doll you gave her little Gwenny said the other day “Good old spring I shall like him because he is bringing my dear Papa home and when they say their prayers they ask God to bring their dear Papa home

Page 6 safely – Maude has just come in to say good night and she has given me such a number of kisses for you. We are all longing so much for you – I am afraid to think too much of your

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______return. I have enclosed a beautiful sermon of Mr Mead’s and I think it so beau nice that I wanted my darling to read it as well as myself. It contains such beautiful thoughts of God and of His Son our Saviour – how All our darlings are very busy – Charlie writing his Latin Exercises – Hedley his Parsing and Liz is writing to you looking so sweet at the end of the Table and so good tempered as Hedley asks her questions very […] […] Grandma [?] is working & William is making a Union

Page 7 Jack to be put up on the Flag Staff at the Observatory when your Lordship comes home – Our boys are so strong and well and they think they are so much better now they walk to College every day – they enjoy the walk. Yesterday I went to the Franklin Free School to teach the children to sew for an hour and I read to them for a little time. I often wish when I visit poor people I had not such a fussy nose – I always feel so queer and sick when there is any bad smell. Lizzie will tell you all about her visit to Mt Barker. Miss Gower has a little boy from the Destitute and he is such a good little fellow. They like him so much – They have to clothe him and send him to school Grandma [?] enjoyed her visit very

Page 8 much to Mrs Stuckey’s – […] Stuckey could not get the young Lady he wanted but he soon consoled himself with another Lady Love. I […] think his Love of her very much worth. Last Friday evening they gave a party to young folks and William went – Charlie is music mad now and he really shows wonderful ability I believe that boy could do almost anything he tried – You will see by the Papers that we are to have a University I am so glad as I think it will be so nice for our boys – All unite with me in kind love but accept from me a very large share and hoping soon to see you my own darling I am yrs lovingly Alice G Todd.

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Page 1 The Observatory 1872. September 19th

My own dearest Charles I was so pleased to have such a nice chat with you yesterday – and so glad that you were at Charlotte Waters – I am sorry you have only Spring and another horse as I fear your journey will be prolonged. I was greatly relieved that you were satisfied at the way I have managed I assure you I shall be very thankful to have my turn regularly and have you to come to for all. I cannot tell you haw grateful I shall be to have you once more with me. I hope we shall

Page 2 never again be separated it is so hard my anxiety about you has been sometimes almost unbearable. When the first letter arrived telling me you had fever I thought I should lose my reason – indeed I don’t now know how I did get thro’ the first few months of your absence but thank God I am now able to hear of you and the time does not appear so long I am so grateful. You are my darling continually in my thoughts and how delightful is the thought to me when I rise from my knees morning and evening after committing you to God’s care and praying that He will In His Mercy spare you to

Page 3 return to your home and family how delightful that the same God can see you as well as me and that “He preserves you in the midst of so many dangers. I am glad you think Lizzie improved. I wonder what you will say when you see her – she has grown out of the child and is so quiet and ladylike in her manners – forms her own opinions and keeps to them her taste in

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______dress is exquisitely neat and plain – no feathers and no flowers will she wear and no bright color in the street. I think you will almost feel proud of her she is so nice – she takes the

Page 4 greatest delight in that which is good and I believe she is very near being a Xtian [Christian] Charlie must be a lawyer he is a born lawyer – he is getting on so well at College he stands so much higher since he had the Tutor he is now 2 classes a head of the Edward Young – Maude is growing very fast and she is very strong. She begins to play so nicely – she and Nicia are out with […] all day long and Nicia is a little round ball – I believe the children are so strong because they are so much in the open air – they so often talk of you – Nicia says when

Page 5 2 you come home she intends sleeping with you – but I don’t think I shall agree to that I shall want to have you sometimes all to myself. how could you be so impudent asking Mr Cunningham how I looked – well dearie one I take tremendous walks but I do not get any thicker but as I am so well I do not trouble myself – I had a long chat with Mr J Adam Fergusson at St Paul’s Bazaar last Tuesday – he was so kind in his enquiries about you and says how delightful it must be for you to have accomplished it so successfully – All Adelaide seem proud

Page 6 of you and so they ought. Take care of the Newspapers that you will receive containing congratulatory messages and as I should like to keep them – when you return it would be well to send to The Illustrated News a copy of your journey – I am preserving with care your letters and you could compile an account from them I should think couldn’t you? I will send the Views by Mrs Babbage They go home in the Northumberland the vessel that Mr & Mrs Symes came out in They say it is a splendid vessel and the Captain

Page 7 is such a nice man. Mrs Barr Smith called a few days since and she said “Well Mrs Todd you ought indeed to be proud to have a husband who has so distinguished himself. She was very pleasant – I saw Mrs Bagot a few days since she was very well & pleased her son was coming with you. I saw August Davies today – they are all quite well – Fannie will be pleased to have you a night at her house you must not stay more than one night – I shall be jealous if you stay longer remember there is no one longing for you as you’re own true loving wifey

Page 8 and I look forward to having such bright happy days I am rather sorry now that I sent that one newspaper that contained a paragraph about the Post Master General being \held by/ made a Ministerial officer There was no more said about it and at the time Mr Stephenson to whom I mentioned it said that he did not think anything would come of it when you return you will see the kindly feeling the Govt has for you and you will see that nothing would be done to annoy you. I believe and all say so too that whatever you wish you will have. I hope the Govt will give you a nice Bonus. That will be better than a Title What do you say?

Page 9 3 Lady Charlotte has been to see me two Sundays I wish she would keep away on a Sunday I do not like Sunday visiting I like to read with my dear ones. We have gone thro Genesis and are now reading The Travels of the Children of Moses Israel and we enjoy it so much – we have such happy Sundays. Mr Symes does not agree with Balls and parties and he thinks the Theatre is dreadful. I do not care myself about going and if I had liked it I should not have gone

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______during your absence. We have had new school rooms and Class rooms built since your absence They are just finished and will be opened on […] Octo

Page 10 ber There is to be a Tea Meeting and a Lecture in the evening Charlie is getting on capitally with German – and they both draw so nicely – and are so fond of it – Mr Gower preached at Walkerville Church on Sunday morning and at St Paul’s in the evening – I wonder whether he was nervous – Take care to burn my letters I dont want them flying all over the Bath – Mrs Babbage looks so well and is dressed so fashionably – she is so fat – poor Mrs Edward Wright of the Bay is very unwell she has been ill for months and it has leaked out that she is likely at Xmas to have an increase to her family and she is so fearfully weak that she is very

Page 11 often unable to get out of bed until the evening – Mrs Miller nèe Madoline Stuckey seems very much stronger & I hope she will out grow her weakness – poor Alice Simpson has broken off her engagement with Willie Warburton and has gone with her brother to Newcastle for a change. Charlie is reading Latin to us so you must excuse if I make any mistakes – he is such a funny boy full of jokes and he has such a merry face – Mr Stephenson sends his very kind regards he is longing to see you and welcome you back. My dear Mother sends her kindest

Page 12 love to you and the dear boys send their kind love and Gwen and Nicia sends lots of kisses to their dear Papa – Charlie is wild about going to England – he says he cannot settle down here until he has seen the world – Fondest love from your own loving wife Alice

PRG 630/2/13

Page 1 The Observatory. 1872 Sep 24 –

My own dear Charles Dr Gosse called today to tell me that his son William Gosse was going up into the North on Friday and would take letters to you Willie Gosse is going to call tomorrow or Thursday to see me, I shall be pleased to see him as he will see you before I shall and he will tell you how well I am looking – I was so pleased to have a chat with you on Saturday morning and so thankful you were pleased at the way I have managed. I hoped you would be but how

Page 2 thankful I shall be to have you to manage. I shall be only too grateful to give up the charges. it seems almost too much to think of you as coming home again – do not disappoint me now I am afraid if you are not home at the time you mention I shall be ill with excitement on Friday. I quite intended walking down to the Office to have a chat with you but it rained so heavily I could not go down and I went down to chat on Saturday after talking with you some time I went to the Manse & Mrs Symes went into Town with me afterwards & he came up and they both dined

Page 3 with us – In the afternoon Mr Symes played at football with the boys and the little girls run up to him and seem so fond of him – they are both very fond of dear Lizzie and she seems equally fond of Mrs Symes – they are people of refinement. Their house is elegantly furnished and they […] everything very nice for the Table. Mrs Symes was very delicate in England & 3 months before her marriage she had never left the house so it was a very great risk to […] to leave

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England during the bitter cold weather she was brought up a Churchwoman was it not strange for

Page 4 her to marry a Non Conconformist She said she did not take cold on her Wedding day – the church was warmed and directly after the breakfast she travelled to the south of England and four days after her marriage she sailed for Adelaide – Mrs Fred Wright and Mrs Turton came out with her. Mrs Turton called yesterday and stayed some time – she said she liked Mrs Symes so much. I am sorry to say Mrs Turton is no better in health – she has had another mishap since she returned she has had the Whooping Cough lately and has been very unwell she seems very much discouraged – Mr & Mrs Dan Daly have gone to Port Darwin & Mrs Turton tells me that she

Page 5 2 very much fears Mrs Daly will not arrive at her destination without increasing her family she was so near her confinement that if the Omeo is in any way delayed she will be ill before she reached her mother. I think it is a great pity that she should run such a risk – Mr Turton and Mr Soutter were very much against their return to the Northern Territory as he was doing very well at Narracoort but she seemed so anxious to return – how fearfully anxious Mr Squier must be – it is very tiresome that the Cable is not right – it would be so pleasant to have English news each day in the Papers – Today is the 26th and I hope you will

Page 6 have returned by this day month. I had a letter from Fannie yesterday and she was so delighted that she was likely to see you before me. She had not been at all well suffering very much from head-ache – I don’t know whether she is “enciente” but I shall know when you return – she is very close in such matters – Dr & Mrs Davies came to see me yesterday but I was not at home Grandma saw them – they are going to send me a letter of Fred’s to read in which he speaks highly of you The Davies’ are so delighted you will be home soon – I am going to have a Tray at the Tea Meeting next Tuesday – I shall have no fatigue as Lizzie and Barbara will

Page 7 make Tea for me – poor little Rosie Field is going to spend the holidays with Maude – I feel so sorry for them all. they want so much a Mother’s care Mr Field has gone to the Station to be present at Mr Jim Needlands [?] wedding which took place last Tuesday week. it must be very dull for the poor children – We have received the Box of Coral it is very beautiful. I have sent the Spectacles by Mr William C. Gosse and I hope they will arrive safely – I saw old Captain Bagot a day or two since. He was very pleased to hear of you and that your party were all well – he is delighted his grandson is returning with you –

Page 8 Lady Charlotte expects her son to be in Town next week. She desires her kind regards. You will scarcely know your children I think they have grown so much – Charlie is so strong. The new Class Rooms and School Rooms are completed and they look so nicely we went to see them yesterday Mr & Mrs Symes are most active in Church matters all is so different now in the Church Joe Stuckey has not yet returned I suppose he will bring his wife with him. Fondest love my own dear Charles from your ever loving Wife Alice

[Written vertically over Page 5] My dear Mother sends kind love & the boys too – they all want you home – Don’t be later than the 25th or 27th

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PRG 630/2/14 c. 7.10.1872 Fragment

Page 1 to see me yesterday and in the evening Mr Ried (Destitute came to tea with us and went to Church with us in the evening I had quite an inundation yesterday. Mrs Miller came to Tea and just as we were about sitting down to Tea Miss Hinton and her youthful bridegroom elect made their appearance I am certain they intended spending the evening but I had already more than my Table could comfortably sit and I did not ask them to stay. The Revd J. Austin is 72 years of age and Miss Hinton is 40 so she may expect to have a good share of nursing the old man. They are to be married on the 1st October and Mr Austin is continually

Page 2 coming into Town to see Miss Hinton and as he always stays at Mrs Burt’s poor Mrs Burt has a benefit with the two of them They are most fearfully spooning it is sickening to see them together Mrs Hay upon whom I called last week is not very well. I suppose she is again interesting it is to be hoped that her hopes may not again be blighted. it was a fearful disappointment to the expectant grandfather She is the gayest of the gay – goes to every party – but I very much question whether he is altogether happy she does not care at all for religion and that must be a great trial to him I should think. I have bought for Maude such a nice Bible Cassall’s Child’s Illustrated Bible

Page 3 it is a Bible that can be read aloud all the genealogy and other parts are omitted. I find it a very great comfort with the children – We have such happy delightful Sundays at home. The one who reads aloud reads out of the Illustrated Bible and the rest follow having their own Bible open before them. I am sorry I cannot send you more Sydney Morning Heralds the fact is I save all the Local Newspapers to send to you and I am compelled to have some at home – Mr Cunningham is always so kind and delicate in his attentions to me – he is very anxious to have you back again – I think you will be very pleased when you return to see how glad all will be

Page 4 to have you back again – I do not mean only your immediate family but friends – Let me know by Telegraph if you receive my Letters. I shall be so thankful to have you back my own dear one. Another dividend of the Bank of Adelaide Shares payable today – but there is another call on the 9th September on the Glenelg Railway Shares that is the third since you left Accept fondest love my own dear Charles from yr very lovingly Alice Gillam Todd All the dear ones send kindest love & many kisses to dear Papa and want him home

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Page 1 The Observatory 1872. Oct 17–

My own dear Charles I cannot tell you how very delighted I was to receive your very dear letter – it is so precious to me you know my own darling one I have not had a line from you for months and as you say it is indeed very delightful to be able to speak on the Instrument still one cannot express the one one feels to the other – I cannot tell you how grateful I am you are nearing dear loved old home – there is no place like home and ours is such a darling home – God has been very good to us in sparing you to me this

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Page 2 so many dangers – no one but My Heavenly Father knows how anxious I have been about you – I was quite well ill when you went away and when your first letter arrived I did not know what to do with myself I was so fearful lest the climate should so weaken you that you would not rally – I shall write you dear one next week but I know directly you arrive at Mall you will expect a letter from your own dear loving Wife We shall now my darling one be more thoroughly one than ever – our darling children are all very busy – Lizzie was delighted with her letter I am afraid she will be unable to answer it as she is so very busy with her lessons she has such a number of Lines

Page 3 to prepare for Mr Dove and Pages of French Hist for the French Governess – I believe all you say about Mr Patterson he never should have been sent and I hope he will not tell any untruths about the country – His wife is a nice ladylike woman and she has been very anxious about her husband. They have been married three years and eighteen months of that time they have been separated. Last Tuesday the widow of Mr Edward Hunton spent the day with me – my mother and I enjoyed her society very much she is such s pious good woman and her account of her husband’s death bed was most delightful he had faith to believe that his Life would be spared and his wife said that so many of his

Page 4 prayers had been answered that she hoped that he would be spared that when one morning about three days before his death he told her he had something to say to her she knew what was coming and soon after he said to her “Come very near to me – I am going home my Katie” he was quite conscious until the last moment and took leave of the dear children two days before his death so cheerfully and they are so happy when they talk and think of him – and so it should be – we are only on a journey and our Father’s home is our delight and to fit ourselves for that happiness – altho’ we can do nothing to merit salvation […] yet told that we must

Page 5 live a Christ like life or strive in our feeble way to do so – our best efforts are as nothing – Tuesday afternoon August Davies called to take us to Sea View and we stayed until the next morning – I never enjoyed myself so much – They were all so comfortable. There was not a single hitch. We had in the evening a game of pope Joan I don’t care for Cards but I did not feel I was doing wrongly by playing – At the dinner Table Dr Davies said he was vexed with Dr Miller for turning \a/ Plymouth Brother and I was so pleased at Mrs Davies’ remarks about Mr Mead. The Dr asked me to try and get all the Correspondence for him to read and Mr

Page 6 Mead very kindly lent it me and I have sent it to him today. This morning Mrs Davies came in to spend the day with me – we went into Town [word crossed out] and this afternoon we drove with her […] to call upon Mrs Oldham. She has at last a little daughter 10 days old and she looked so happy with her first daughter by her side – then we went to Mrs Morgan’s they have enlarged the garden so much and it is now a splendid place. They have a Billiard room and live in grand style – they want us to go out one Saturday afternoon and spend the evening with them Afterwards we called upon the Simpson’s – Alice Simpson has been to Sydney – she returned

Page 7 last week. did I tell you that she has broken off her engagement with Willie Warburton. I do not know the cause but after 8 month’s engagement she gave him up – of course the Warburton’s are very angry and the Hart’s are very bitter so poor Alice is rather in a cloud. Mrs Simpson is very friendly – I like her very much – Charlie has written you a letter. He wrote \it/ in less than

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______ten minutes. I think you will be pleased with all our dear ones. My aim with them is to lead them to take a delight in that which is good and they are really very nice in joining with me in reading The Bible we have commenced the Old Testament and we have

Page 8 read as far as Numbers – The Child’s Bible is delightful it omits all genealogies, the Levitical Law and other parts which are not desirable for young children to read – Liz sends her dearest love to her dear Papa and the boys and Maude and […] Gwynnie sends their fondest love and such lots of kisses to their own darling Papa and they wish you to make haste home – accept my own darling fondest love from your own loving Alice –

[written vertically across the above] Dear little Maude is so proud of the letter you sent her

PRG 630/2/16 c. [23.10.1872] PRG 630 Page 1

My own dear Charles I cannot tell you how grateful I am to know that you are nearing home and to feel that next Wednesday by God’s mercy we shall be once more restored to each other after 10 months separation – you will see by the Papers that I have sent you that every one in Adelaide is in ecstasies about your return – you will indeed

Page 2 have a warm reception – I believe you are to be allowed to come home quietly next Wednesday and the Banquet in your honor is to be held on a day to be […] I dare not dwell upon your return or I should get too excited. The boys will meet you with the Waggonette & I shall stay at home with my three daughters and we shall think each minute an hour. Mr Cunningham who has been throughout most kind in his attentions is most excited about your return he is dreadfully tired poor fellow – on Sunday and

Page 3 Monday nights he was up until nearly daybreak – I cannot tell you my own dearest one how grateful I am – I think I shall be too happy when you return fancy how fancy I shall feel to have my own dear husband back again – The darling children are all well and send their kind love they are busy as usual with their lessons Lizzie has been for a long ride with Mr Symes today – Charlie is going tomorrow to stay with Edward Young for a few days – how

Page 4 pleased you will be to see us all – I don’t think dear I shall like a hammock. I am perfectly satisfied with my beautiful bed. I often think how pleasantly the lines have fallen to me – I have such a beautiful home – & soon I shall have you my own dear husband – Good night darling With fondest love from you own loving wife Alice –

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PRG 630/2/17

Page 1 The Observatory Jan 24 – 1/86

My dearest Charles Thank you very much for the lovely Cards you sent us we all think them so pretty Gwen is going to make a Plush frame to put the set in – we are all hoping that the quiet change to South Cliffe will set you up in health I am afraid you have been doing too much at home and not taking proper care of yourself – it seems almost incredible that you have been away nine months and very soon now we shall have you with us again and what a lot you will have to tell us the time has passed very pleasantly with us, we have always the last letter to think over and the next to look forward to – and then Charlie

Page 2 & Hedley have been just the dearest sons so thoughtful for me and Maude I […] I cannot say too much of their thought for me , and they work so well too. Maude has made herself 3 dresses and so well too. I hear Mr Squire is ill I must enquire after him tomorrow. Your friend Mr Christopher Giles called to see me last week & apologized for not having been before – he wanted to know if there was anything he could do for me. I have such a nice Photo of [… …] he looks so well in it & quite […] Mr Cooke is very busy observing every night – he comes whether clear or cloudy this morning he had a friend with him & they seemed to be having a good joke between them laughing & talking Dyson is out of a situation – he does not like driving a handsom told Chaston it was such low

Page 3 Hedley says the […] are very hard up, nearly every one is you can mention. Poor old Mrs Coker came to see me yesterday looking so well better than I have seen her for years the rest in the hospital has done her good. She had on such a nice shady hat which Dr Poulton gave to her She is sorry to hear that Master meaning you had been ill & desires to be remembered to you She will be very glad when […] & Miss Elizabeth […] be all. There have been so many deaths from heat apoplexy lately. I think today will be very hot fortunately the nights lately have been cooler so we are better able to bear the hot days. The girls are just going in to town to get a bedstead

Page 4 for the boy – they do all the shopping in the hot weather They will not let me go out I saw Mr Turnbull on the Henley Beach Tram Car a few days since, he was looking so ill, poor man he has had Diptheria and Sun stroke and was in the house for a […] he was going down to see his brother’s widow and children who are staying at Henley Beach it is so sad to see so large a family without a Father. Mr Turnbull feels his brother’s death so terribly – it was so sudden & unexpected. My dearest love & longing to see you. I am yrs lovingly Alice Gillam Todd

PRG 630/2/18 c 1894

Page 1 Port Elliot Sunday March 12

My very dear Charles

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______

Here I am you see at port Elliot I came down on Friday & had such a pleasant Railway journey – of course Will & Lorna were at the Station to meet me and dear Gwen came to the corner to escort me – the dear girl is so well and seems every day to be gaining strength. little Willie was so pleased to see me the next morning & wanted to know if Gran Fader was here. the dear little fellow is so delighted with a little 1/- Tin train I brought down for him he has been playing with it ever since – today he has been taking his Auntie Lorna to Sudney to see Mi Mi & Baby

Page 2 Sower. I found Gwen quite happy about Mr Thomas leaving She feels a little the responsibility of having Baby all to herself but today she seems a little less anxious Naomi is going to have him every other night at present he […] slept with his Mother. The English Mail came in yesterday but my letters were not sent down I expect they were sent up to the Observatory. Will & Gwen gave Mrs Thomas a handsome fur lined cloak She was very pleased with it They cannot have this cottage after the 25th I think Will & Gwen are going to see Mrs Trigg’s rooms tomorrow before Will goes to town. I went to see Rose Hughes on Thursday morning. She is

Page 3 very excited & does not wish a long engagement – she is to be married from her Grand Mother’s house. All her people are very pleased about it. Mrs Hawkes is so good to Gwen – every few days she sends her in a basket of fruit on Saturday morning Mr Hawker sent her a Hot-house pineapple. Yesterday afternoon Mrs Hawker took us for such a long drive up a long way past the Lauries’ place. the Stewart Field’s are living in their old house – it is in a most dilepated condition but they \have/ put 5 rooms in order. They have nothing scarcely to live upon. Jemmy Bragg has gone to New Zealand. the firm has

Page 4 decided to open a Branch in N.Z if there is an opening – the N Australian affair would not have suited Jemmy he does not understand the work they do – Gwen & Will & Lorna join me in much Love & I am dearest Charles lovingly yours A G T.

PRG 630/2/19

Fragment c 1891 Alice to Maude Page 1 the cause and Ella had just put in an appearance. I don’t think the Hanson’s have a very good time here they dance so very little at Government House they scarcely danced at all & Lady Hanson told me she was sorry she did not go with them just to take them in the Ball-room as Lady Downer was so late in going in and […] had their programmes filled Tuesday morning I am rather shakey today I had a bad head-ache yesterday. Elsie was over all day and Lorna said about every half-hour she came up to listen at my door. I am all right today but as we are going to dine at Government House tonight I shall lie down all the afternoon. Helly is a good little thing it was her day out but she would not go but sent Lucy and I am sure she must have been up 20 times to see me. Gwen has been over to see me this morning she enjoyed her picnic so much yesterday. I suppose she will tell Lizzie all about it – dear old girl she has not written a line yet & tonight she

Page 2 goes to the Philharmonic – that little wretch of a Nurse-maid cannot be trusted out of her sight I wish she could hear of another. Poor Emma all her fond hopes are blighted – there is no chance of her having a child. Elsie & Lorna have been into Town they have been all over the place to get violets to send to Mrs Backhouse. it is her birthday on the 25th Thursday . at last she has got two bunches from Hannon’s and had to go all the way back to Sewell’s to be posted – by that time they were exhausted they had to go to Nicholl’s for a cup of coffee. after

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______lunch. just got your letters dated May 21st on the 23rd June isn’t it wonderfully quick? I am so sorry the weather has been so bad that you could not get [… …] food Charlie & Lizzie are […] will indeed be 20 stone if you take so much nourishment – you are quite right exactly as Lizzie & Charlie wish you. they know the climate so much better than you do . I am thankful Charlie is doing so well I will certainly write to Dr Marten & tell him about Mrs Haycock I haven’t yet

Page 3 written to congratulate […] I will do both in the same letter. I have had a nice chop for my lunch and feel all the better for it. Give my dear love to Charlie & Lizzie & thank them for all their kind care to you – Charlie certainly is as bad as our Charlie for mischief bad boy! You have worked hard dear one I would not do much you have not gone home to see for yourself but it was nice of you to do it when you could not get out the silk petticoat sounds lovely – I think […] Deighton must be a very thorough Doctor like our Charlie. did I tell you that Charlie is attending Bushie – dear little Elsie was so fidgetty about him last Thursday that in the evening she & Charlie went over & he had a long chat with Gwen about him – he has seen him every day since. I have said for some time that the child wanted attention so Gwen has taken him in to Dr Lendon several times & each time he has said “Oh it is only his Teeth troubling him” I don’t think he understands babies as Charlie does do you? this is “entre nous” – I find I have said this before. Gwen says today

Page 4 that Charlie says he is much better – sleeps better and has lost the dark look under his eyes. Dear little precious […] how I love to hear of his sweet pretty little ways – he is a bit of a pickle too isn’t he? fancy I can just imagine him going to the window to look for “Jesus Tender. dear little Elsie was with Lorna all day yesterday had her to Lunch and at 5 took her out for a walk Tell dear old Charlie and my sweet Lizzie that they must be careful and save now so that they can come out here for a time the voyage would do them much good & Lizzie could stay a little longer than Charlie it would be better for her to come first then Charlie to follow – oh how we should all love it – such family gatherings as these would be! the word will be that we shall all want & I know both Charlie & Elsie & Will & Gwen will want them to stay with them. Fondest love my own dear one & kisses to my sweet boy – I am quite well but as I am going out tonight will lie down for a couple of hours. yrs lovingly AG T.

PRG 630/2/20

Page 1 The Observatory Oct 19th /91

My own dear Maude Your sweet letter arrived last Thursday by the Shannon the same vessel that Wills brother came in such a nice looking young fellow very brown complexion he is in fact as Elsie says “a very well dressed smart young English man.” I was delighted with Nellies letter telling me how well you looked I believe a Winter in England will do you all the good in the world. well dear since last I wrote I have had Quinsey I had a nasty sore throat for about 10 days & then it seemed to get pretty well again – it was still there but I scarcely noticed it & I suppose I took fresh cold for on Wednesday it became very painful again & I sent for Charlie & he said it was Quinsey really I felt quite relieved when he sent me to bed. Hettie had gone the day before & Florence […] who promised

Page 2 to come sent word she would come on Monday – I wanted so much attention I could not wait for her so we sent for Kate Luddy & fortunately she had left her place with Influenza a fortnight

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______ago so she was very glad to come. Miss Parsons was here and she did enjoy herself she put on me the very hottest of aniseed meal poultices every half hour the consequence was in a few hours I was wonderfully relieved Lucy slept in the room with me & kept up the fire & in the night she made some milk hot for me. I have had I assure you every possible attention & I am feeling so much better than before I went to bed. 3.30 pm. Elsie came to sit with me this morning so I could not go on with my letter – she has smocked such a sweet little dress for little Doris McCulloch & is sending it by James Bragg – the little thing has worked so hard at it & has done is so beautifully if a piece done were not quite to her mind she would undo it & do it again. I think she is too particular well dear one I was so glad to hear such a good account of you from Nellie it is splendid to hear you are looking so

Page 3 well. I am glad Nellie went down to Cambridge what a little sweet […] must be she says he is so pretty & when first he saw her called out “How do you do […]? the sweet little darling Tuesday morning I am going to begin early today I am in bed I am not allowed to get up until the house is warm. I am so well that these precautions were very unnecessary but I have promised Lorna dear little child that I will take every care & I must do so. my throat so nearly well and the Lungs[?] nearly gone. it was just the effect of Influenza. I did not take proper care the second time. the truth is I could not believe it was Influenza but I hear that one can have it 4 times – I can’t tell you how thankful I am to hear such a good account of you dear Nellies letter was sweet because it was all about you dear Lizzie her lovely boy & her dear house the day she says so lovely she likes Charlie too so much she seems to have loved Cambridge & was so sorry to leave so quickly. I hope you will go up to Blackheath for a night Elsie wants you to go & see her people she says she knows they would love to see you & Lizzie

Page 4 She is longing for you & Lizzie to see them Mr Backhouse only wrote a few lines to Elsie but says she […] already Mabel to taking a little interest I matters – well dear I have no doubt of your […] letter to me on politics was most learned & edifying but at the same time I am much better pleased to hear how you all are at Chelly Road what dear little “Tintarcks” says to you &c &c – I love to hear all about you that I may think over where you have been & what you have been doing – I must speak to the Father about sending you letters of introduction to his friends – you are right it was what Mr Swift saw I was only quoting the dear Fathers words when I said “libellous” no one knows but our own family for I burnt that sheet I didn’t want to make it worse for the poor girl I think she has a miserable time at Walkerville. I suppose you know she is going to have another Baby poor little thing – I hope your jackets will be satisfactory they sound nice Gwen looks such a dear in the dress & bonnet you sent out she lives in them now wears them wherever she goes –

Page 5 Lorna is so pleased with the basket you sent her in the last parcel it is a pretty little thing where did you get it? & where did you buy the two sent in the box parcel at Colombo? where did you get my lovely roses and pretty Pocket handerchiefs they look so sweet now they are washed. I think Lady Kintore does not like her noble spouse to take so much notice of the lovely “laidies” last week at a Ball Hedley was at Her Excellency was not present but His Excellency was all there and more assiduous in his attentions than ever when first Lady Kintore came back she used to […] her husband Kintore now she is afraid he is becoming too familiar so the other day she called him “his Lordship we don’t care for that kind of thing”– he really is too frivolous for a man of his position – I have today sent in my account of Tickets sold & send old re Squadron Ball & the money

Page 6 I am quite glad to get rid of it. I should have sent it before but I did not feel up to it. Lorna is enjoying Trollope so much she has read Framley Parsonage & is now reading the Small house

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______at Allington. she wants to read all of Trollope’s. On Friday Elsie came over to sit with me a little while in the morning she & Lorna gathered some daisies for her dinner table. she invited the Tyas’ Professor Pennefather, the Poulton’s & Mr Gowen Evans’ the Editor of the Argus Mr Evans had Influenza & could not come so the Father took his place – they had such a jolly dinner – nine courses!!! 1st oysters plain & simple – 2nd white soup then fish – then aspic then some entrèe the Loin of Lamb for joint then Asparagus. Sweets Apricot Cream, Almond tarts, anchovy savoury, cheese biscuits and Dessert. it was awfully nice they all seemed to enjoy their dinner so much and as Phoebe said they all made clean plates which was very nice to see wasn’t it? the father said it was a most delicious dinner Elsie said Phoebe made such a lovely white soup.

Page 7 the next day Elsie said that there was very little left the Mail is in but we shan’t get the letters tonight I wish we could have them but I must wait patiently until the morning Elsie has come over to write with me – poor little thing. she has been so vexed with herself Gwen drew her a Lady with Elsies dress her Cowslip dress and she and Lorna painted it so prettily and she was going to send it to […] when she upset the Ink stand all over it and it was of no use so she tore it up. it was so pretty. I am so sorry for her at present she is drawing the blue jug and I am rather afraid poor […] will have to wish \for/ her letter Friday afternoon Gwen came & sat with me she went over to tea with Elsie Will & his brother had been to see Fulton’s Works with Mr […] and they went at ½ past 4 to tea with Elsie Charlie came in to tea and he took James Bragg off with him to have a drive and left him at Will’s house James just loves his little nephew directly he woke on Thursday morning he was dressed and introduced his Uncle took him at once on to the Terrace & they had a walk together they became

Page 8 fast friends I expect Gwen will tell you all about him. she does like him so much isnt it splendid for him that he is going to live with Elsies sister. poor fellow he is very sad at leaving his lady- love. Will & Gwen think she must be a nice girl or James would not be so fond of her. it is too bad that his Uncle & Aunt should be so much against her. she is such a good looking girl about […] months younger than Gwen. Saturday Elsie spent nearly all day with me we had some Tea together at 11. Gwen was in the hills. Sunday was such a lovely day I felt cross staying in bed but at 4 Charlie said I might get up & go down stairs into the drawing-doom I was delighted – before ½ past Will & Gwen & James Bragg arrived and the dear Father went over to Charlies house to bring Elsie to Tea with us. Lorna superintended the Tea & gave us toasted ½ Buns and Custard rolls. we all enjoyed our Tea. I just went into the Dining room to see the supper table it did look so pretty and there were plenty of good things to eat – poor old Charlie could not come to supper – he had several people to see. […]

Page 9 amongst the number and had some Champagne to take to an old patient who could not afford to buy it for himself Charlie has just come in – he was sent for from the Meeting and has called in for Elsie he wants her to drive with him to Henley Beach he has to go to the Fulders it is a blowy cold night and she wanted to finish her letters but she has gone off with him – they have a Brougham to drive in. Did I tell you that Maude Scott nèe Milne is expecting another arrival the eldest will be little over a year she does have a hard time she has only had the nurse-maid who went to the Station with her for some time so that she has had the sole charge of the Baby the only rest she had was for two hours in the afternoon when a Chinaman took the Baby out within sight of the house for the floods are all round them Lady Milne wants her to come down and have a little rest it will be so

Page 10 bad for her working so hard now the last few weeks she has had to do by herself for the Nurse Maid has left her isnt it too bad? Mrs Leonard Bakewell& Elsie have a Luncheon at the Hunt

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Club Races on Saturday. Will & Gwen are going I hope it will be a nice day – as they all want to wear nice new Clothes. I must now say Good bye dear one as it is bed-time with much Love to your own dear self kisses to sweet little […] ever yrs lovingly AGT.

Did you know the Tom Horns have gone to England. that little woman seems to have everything she wants doesn’t she? look out for the Telephone Talk in Quiz don’t take any notice of the Father saying he is ageing – you know how he loves to pretend he is getting old he is better that he has been for 2 years. I don’t let him go out any where without me –

PRG 630/2/21 c. 1897

Page 1

My dear Maude Will you please get for Lorna 3 pairs of Tan stockings & 1 pair of white black […]; ask the Father for the money to pay for them Lorna & I are concerned about your paying for your meals yourself. I hope you are careful to get the money […] again from dear old Par […] I hope you will not hurry back Hedley wants you to be away altogether 4 weeks I have written to Lisa Grundy to thank her for sending the gloves & apologized for not having written before. We are all quite well & very jolly & happy. Will id feeding up now he had an idea & so had Gwen that he must eat & drink very sparingly because of

Page 2 Indigestion & he was doing quite the wrong thing . now Gwen dines in the evening & looking after him generally he is quite right Elsie is so keen to know all your doings & was so delighted to hear about her mother you did not mention her in your last letter I hope she is well. I thanked Mr Pendleton for his kindness in getting you a pass he was so nice & said he was delighted &c &c – Hedley went to bed last night at ½ past 8 & slept well Lorna & I sleep like tops we went to bed at 9. I went up yesterday afternoon to see Gwen. she & Will were going down to call upon Mrs Evans at Hindmarsh on their bicycles Bella did not intend going to the garden party it was so soon after Rita Hughes’ death. Sunday evening

Page 3 Hedley & I have had supper & have been sitting outside until now. the wind has changed & we were afraid of taking cold. Lorna has gone with Charlie & Elsie to the College Chapel she did not go to Church last Sunday this morning was much too hot to […] to go out even Hedley stayed in Will & Gwen & the children came in Mr […] Cab the two boys of course sitting in front looking sweet all in white shoes & socks & their kid gloves on. your letter of the 19th arrived on Saturday we were so delighted with it. what a lovely time you girls are having. Elsie & Gwen are envying you. there is no reason for either of you hurrying home we could not possibly be going on better than we are Hedley is most anxious for you to go to the

Page 4 Blue Mountains and be sure & see the Caves. he says they are most wonderful. I am so glad you have not had such very hot weather – Tuesday & Monday last were nice cool pleasant days but since then it has been warming up yesterday Saturday it was 101 & today 97. I think today has been very trying it has been so very close the house isn’t hot & the bedrooms are not hot I haven’t been kept awake by the heat one night Well I havn’t much news to tell you but such as I have you must put up with. On Friday Eva Leibelt came to see me & to hear of your

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______doings she seemed surprised that Ella had not been to see you on the […] day but I see by your letter she went with you on the trip on the harbor

Page 5 how lovely Sydney must be. I am so delighted you are having such a good time. On Friday it was very hot the Children & Charlotte went to Govt House at 3 & at ½ past Charlie sent his Victoria to bring them up with Noel Ponsonby to Tea. however Mrs Ponsonby took them to a garden party which Lady Victoria was giving to the Nurses Our boys were taken a great deal of notice of by Her Ladyship & the girls & Mrs […] Buxton took them to see the […] they have a new cagé & the Buxton family are very excited about it & think the birds quite one of the shows of Govt House – then they swam bouls in the Ball Room & at 2 mins to 5 His Excellency & he drove them up Charlie saw them & he said they did look so funny Willie sitting between the Governor & Mrs Ponsonby Charlotte

Page 6 the Groom with 2 children at the back the horses were playing up & the Governor looking a little anxious Willie sitting half on the high seat & half on the low one with both hands tight on the Governor’s Reins – little Noel is a dear little fellow they all had Tea & then went & played in the garden until they were called for His Excellency tons full of apologies for coming up on us unawares. Gwen enjoyed her dinner she was on His Excellency’s left hand & he talked to her all the time after dinner she had the 2 […] on the Couch one on each side – she discussed the Hospital trouble & at the end of it he said (Sir F Buxton) that he knew more from her than he knew before & thanked her. I have had the big Machine done up isn’t it splendid we have been using […] Lorna has made her

Page 7 Dressing gown so nicely Elsie said that she & Charlie were so pleased to have Lorna go with them to the College Chapel. she looked so cool & nice wore her white silk skirt & her thin […] blouse white satin belt the collerette & cuffs & her green hat the service at the Chapel was beautiful the singing was so good. tell Jessie Hedley is very contented eats & drinks well & generally sleeps well. he made a good deal of money on Friday he told me he is very keen to hear of her & when we read the letters to him we hear sundry remarks such as “Yes that would please the old cat” he was […] anxious to know the […] & skirt Jessie has taken. he staid in all day yesterday & said he felt all the better for the quiet day he was too funny with the children & makes them […] uprurious[…]

Page 8 P says that Rob is a much wilder boy than his little brother. Mrs Ponsinby & Gwen are very great friends The Vice Regal party are all going to Point Macleay Station on the Murray […] sturt today and leave the Gerard […] to the tender mercies of Captain Wallington & Mr Coneybeare isnt it funny? Will looks so much better. the feeding up is doing him no end of good. he dines at night – now – I think old Bessie will regret leaving Jessie. at ½ past 7 she tries to have the kitchen breakfast ready at 8 the nurse’s & children’s & the Dining room breakfast. at ½ past 12 kitchen dinner at 1 Dr Lendon’s nurse has her dinner in the Dining room the children & their nurse have theirs & at ½ past 1 the Lendons have their Lunch she has been very stupid. [… … … … …] with heaps of Love written across the top of Page 1 to you both from yours very lovingly AGT – I must write to Miss George about the Water at Pt Eliot Miss Wood Rose’s Hawkers […] has bought Cliff College & she will be ready to receive boarders early in December.

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PRG 630/2/22

Page 1 23rd May The Observatory

My dear Papa I know you will be very sorry to hear of the death of Fanny’s baby, it was so very sudden at the last, she wrote to Mamma last week & seemed to feel it very much indeed. I am going for a ride tomorrow if I can at a horse for William we thought of going to the races. It was decided so very suddenly that Mr Burt was to come up to you, Mamma was spending

Page 2 the day there today, & when she came home at 4 wh we heard that he was going tomorrow morning by the first train, it is rather hard, for he has only just come home. Mamma has been trying to get up a subscription for poor Mrs Privetts, Mr Elder \was/ very liberal he gave two guineas. Sarah Gower is staying with us & she has asked Maude & I to go up to Mt Barker in the June holidays \to stay a fortnight/. Maude & I went to a party at Mrs Stuckey’s last Friday, Maude did not want to go, but when she got there she enjoyed herself very much

Page 3 I have been reading such a nice book called Trench’s ‘Study of words’, I am sure you would have liked it, Miss Huithe gave it to me to read, She gives us different books to read every week, this week I have ‘Westward ho’ which is very interesting. You will see by this letter that I have still one very important thing to learn, that is to write straight, I am quite sure my eyes are crooked, I never can write straight. The boys have been very busy this afternoon getting their flags ready for to-morrow, as they intend to have them all flying. Poor Mr Field has been here tonight, he brought Rosie to stay a few days with Maude

Page 4 he is almost better than you would expect him to be. I attend Mr Reid’s bible class every Wednesday afternoon, they are very nice. I don’t \think/ the Photo of you in your bush clothes is very flattering, some of those views are very beautiful I think the Roper must be a beautiful \splendid/ river. The Wearings have taken a house in North Adelaide, Mamma went to call upon her to day but she was too busy to be seen, I suppose she was making mo\u/rning as a brother of Mr Wearing’s died very suddenly a few days ago. I think it was very rude of Mrs Hart not to invite Mamma to their ball to-night, but we all think that the Roper has not agreed with Mr Hart & that is the reason she was not invited.

Written vertically across Page 1 Mamma does not think it is Mrs Harts fault as she has always been so very pleasant to her. The boys knocked a beautiful Port Lincoln parrot over in the garden to-day, & we put it in a cage I hope it will live. I think you will be glad to hear that […] is not sold, Hedley wishes me to say he, the horse, is all right now, as he told you in his last letter he was lame. I must now conclude with love I am dear Papa your loving daughter Lizzie

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Page 1 Observatory May 29th

My dear Papa, It is such a short time since I wrote to you last by Mrs Burt that I have hardly anything to say. On the Queen’s birthday I went for a splendid ride with William, Mamma & I thought it would be very nice if I could go out sometimes with Dr & Mrs Miller as they go out so often, I might then have a chance of getting

Page 2 out more often. Last night after the Bible class I went in to see Mrs Symes & stayed to tea she is so jolly I don’t think she is more than one and twenty. Tomorrow evening Mamma & I are going to an entertainment at White’s Rooms Mr Clark is going to give some readings Dr and Mrs Miller are going with me us, he preaches at our church on Sunday, I think we will have a pew full as so many friends have asked to come into our pew. Miss Sarah Gower has been staying with us but on Tuesday she went to Mrs Enbank’s to stay until Monday. Emy Babbage is coming tomorrow

Page 3 to stay until Monday. On last Monday we went to Torrens Park to call on Mrs Huges it is such a beautiful place. Emmie Babbage told us that they were doing something for Ada’s arm in Melbourne I am so glad it was so sad that she could never wear a thin dress. The boys wrote to Mr Hawkins at the Aldgate Pump for a new pole for their flag staff, but when it came down it was so crooked they could not use it. This morning the boys found three new boots in the back paddock, I think they have been stolen, Micheal is going to take them to the Police station.

Page 4 We had a nice letter from Fanny yesterday she seems to feel the baby’s death very much. I have nothing more to say as it is not long since I wrote to you. With love I am dear Papa Your loving daughter Lizzie

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Page 1 The Observatory June 13th

My dear Papa, I suppose you are on your way home now, we are expecting to see you about August. There is going to be a red ensign hoisted at the top of the Post Office Tower when the first Telegram comes right through I went for a ride with William to the Athletic Sports last Saturday, first \fancy/ that old Sir Dominic ran away with me for about a quarter of a

Page 2 mile. I asked Jeannie Young to come & stay with this week but I have received a letter from her saying she could not come. I have also just had a letter from Ada Babbage who you know is in Melbourne she seems to be enjoying herself very much, very gay of course. Mama had a letter from Griffith about a fortnight ago, he said that he had not received the album I said I had sent him, it was in the same box as your papers and as you did not get them I expect they

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______have all been abstracted during the voyage. Mrs Eden Babbage has such a beautifully furnished house mamma went to call upon

Page 3 her a few days ago, & she returned it yesterday, but we were out. Mr Field & Katie are coming to spend Monday evening here, Mr Field has not been well & Mamma thought the change might do him good. I think Mamma is going up to Mount barker in the holidays to stay for a week, Maude is going too. We see a great deal of Mrs Miller now she is dreadfully delicate & has wasted away almost to a shadow. The Dr is going to send her to England at the end of the winter is she is not better. Mamma has sent a number of the Portonian which is considered very good, it is dreadfully

Page 4 severe upon some of the members of Parliament. Barbara Milne asked me to go out to Sunnyside last week but I could not go as by some mistake I did not get the letter until too late. The week before that I went to the Simpson’s & stayed until Thursday. I forget whether in my last letter I told you about Mr Clark’s readings they were splendid, one of them was Mr Guppy’s proposals from “Bleak House”. The boys are doing nothing now but talk of England they are very anxious to go. Everybody sends their love to you & so do I. But I must leave off

Vertically across Page 4 now as I have nothing more to say. I am dear Papa Your loving daughter Lizzie Mortimer Giles is engaged to Agnes Andrews & Clement to […] Cockburn so old Mrs Giles was delighted

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Page 1 S.S. Omeo. River Roper (45 miles above mouth !!!) 1872 Feb 1.

My dearest Alice – You will see by the above that I am still on board the Omeo, but in a river never yet, or before, traversed by a steamer I have, therefore, the honor of opening to the Commerce of the world a new & very fine river, destined, I should think, to become of considerable importance as this portion of northern Australia is occupied by enterprising settlers. You will no doubt be curious to learn how it is the Omeo is here, the Young [?] Australian having been sent before to meet me at the mouth of the Roper to convey the stock and cargo up the river – I must therefore at once explain how it came to pass that I ran so great a risk, for such in reality it is – I last wrote you from Bowen, where I landed at 11h·30m pm on Wednesday \the 17th/ The steamer anchored about 6 miles out, and I was put on shore in one of the

Page 2 ships boats, with the 2nd mate, in charge, and Messrs Mitchell, my surveyor, and W [?] Freer a passenger for Pt Darwin, who joined at Newcastle. There was a nasty short sea on which rendered it rather difficulty to get into the boat, but a fair wind soon took us in & we landed soon \shortly/ after 12 midnight, an awkward hour to arrive in a strange place. I however for saw a light in the telegraph office, and the door was soon opened in response to my knock and I was warmly welcomed on making myself known. I found

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______two telegrams waiting me, from Mr Milne and Mr Cunningham, but no news from home. After writing my telegrams I had a glass of porter with the deputy Supt of Telegraphs, who received me very cordially tho turned out of bed, and then adjourned to a fruit shop, which my companions had meantime discovered open and desired the proprietors to keep open for me, where I invested in pine apples, plaintan and each of us in a doll! – (the one I bought will be duly forwarded for Nina) – by this time it was past 2 in the

Page 3 mng, and as there was nothing to be seen and the Capn was, I knew, anxious to get away at Daylight we embarked for the ship – with a fresh head wind, and did not get on board till 5h The first news I heard was that one of the horses, which had been sickly since we left Newcastle, had suddenly dropped dead at 1h·30m am. the heat, in the hold or tween decks where some of the horses were being \suffering/ dreadfully \from the heat/ while at anchor – I did not go to bed, the morning was magnificent, and we could see that the harbor master ashore ran up a flag as a good bye signal, we ran up the ensign & fired a salute. Bowen, or Pt Dennison, \(lat 20°)/ consists of only a few houses, of which four are public, and depend principally upon pastoral stations Gold has been discovered near Etheridge on the Normanton telegraph line & has already attracted some 600 people. Bowen has a splendid jetty of half a mile, which puts to blush all the jetties in SA – There is a light

Page 4 at the head of the pier, and another on a rocky point, which can be seen for 12 miles. From Bowen we kept inside the great barrier coral reef up to Cape York passing innumerable rocky islets or islands, and at times close to the mainland, which was generally rangy, the hills rising after to 3 & 4000 feet: the water was mostly smooth, and the temperature moderate about 86, night & day varying but 3 or 4 degrees in the 24 hours. Some of the reefs extended for miles barely covered by the sea, here & there a solitary pinacle, & then small rocky islands rising 2 to 3000 feet. We carried the S.E. trade winds up to Saturday \Island/ when we passed Peter Bath, a high mountain on the mainland, which, however, was shut out by the clouds – it then became calm, & sultry with rain and in a few hours we met the N.W. monsoon which we kept to the Roper – with occasional showers – We anchored every night, and went \landed/ on several islands, amongst others the one off Cape Sidmouth, and which the Eclipse Expedition landed to observe the Eclipse, where we found

Page 5 several evidences of the visit of civilised beings – the remains of a wooden hut, the support of an equatorial, a tablet on a short pillar with the words “Sacred to the memory of the A.E.E. Dec. 1871” (I objected to the use of the word “Sacred” which should I think never be used in a trifling spirit), and last but not least a large quantity of dead marines, wine & beer bottles – The island is called No 6, it is about 1½ to 2 miles round and is simply a coral reef covered to some depth with sand, and in this climate, tolerably dense scrub or stunted bushes \soon spread on this apparently uncongenial soil/ – We landed on Sunday Evening We \and/ saw several native tracks, but no natives, though we know that they \often/ come off to these islands for turtles. On one island \visited/, on the Monday Evg, \Jan 22/ the vegetation was most luxurious, large palm trees & most splendid creepers bearing a a large white convolvulus like flower – several amusing incidents occurred in our evening rambles – on one occasion a lizard ran up inside Mr Mitchells trousers – he of course

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Page 6 imagined it was a snake and dropped his unmentionables with the greatest possible precipitation. From here to Cape York the coast line is lower, & sandy. there is a small Govt settlement at Somerset, near the Cape, which we passed on Tuesday Evg, the 23rd and anchored for night near a small rocky island called rock A: it is almost bare of vegetation, but had one or two palms – and for some distance up is in some places thickly covered with fragments of coral. On Wednesday we passed through Prince of Wales Channel with Prince of Wales isld, and Wednesday isld between us & Cape York. The north of the channel is bounded by 3 low coral reefs just showing above the water and to the north of these were several other islds. The coast of New Guinea was of course too distant. Leaving Prince of Channel we made direct for Booby isld, at which passing vessels make a practise of calling – […] to deposit or pick up letters which are deposited in a box in a cave called a P Office, the only one without a postmaster. Provisions are also stored here, and a few domestic fowls, for the use in cases of wreck &c. The Capn landed to deposit letter of instns for Captn of Tararua, but there was a nasty sea running and the Captn was anxious to lose no time, so I did not accompany him, but sent a short hurried note to you, which you will perhaps get some day or other. We nearly had an accident in lowering the boat from the quarter davitts, the tackle got foul, and the boat consequently went down head foremost, the Captn clambered up the ropes & got on board, but the

Page 7 boat was nearly full of water, with 4 persons in her, before she could get clear; this caused considerable detention, and it was 1h pm before the Captn retd from the island. We then made a direct course for Groote isld. Booby isld is well named – for it is literally covd with Boobys, and other water birds, which rose on the Captn landing in thousands. The ground was covered with their young & with eggs, so that one could scarcely walk without treading upon them. The Post Office was in sad disorder, the lid was off the box, which was half full of water & had a dead bird. The preserved meat in the cave was nearly all damaged too. The cave is badly situated being fully exposed to the sea, which often beats in. I think we must move the office. The next day was spent in crossing the Gulf of Carpentaria, without incident except one when the mate saw at some distance what he took to be a boat which on our bearing down towards it proved to be the trunk of tree floating with booby’s on it. I think we were rather disgusted at the […], as the recovery of a boat & distressed crew would have suited our humane dispositions, which were longing for some opportunity for displaying themselves. These booby’s (a large sea bird) are well named. They alighted on the bowsprit & were caught, and on the deck and could not rise. Even when driven off they would settle again. The next day \in am/ we were off Groote Eylandt (Great island) so named by the early Dutch navigators. It is of considerable extent, but is low & apparently sterile

Page 8 From there we steered for Maria Island, and anchored for night about 10 miles distant. Saturday 27th started at Daylight & soon saw boat under canvas which proved to be the Larakeeyah under Captn Sweet who reported Messrs Patterson & Little were camped on Maria Isld waiting arrival of Omeo. They soon after came on board on our anchoring off the isld. Nothing had been seen of the Y Australian, but as she might have gone direct the mouth of the Roper, I decided on going there to look for her and shd she not be there ascertain whether it was practicable for the Omeo to cross the bar of the river, so that I could at least land the horses at some suitable place up the river. I had already lost two, and the continued heat, and constrained position on board was beginning to tell upon them and I feared the effects of keeping them longer. Nothing to be seen of Y Australian. Captn Sweet expressed his opinion that Omeo cd cross bar safely at high water between 4 & 5 p.m. but Captn Calder (of the Omeo) wd not take her

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______on his own responsibility & reqd a guarantee from me protecting owners from all loss to extent of insurance (over ₤10 000). I therefore directed him & Sweet to proceed in boat to bar to take soundings, and if as 2 experienced seamen they considered it safe to take Omeo over I would give the guarantee. They were to hoist a sail as signal for us to come on. This was done & to my intense relief up went the signal & \we/ steamed ahead picking up the boat as we went & crossed the bar before high water, and proceeded 15 feet miles up, or 8 miles above the actual entrance of the river. On crossing the bar we dropped into deep water \of 30 to 50 &60 ft/ which we carried up for 40 miles above bar. On Sunday

Page 9 we made a very good run of 20 miles by 10.30 when as the water was shoaling and the tide falling we anchored – & made another start in Evening but did not get more than abt 5 miles owing to mud banks with only 13 ft water at neap tide. The water was shoal the next day & we had considerable difficulty I therefore decided to land all the horses on a nice high grassy bank close to which the ship was lying. This accomplished safely during the afternoon, although the bank at low water was boggy and we had difficulty in getting some of the weak horses over it : while the men were up to their waists in water a large alligator suddenly came between the vessel & the bank causing a general scramble ashore as you may imagine. He seemed, however, to be as much frightened as ourselves & immy made off – While the horses were being landed I had a boat out sounding up the river &buoying channel, and the next day Tuesday was spent in trimming ship, carrying coals forward &c. On Wednesday we got off at top of evening tide 10h pm, and anchored at half a mile in 27 feet. Heavy Thunder storms all round. On Thursday Feb 1. Off at 6h am, passed Hawk’s nest island, and grounded at 50 miles from mouth, or 57 \miles/ from bar – in spot is called 3 isld reach – a fine reach, but being wide the water is shallow & we have not as yet succeeded in getting Omeo off. The Bengal, which took Griffith to Pt Darwin & then came round to the Roper, is in the next reach a mile above us & Captn Hummel paid us a visit in the pm. The two boats Larakeeyah and Dolphin came up from Maria Isld having started on the previous

Page 10 Sunday afternoon. The Dolphin, which came a different route to the river entrance fell in with a Malay Prow soon after dark, which bore silently down upon them. They fired a gun as caution, but as the prow still came on Miller who was in charge fired right into her, and she then made off. I very much question the propriety of the act, but the Malays are a cruel murderous race, and the manner in which they approached looked suspicious. As I thought Y Austn must have arrived I sent the Larrakeeyah back immy – and she met that vessel just inside the mouth on Friday Feb 2, and brought her up to the Omeo by noon on Saturday. The same day I loaded her \with/ 50 or 60 tons from Omeo & on the Sunday Feb 4, started at 7h am for the telegraph camp 28 miles higher up the river where I arrived at 3h pm. I boarded the Bengal as we passed. She has been lying in her present position since December and has only succeeded in sending only a few boat loads up to the Camp (27 miles) owing to the strong freshet down the river. You may imagine what the freshet is sometimes when I tell you that some weeks back it rose 28 feet in a few hours & rushed down the river with great violence. Mr Patterson had a most adventurous trip down to the Bengal from the Camp. The latter were almost destitute of food, being dependant on jerked beef : it was known that the Bengal was off the mouth of the Roper early in December a boat having been sent up to the landing or Camp, 80 miles from the mouth, but nothing had been heard of her since and whether she had been driven out to sea or entered the river no one knew – in the meantime starvation was imminent, so, as there was no boat Mr

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Page 11 Mr Patterson made one out of a waggon & with a volunteer crew of 4 men ventured down the river in search of the Bengal, with only a few days provisions. It was raining hard and the first day carried them 35 miles – but no signs of Bengal, next day hour \after hour/ passed still no Bengal, but at 30 miles \when they had nearly given themselves up, return being hopeless/ they met a boat from that vessel – on its way to the landing – but she had no provisions – and in the evening they got safely on board thankful for their escape – and next day sent 2 boatsful of rations, but they made very little progress against the strong current, and from Dec 15 up to the date of my arrival not more than 4 or 5 trips had been made. Saturday Feb 10 I am now writing on board the Omeo at the landing place 80 to 85 miles from the mouth We arriv I returned to the Omeo on Tuesday, and made a start the following day. The Young Australian towing the Bengal, and the Omeo following. We had not gone far however before the latter thro some bungling struck on a reef and after some discussion it was arranged that the Bengal should anchor for the present & the Young Australian tow the Omeo, the latter steaming slowly to assist in the deep reaches. in this way we succeeded in getting up to

Page 12 the landing place by noon on Thursday. Next day I sent the YAustn down for the Bengal, and succeeded in getting her up safely the same day ; This I think you will say is a great feat – to have up this new river, 85 miles from its mouth, the Omeo, Bengal, and Young Australian. It is a great triumph for me over those who so strenuously opposed the Roper being used. If my advice had been taken and some of the vessels been sent here instead of all going to Pt Darwin the line would have been finished long since – and at least 30 or ₤40000 been saved. It is a splendid river & when the channel is known, and one or two places buoyed vessels of 1000 tons will be easily able to get 80 to 90 miles above the mouth. The banks are thickly lined with trees of various descriptions – Gum, paper bark, acacias, and a very fine ficus, being the most conspicuous. The country is splendidly grassed, and quite green of course, this being the wet season, it is however subject in many places to heavy floods from the overflowing of the river –

Page 13 How it is that so little should be known of what is really one of the finest rivers in Australia I cannot understand, and I should have thought it would have been selected without hesitation as the site for the Northern Territory Settlement. It must become a place of importance, and the success with which I have got up with the Omeo will have the effect of calling attention to the advantages presented \it presents/. The natives seem to be friendly – but very much astonished at the steamers They have no canoes or any means for water conveyance of their own – apparently no idea of boats of any description ; and the large number of alligators makes them rather timid of the water though they are expert swimmers – they always indicate a wish to be rowed ashore & if you reply by gesture that they should swim, they show by biting their arm that they fear being bitten. We had an amusing incident the other day, the first time they visited us. The ladies (Mrs Dean, Mrs Finniss, Rosetta Sweet and the Stewardess) were ashore, the Steamer lying within 20 or 30 yards of the bank, drying some clothes when 5 natives (men) came upon them suddenly with a shout, intended as friendly,

Page 14 The ladies shrieked in reply and we sent a boat to bring them off, meantime prepared to fire at the natives if they meant mischief. We afterwards got the latter on board & dressed them in sacks and then made them shake hands with the ladies. Next day 12 of them swam off & stayed some hours on board On one occasion when we were

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______coming up the river (Young Austn & Omeo together) we passed some natives who were evidently most astonished at the singular phenomena we presented to them – one fellow was sitting cross legged on the stump of a tree in a most comical style – and they shouted & gesticulated in a most excited manner, and started off up the river to keep us in view, leaving a lubra with a baby, who cried \lustily/ through fear. They followed us 20 miles & camped when we anchored for the night I am spinning you a long yarn dearest Alice, and under considerable difficulties, for I am in a regular vapor bath. It is not so hot as one might expect with a vertical sun, but it is so moist that you are in one constant stream of perspiration

Page 15 Thursday Feb 16. I have been so busy the past week that your letter has necessarily been put aside. At last I am able to resume it to say good bye & let you have all the news up to date. We completed discharge of the Omeo on Monday the 12th and as under the agreement I made on the Omeo going up the Roper she was released from going on to Pt Darwin I had to arrange for the accommodation & feeding of all the Pt Darwin passengers ashore, & they are now all comfortably camped at the depot which presents the appearance of a respectable township in embryo. You may imagine that I had no little difficulty to please all – especially the ladies, who studied proprieties to an awful extent – on the previous Saturday evg I gave an official dinner party \on board the Omeo/ to the officers of the Tel. Expn., the Captns & Chief officers of Omeo, Bengal & Young Australian & the \saloon/ passengers – a goodly number. It passed off first rate – cemented friendships, and brought about a good feeling amongst the different elements of the Expedition which I trust will be productive of good results. On Sunday I conducted divine service to a

Page 16 respectable congregation ashore – on Tuesday we started down the River (I e the Omeo – in company with the Y. Australian) and arrived off the mouth on Thursday morning where we anchored it being low water. This morning we steamed a-head over the bar at high water, having – tho it was dead neap tides, 2 feet to spare, and we are now anchored off Maria Island 10 miles from the bar, on which we land presently & on departure of Omeo shall return up the river to the landing place again. And next week came down again to meet the Tararua which I hope will bring long letters from you and a complete file of papers which are amusing & useful. The weather is very trying – very hot – & damp a regular vapor bath, with thunder storms of great intensity, furious gusts or gales of wind, and torrents of rain – then fierce sunshine. The storms are grandly awful – the sunsets magnificent but dripping at every pore \with […]/ clothes completely saturated, it is difficult to enjoy life especially when worried & harassed on all sides – long letters to write – angry disputes to settle – and jealousies to calm – such is life with me now – but by the blessing of God I hope to succeed

Page 17 I had a very nice letter from Griffith who in Mr Littles absence is in sole charge of the Telegraph office at Pt Darwin. He is very anxious with so much responsibility – but it will do him good – I shall see him in about 3 weeks. He is quite well, but like all has found the climate very trying at first. I am well, except in the mng when I retch violently & have severe trembling fits till I take some brandy & water – and after that before breakfast I sometimes \have to/ take a glass of sherry & quinine before I can recover. As regards my future movements I shall go to Pt Darwin in the Tararua & may possibly go to Timor in the Young Australian before I return to the Roper. From the Roper I expect to make a start overland homewards about the 15th April and if all goes well shall be with you by end of August. I am getting very home-sick and anxious to hear from you all – but I have too much at stake to think of self & am determined to get

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______through with what I have undertaken. I have written to you only – but all will no doubt read what I have said. Give my kindest love to all – dear Grandma &c &c – I hope you are all

Page 18 well. Did Lizzie get my letter from Bowen? I send by Captn Calder the doll bought there for Nina. Give her & Maude a kiss for meI hope the boys are good & sticking to their studies I often think of them. My warmest love to dear Fan I must write her by Tararua – but I am quite tired now & have several other letters to write. Fred Davis is quite well & very useful and energetic. He has had prickly heat – but all have that more or less. Remember me very kindly to Dr & Mrs Davies and also to our dear friends the Stephenson – My official report to the Govt will no doubt be printed – if so tell William to ask Mr Burrell to send report \copies/ to Mr Airy, Mr Earle Comr Osborne, Latimer Clark & others of whom he will think. And now dearest Alice good bye – wishing you and all my dear ones every blessing – I am, your affectionate Husband Charles Todd PS. I forgot nearly the most interesting of in-telligence. Captn Douglas tells me that Nellie is engaged to Mr Squier of the B.A. Tel Co, as we told him would be the case.

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Steamer Young Australian Maria Island, Gulf of Carpentaria 1872 March 2

My dearest Alice I last wrote to you the day before the Omeo sailed from Maria Island this day fortnight, and now I am again near the same spot enjoying a pleasant sea breeze, but anxiously and impatiently awaiting the arrival of the second steamer, Tararua, long overdue. We have been lying here since Sunday, having left the Camp on the Roper early on Saturday the 24th ult. Everything seems against this portion of the work – the weather, which at the end of January was fine and promising, set in wet, and heavy rains continued all through February rendering the country between the Roper Camp and the Telegraph line – 137 miles to the nearest point – utterly impassable for teams, so that although we know there are upwards of 100 men on the line who are by this time nearly out of supplies we are unable to send them any relief, and, unless the weather clears up at once, shall not be be able to start any teams for another fortnight or three weeks at soonest and then under the most favorable circumstances we cannot expect them to reach the nearest party in less than

Page 20 four weeks from the time they start. We have had over 20 inches of rain in Feb. which added to about 40 or 45 inches in December and January, makes between 60 & 70 inches in 3 months. When I returned to the Roper Camp from seeing the Omeo off, I found that the river had risen 16 feet, and the rain still con-tinuing it rose another 4 feet in the 3 days I stayed at the Camp and it has rained every day since till to day which is beautifully fine. The river was running like a sluice and it was with difficulty we […] it. Coming down we did 100 miles in 10 hours, with scarcely any steam. To get up steam is one of our difficulties. It takes so long to cut wood, and when we get it, it does not burn well. You will remember the Young Australian as the small tug boat, & will easily imagine that she \it/ is not over comfortable to live on ither for 10 days but when I tell

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______you that with the wood are brought on board innumerable ants of all kinds & sizes, Centri – pieds of the largest description snakes and all other abominations you \can/ imagine that we are not at all to be envied, especially when, at night, in the river, we anchor close to the bank for convenience in wooding next morning, and the

Page 21 mosquitos invade us in such numbers immediately after sunset as to compel an instantaneous retreat to our friendly mosquito curtain in which we lie during the long hours of the night – […], if the rain will let us, but that often disappoints one of a night’s rest on deck, coming on suddenly in a furious downpour your bed is flooded in no time unless you snatch \up/ everything on the instant and rush down to the cabin, where the curtain is again hung and you seek sleep on the lockers, such sleep as you can \obtain/ when devoured by bugs \sand flies/ and ants. Here off Maria Island we are free from mosquitos – but the ship is swarming with ants, and the other day a snake between 4 & 5 ft long was shaken out of a large log as it was thrown from the deck on to the boat. Yesterday Patterson Little & I, with Captains Hummill (of the Bengal) and Capt. Sweet (late of the Gulnare, and now pilot of the Roper) went ashore and had a long walk of 5 miles. There is not much to be seen – some of the flowers are very pretty, especially that borne by a lacy & very strong creeper, called I believe the Colomus Australis. The flower is like a large Convolvulus of a mauve color, I think; Some on the islands inside the barrier reef on the east coast are white & climb the tallest trees – here it runs mostly along the ground for considerable distances, and the stem is exceedingly strong

Page 22 There is a very pretty flour (a pea of some kind) of a beautiful majenta – and \a/ tree bearing a \two/ description of acorns – one oval shape like the acorn of the old English Oaks, the other round & green like an apple. It is not an oak leef. We saw no game & not many birds – a few fine quail – Sunday march 3. We had a splendid day yesterday – clear & hot; to - day is also fine and I am greatly in hopes that the wet season is now over. We may have occasional thunder showers, but if the weather sets in hot the country will soon dry. There was has evidently been very heavy rain in the interior since we left the Roper landing, as yesterday, noticing the discoloration of the water, we lowered a bucket and found it to be nearly fresh though we are 15 miles from the mouth of the Roper, showing that great freshets have come down the river. You would be amused at \with/ some of our discussions – for having really nothing to do, a lively dispute now & again serves well to pass the time away. Now it is on statuary – then on Education in which I maintain with energy my favorite idea that any national system of education should embrace more than reading, writing, and arithmetic – that with every boys’ school

(2) Page 23 School there should be workshops for technical & industrial training – and with every girls’ school, a system of domestic training. Patterson wont agree to this maintaining, while concurring with me that these additions are useful & necessary for the future welfare of the rising generation, that the duty of the state ends with the pro-viding of schools for the ordinary education and that industrial training & domestic education of girls must be left to private efforts, tho it is quite clear that private effort is & must necessarily be wholly in- adequate to supply what is required. Capt Hummel, a Swede of considerable intelligence who has seen much of the world quite agreed with me & says that in Sweden it is already done by the Govt, who \go/ farther for on a poor boy or girl leaving school \they/ obtain for him or her their first situation. I have been reading lately some Capital articles in the Cornhill (1868) by Matthew Arnold on Arnachy and authority – which you should read at your leisure I concur with most of his views which

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______are forcibly and elegantly expressed – the only fault I find with them is that they are not sufficiently definite, and arrive at no practical conclusion

Page 24 While we are lying here on the west side of Maria Island the Larrakieyuh (named after the Pt Darwins tribe of blacks) cruises to the north east every day looking for the steamer. No sign of her yet. You can imagine how harassing this waiting & loss of valuable time is to me. We have now been here a week, and the worst of it is we have nothing to guide us to a conclusion as to the cause of the delay. The steamer (Tararua) may have never sailed from Pt Adelaide, or she may have come to grief in the intricate passage of the inner route (inside the barrier reef) and Torres Strait – or she may, which is hardly possible, have arrived off the river while I was going up after the departure of the Omeo, and finding no one waiting have gone on to Pt Darwin. I am the only person on board who thinks the last at all probable – they all say, and rightly, that to do so would be madness on their part after Captn and the officer in charge of the stock. If she has gone to Pt Darwin the stock will be utterly useless, as they will not be able to travel before the middle of April owing to the state of the Country after the excessive rainy season and they will then have to travel nearly 400 miles to the Roper for their loading

Page 25 which will have to be carted thence another 2 or 300 miles on to the Southern portion of this section of the line. I have decided to wait here till tomorrow and if she has not arrived then I shall return to landing or Camp to make final arrangements for loading and starting the teams we have , and tow the Bengal down the river, and despatch her with the \Omeo/ passengers to Pt Darwin. The Larrakeeyah will in the meantime be cruising off Maria Island. This will take me a week, and if on my return to the island I find no sign of the steamer I shall proceed at once to Normantown and telegraph for information – leaving Patterson on Maria Island, and the Larrakeeyah, so that sh? steamer arrive in my absence he may take her as far as he can up the Roper and land the horses. All this is very provoking and will sadly delay the completion of the work. To add to my difficulties too, there are the Pt Darwin passengers per Omeo, at the Camp to be provided for & pleased. They were to have gone all by the Tararua, and will soon be complaining of the great delay, & the discomfort of camp life. I must send them on in the Bengal You will be glad to hear, dear Alice, that my health

Page 26 continues very good. The climate here, now that the S.E. monsoon or trade has set in, is very pleasant – the temperature ranging from 86° to 94° – a nice breeze blowing during the day. Up the river and on shore it is much more trying – & hotter – with less breeze and one is in a continual state of profuse perspiration – running from every pore so that you have to carry a towel about with you – using it so frequently as to make your skin quite sore. Many often men \& ladies too/ suffer terribly from boils and prickly heat but I have as yet es-caped: we have also had numerous cases of fever the end of the rain being the most sickly season – and fare on board is very meagre & badly cooked – consisting wholly of preserved meat – for breakfast dinner & tea. I am quite sick of it already – and long for fresh & salt meat. I must not grumble, however, as I have better supplies at the Camp. Should I leave to go to Normanton it will be some time before I get to Pt Darwin. I hear Griffith is very much liked & that he is very steady. When at Pt Darwin I shall probably go across to Timor, a Dutch settlement which is said to be well worth seeing – in that case I may buy two Timor ponies for the boys. they can be got for abt ₤2. and perhaps engage a Timor servant to bring with me. I shall have plenty of adventures to write you about, as they are very hospitable. Letters for Pt Darwin have

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(3) Page 27 been lying there for 6 or 8 months. Is it not absurd of the Govt to so entirely shut the place off from all communication with the outer world & yet expect it to become settled & peopled? Verily our Govt is the most unenlightened I ever met with or heard of. Talking of that reminds me that I owe a great grudge against Milne – he told me his son had some splendid Claret – and Turnbull bought some for me – which is the vilest stuff I ever drank. I must now go on deck for a spell and if in the humour go ahead again in the afternoon. Sunday p.m. Captn Sweet who is an expert photographer has taken a splendid photo of the Omeo, Young Australian, and Bengal at the Roper landing. He has also a good a view of the cable landing at Pt Darwin, in which you will see Griffith looking very grave & serious as became the occasion. On our return to the landing he is going to take a photo of me in regular bush rig. I shall have several copies of each, which will interest our friends in England and I think you will like to have a glimpse of me as I appear here. A coat, or collar, is of course never work, simply shirt & trousers, with revolver belts &c. the shirt more often than not being worn outside the continuations. At Pt Darwin, I am told, I shall have to study etiquette, as Douglas wears spotless white & is a great swell

Page 28 He has written to say he quite expects me to put up at his house, or the “Residence” as it is called which I suppose I must do – tho to tell truth I would rather be at the Telegraph Office & be more my own master. I am sorry to find he is very much disliked, owing partly to his intense selfishness (so at least it is said tho he is certainly most hospitable) and partly to his assumed tyranical tone toward his subs. What do you think of Nelly being as soon engaged to Mr Squier?. She is a fortunate girl I think. I must now say a word or two as to my movements and doings since I last wrote. All the Friday evening (Feb 16) before the Omeo sailed Capt Calder entertained Patterson myself, Capts Singer & Laurie & Mr. Little at Supper (Herrings & potatoes!) on which healths were drunk & we were all in turn proclaimed, in song sung by strong voices, to be “jolly good fellows”. At 9h next morning, Saturday, the Young Australian came alongside and I had to bid adieu to the good ship Omeo, receiving 3 cheers from the Capt & crew, to which we heartily responded in honor of the Captn and ship. We then steaming opposite courses soon lost sight of each other, and we went to the west end of the island to wood, being told that there was a large stack left by

Page 29 Captn Cadell when he was here in 1867. Patterson Little & I went ashore, and while the men were cutting wood and boating it to the steamer we amused ourselves with a good feed of rock oysters of which there are great numbers – small but very sweet. While thus employed a sudden squall arose & after seeking shelter we returned to the boat which was just pushing off the rocks with a load of wood. This was the windward side of the island and the squall had raised a nasty sea which was breaking somewhat heavily on the rocks where the boat was the Consequence was that we had the comfort of seeing the boat, our only means of getting off to the steamer, swamped and in danger every moment of being smashed on the sharp rocks. The men were all up to their necks in water, and it was not till they had labored hard for an hour & a half that they succeeded in beaching her – when it was discovered that she was only slightly damaged. By taking advantage of a short lull the Captn & 2 men got off – leaving us ashore to walk 5 miles overland to Satisfaction Bay on the South or sheltered side of the island. Fortunately however we found a favorable place nearer & got on board with good appetites, & very thirsty

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Page 30 We then steamed back to Satisfaction Bay then […] we left our parting with the Omeo, & anchored for the night. On Sunday morning we started for the river and anchored just inside the mouth where there was a supply a mangroves, which makes our best fire- wood – and wooded earl on Monday morning. I slept \(or tried to do so)/ on deck, as usual, in my waggon, but the mosquitos where frightful quite banishing sleep. All Monday we proceeded up the river about 45 to 50 miles to where we landed the horses from the Omeo – here we anchored close alongside the bank, and the mosquitos were worse than ever. I was glad to hear that the horses were all right, and arranged to take 20 up to the landing next day. Tuesday. We wooded & took on board 20 horses – and started about 9h am against a very strong freshet, which ren-dered our progress very slow, so that at \by/ half past three we had burnt all our wood while still 8 or 9 miles from the landing , which with the strong freshet, increasing as we got higher up & the river narrowed, would take us at least 3 or 4 hours. It was necessary therefore to stop for the night and wood. The horses meantime having nothing to eat – poor brutes – the weather was very sultry and with so many horses on board it was simply abominable & that’s the last I can say. They were nearly all on the after deck, with their heads over the Cabin skylight into which they breathed & snorted as we sat below at dinner or tea &c.

(4) Page 31 We met the Larrakeeyah a few miles before we anchored on her way from the landing to the horse camp with provisions – so I directed the man in charge, Meiklehaus, tp proceed, after landing the provisions, at the horse camp in charge of Deane, to the mouth of the Roper and keep a sharp look out for the Tararua then nearly due. At night we had a terrific thunder storm, the thunder in deafening cracks following the lightning immediately. I was obliged to sleep below with the horses immediately overhead – making an awful noise – kicking & bighting – Everynow & again setting the little steamer rolling till you thought she would capsize & then a horse plunged & got his \fore-/ legs into the skylight smashing the glass – and was extricated only with the greatest difficulty I shall not forget that night I can tell you. Next morning having wooded we pushed on against a tremendous freshet up to the landing where we arrived quite safely – and found all going on well. There had been very heavy rains and the river had risen 15 or 16 feet, & still rising. On our way up the river we were constantly hailed by the blacks who seem greatly astonished at our movements & evidently cannot understand how we move so fast against the current. They would sometimes follow us for miles, all going through the same signs & gesticulations – throwing up first one arm then the other – then both, shouting loudly all the time – wanting

Page 32 us, I suppose to stop. I believe they themselves are very ceremonious when they wish to pass through the territories of another tribe and go through a number of preliminary courtesies – if so they of course cannot understand our want of politeness, though the evidence they must see of our superior power, impresses them no doubt with the idea of our being superior beings, at the same time they come to dislike us from the manner in which we treat them. They are very treacherous even when seemingly friendly. At the horse camp Deane tells me they were evidently about to brain the man in charge of the camp, the others having gone down to the bank to see the Omeo pass. We saw the camp & several blacks about as we passed – & it seems they availed themselves of the oppy of their being only one man at the camp to kill him & rob the camp. They cut, with one of our axes, a large heavy club & were on the point of rushing on the man when he fortunately saw them & fired his revolver, which brought back the rest of the party from the bank, on the appearance of whom the rascals made off & were not seen

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______afterwards. others of the tribe were seen on banks & I think they are annoyed at our not fraternizing with them, & appreciating their offers of wives – which they

Page 33 seem to desire us to accept. This is said to be their usual custom on the arrival amongst them of strangers with whom they desire to be on terms of amity. Whether the women whom they bring are like Barkers “willing” and inclined to have husbands I know not. it is strange but the same practice obtains in Timor, & elsewhere amongst the Malays – Thursday and Friday were spent at the camp – a busy scene – the Young Australian going down the river to bring up the remainder of the horses, which she accomplished safely by half past two on Friday. We had very heavy rain with thunder & lightning – and heavier rains would appear to have fallen higher up, & also to the South judging from the body water coming down the Roper & the Hodgson which runs into the former about 1½ miles below the camp. At the camp the river rose another 5 feet, making 20 feet higher than when I left for the bar in the Omeo. The river at the landing is about 130 yards wide – and with the flood mentioned was about 45 feet deep. The Hodgson is about 90 to 100 yards wide and very deep. You may judge therefore of the volume of water rushing down – here & there causing land slips on the banks hurling large trees into the water to form snags – and ultimately carried out to sea –

Page 34 On Saturday we started at 8h.30m. and reached the mouth – 7 miles inside the bar (the mouth proper) at 7h landing a party of six men a few miles above to cut dry mangroves for future use. [words crossed out] We found the Larrakeeyah anchored inside the bar having seen nothing of the Tararua – so we pushed on to Maria Island on Sunday morning and anchored in Satisfaction Bay – the weather being very wet & miserable. Here we lay till Tuesday rolling to a long S.E. swell. We caught some very fish – one a rock cod weighing about 30 pounds, & two Trevallea (? as to spelling) a kind of silver fish, each weighing about 20 lbs. Also a pretty pinkish red fish like Schnapper something. These made a nice change to “blanket” (preserved meat), and it was with regret I had to give orders to up anchor & go to the west side of island in consequence of heavy squalls from the SE, to which \we/ were fully exposed. There has been nothing since to relieve the monotony of each day since, except the walk I have before mentioned unfortunately we got no fish probably because we have not good bait. The

5 Page 35 Larrakeeyah sails round the island every day looking out for the overdue steamer from Adelaide but always to report the same result. In the evening we have a rubber – and one or two yarns or a fierce discussion. Last night – the first clear night we have had – on looking to the north I jumped for joy to see the 7 stars of the great bear a sight I had not seen for over 16 years. It was like seeing the cliffs of old England again, and awoke many a reminiscence of days long since gone by. How rapidly the mind went back, and how vividly were old scenes & dear and familiar faces recalled. I could do nothing but look at them till I turned in on the hard deck sheltered within the folds of my mosquito curtain. March 7SS. Tararua – River Roper – 50 miles above bar. It has turned out that I was right. The Tararua did arrive off the mouth without seeing the Young Australian and after waiting 2 days went on to Pt Darwin – where Douglas very fortunately refused to allow the horses to be landed, except 7 that Griffith required for inspecting the line. On Sunday evening at 10h pm. (Mar 3) as we lay

Page 36 to the west of Maria Island and were about to retire for the night, there was a cry “steamer’s light!” I rushed on deck, and soon after the report of a gun was heard followed by rockets, and a bright blue light to which we immediately. There was

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______evidently great excitement on board the steamer which was about 5 miles to the north, as they kept firing guns, rockets & blue lights – and on the Y. Austn we were equally excited. Mr Patterson seized me round the waist, and danced frantically round me. It was indeed a close shave of another […] for having despaired after Tararua I had given orders for the steamer to start at 4h next morning for the Roper landing. I at once ordered off the Larrakeeyah to board, and shortly after 12h, having got up steam, we weighed anchor, and in an hour were alongside. I then learned that the Tararua arrived at Maria Island that day (Sunday) fortnight, the same day I left for the river in the morning, and on the following day, Monday, the Captn went in search of the Roper. He unfortunately mistook a narrow creek or arm of the river, which runs into the Gulf

Page 37 some miles above the Roper, for the main river and went up it in a boat. The Y. Austn being at the time anchored just inside the river, close to the junction of the same creek until noon of that day. The Captn says he followed the creek up into the Roper but did not recognise or know it to be the river, and returned the way he came. Had he on getting into the Roper followed its channel down to the bar he would have seen our buoys and have known that we were at the river. He only stayed that day & the next, and then on Tuesday evening steamed for Pt Darwin, where he took every one by surprise – Douglas promptly insisted on his returning at once to the Roper, which he reached on Sunday evening the 3rd as before stated. Four of the horses have died on the passage, and seven were landed at Pt Darwin leaving 66 on board now, which I hope to get safely up the river. I arranged at once for the Young Australian to take about 50 tons of cargo out of the Tararua up to the landing & to tow down the Bengal so that should I

Page 38 be unable to get the Tararua up I could discharge into her and the YA. : it was however important to avoid transhipping the horses & to land them as quickly as possible. I therefore offered the Captn ₤250 to go up the river, I taking no risk, which after some discussion he accepted. It was unfortunately neap tides – but on Monday I sent the Larrakeeyah to the \bar/ buoy with instructions to hoist a white flag when he got 13 feet water \on Tuesday morning’s tide/ and directed Captn Pearce to steam toward the bar at daylight on Tuesday into 3 fathoms water – Captn Lawrie acting as pilot. About 9h am Tuesday the white flag went up on the Larrakeeyah, & we steamed for the bar, but stuck on mud with only 1½ feet just inside the buoy. We backed off again into 3 fathoms & I sent the Larrakeeyah ahead to the 3rd buoy (the bar being a mud flat of two miles), and stationed another boat at the bar buoy to [word crossed out] fire signal when there was 14 feet. This was given almost immediately, & we crossed the bar before high water at 10h and after spending an hour or two wooding steamed up the fine

6 Page 39 river for 50 miles without an obstacle, all on board being enthusiastic in their admiration of its fine reaches, graceful bends, and deep soundings. The next day Wednesday (Mar 6) after proceeding a few miles we unfortunately stuck on a sand spit in a wide shallow reach, in exactly the same spot where we landed the horses from the Omeo, and have not yet succeeded in getting off. We expect the YA down to-day & with her assistance shall no doubt get afloat at high water in the afternoon. I have now brought up my account to the present moment, and shall continue to relate my movements up to the time the Tararua sails – so that you will have a pretty long letter to digest, and will I fear think me a bore. I must now refer to & acknowledge your kind letter, also, Fannie’s, Lizzie’s, and Charlies, which I need not say much pleased me after my long absence. I cannot understand how my letters from Newcastle can have failed to reach

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______you before the date of your letter, or at least before the Tararua sailed. I am sorry to hear of dear Grandma’s severe illness, but trust now that

Page 40 the cool season is approaching she will regain strength & be long spared to us – give my kindest love to her. (Sunday Mar 10) – You cannot think how pleased I am with the portraits, which have been well looked at. The blacks say “Lizzie fine Lubra”! I hope you have not sold Dominic. I quite intend when I return to take things more easily – leave the office at 4 & take a ride every day. I really think I ought to do so, and that when I have accomplished this great work I should be able to rest upon my laurels a bit. What say you? I am glad to hear that the boys are prospering under Mr Hawletts’ tuition – and trust we have done right. They are now growing up into big boys fast, & have no time to lose. They are backward – their education having been, as I look backward – neglected. All I fear is that private tuition will not sufficiently stimulate them to exertion. Tell them I hope they will study hard this winter. I was very pleased with Charlie’s letter. The news of the change of ministry did not surprise me. I was certain the Blyth administration would not stand a day after par-liament met – but only fancy Derrington being a Minister of the Crown so early in his parliamentary career – he is a clever man, who I always predicted would go into a parliament, & knew he would become a minister Page 41 I have a letter from him per Tararua & shall reply congratulating him on his accession to office though looking at the ministry as a whole I regard it as so weak, that I do not at all think he will be in power when he gets my letter. Derrington, whatever his talents may be, has had no parliamentary experience and his sudden accession to office cannot fail to create enemies, & jealousy among politicians of longer & higher standing. Mr Ayers has written me a most kind & flattering letter, wishing me God speed – & associating my name with the great work we have in hand in the most graceful terms. I wish I could return in the Tararua as you anticipate, but there no chance of that. I cannot do so without jeopardising everything. I have indeed a most difficult task to accomplish. The officers & men are all more or less disheartened. We are now at the Camp – but on board the Tararua which is lying alongside the jetty. Since I left the water has risen 33 feet or 9 feet above the jetty; a little more & the whole camp would have been flooded, & the people have had to leave for the Bengal; but it, fortunately, stopped

Page 42 in the nick of time, & fell as rapidly as it rose – We have had continuous rains – which the high river shows to have extended a considerable distance inland thus preventing all attempts to start teams with rations to relieve the interior parties for some weeks – though it shd now continue fine & dry as it is to day. It is fearfully hot, and as I am \writing I am/ dripping at every pore. I am sadly afraid we shall hear of many deaths, the parties being so in-adequately provisioned – but I must leave it for the present. I shall send pack horses at the earliest possible moment which I hope will yet reach them in time to save a catastrophe. There has been one death here at the Camp – & many of the men […] over the climate & are in a regular fright directly anything ails them. We got the Tararua up to the landing at 11 on Friday, but it took us till 5h pm to place the vessel alongside the jetty, her head paying off at every attempt, \the current/ sending setting her head across channel, the steamer driving at fearful rapidity carrying away spars as she heplessly drifted against trees on the banks. It was fearfully exciting

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Page 43 the vessel swinging round with awful rapidity – now her head crashing amongst the trees – now her stern – the boom carried away & the mizenmast in danger – and now threatening to come in violent collision with the Bengal at anchor lower down the stream. However we got safely fastened at last & the next day, Saturday, all the horses were safely landed. I am glad to say that notwithstanding the trying weather, and my many anxieties my health is good. I was sadly disappointed at not getting the Illustrated L. News, Graphic, P. Opinion &c of which you advise me and the file of Adelaide papers is very meagre & incomplete. They would have been most interesting here Perhaps they are at Pt Darwin. They are I hoped to get a complete file of the Adelaide papers – Much that you say, from report, about Patterson is quite true. He was not fitted for this sort of work, and is too easily disheartened. He spends too much time in reading, instead of moving amongst his me, & is always writing to his wife & others – but at the same time I thought it better to avoid if possible the extreme measure of suspending him & after some correspondence managed to settle matters amicably & hope soon to have things on a more

Page 44 \satisfactory/ footing. He is gentlemanly & now he knows that my intentions towards him are not hostile he will work with me – I hope, zealously. I shall probably go to Pt Darwin about the end of this month, and then come back to the Roper, and make my final start overland about the end of April. The British Austn Cos S. ship Investigator has been to Timor & brought all the letters so may possibly not go there after all. I should have been glad to have Prankherd’s company – but he would have disliked the heat. remember me kindly to him & Mrs P. also to Fred Wright – and to Judge & Mrs Wearing Mr & Mrs Busher &c. March 20 2h am. The Tararua sails at 6h am and I have been writing all day – and to night speechifying as you may suppose – All that I have to add \as regards news/ is that on one day we took the Young Australian up the River Hodgson with magnificent scenery of which Captn Sweet took several views – and on another day up to Leichardt’s bar. Captn Sweet has taken some splendid photos of which I have ordered a number including views of the Roper fleet Omeo, Tararua the jetty the camp, & a very good picture of myself in bush rig with Patterson Little & Mitchel of which we must

Page 45 have a good many. He will submit them to you & as it is a unique event in our lives & it will be something of which we may, I trust, all be proud I am terribly tired dear Alice having been writing since 6h am. so I must really say good night. I wish I could say, at the last moment, that all is going well but I am sorry to say that it is raining hard – again – Last night the same. and I fear the 60 horses I sent away the other day – viz 52 pack & 8 saddle horses with only 4 weeks ration for the men working on the line – will fail to get through & if so I do not know the consequence as I fear they are already out of food. I am awfully anxious – but I trust in one able to help, & I hope we shall soon have dry weather – Good night dearest Alice with fondest love to you & all dear to me at the Observatory I am, dearest Alice, Your loving Husband C Todd 6h am. Mar 20. The Tararua is about to start. good bye dearest Alice. Kindest love to Grandma & William & my own pets – I do so like the photos & feel quite home sick – May God bless you all CT

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46 Barque Bengal Roper River N T.

1872 April 3.

My dearest Alice My letter per Tararua terminated somewhat abruptly – gave you the main details of my life & general movements here from which you would gather that I am not idle, and, notwithstanding the somewhat trying character of the climate, am enjoying very good health. I endeavor to counteract the damping effect of Patterson’s treatment of the men & gloomy news which he takes of our prospects. I am always ready with a kind cheering word or a timely joke the consequence I now hear that the officers & men all sware\ear/ by me – Since the Tararua left I have been very busy getting large parties off – & organising plans for securing the completion of the line during the approaching wet \dry/ season. I told you of the starting of the 45 pack horses on Mar 16 – the following Monday week Mar 25 I started Patterson, who I have since heard overtook the pack-horses this side of the Strangways. He had 4 men with

Page 47 6 pack-horses. I accompanied him a few miles & then wished him God speed. The next day I started Mr Mitchell with 10 bullock teams (102 bullocks), riding some miles out on a beautiful brown mare that has been selected for me. She would make a splendid saddle horse for a lady – & just suit dear Lizzie – The remainder of the week was spent in loading the Bengal for Pt Darwin, and in preparing teams & loading for Mr King who starts to day with 7 bullock teams & one horse team for the Daly waters. The Bengal sailed, or rather started in tow of the Young Australian, and we expect to clear the river tomorrow. I am on board, and the opportunity is a good one for writing as we glide on without any sense of motion, so smoothly & evenly do we proceed. I have just finished a long letter to the Govt, which will no doubt be printed, if so please send \ask Mr Burrell to send copies to England as per list – & you send copies to Aunt Mary & others. Great interest is sure to be felt in this expedition, not only because of its connection [?] with the overland Telegraph but also because it is the opening up of one of the finest rivers in Australia. I wish you could see, & especially at sunrise & sunset – when

Page 48 the […] & reflections on the water are most beautiful – We are now having splendid weather – the days are still hot – but dry instead of moist, the temperature ranging about 96°, but the nights are getting cool and towards morning a blanket becomes acceptable. Since the Tararua sailed I have been mostly on board the Bengal, sleeping on deck, in my mosquito curtain under the awning. Capt. Hummel is most kind. He is a Swede \& a sailor/ of the old school – rough – but with the heart of a child. I shall really miss him, though I am anxious to get Mr Little back to Pt Darwin, as I fear there must be something wrong there, the comn with the Catherine having been so long interrupted. The trip down the river will do me good & give me a day’s sea blow. I may get a feed of rock oysters at Maria Island if I can spare the time; but I must hurry back as I have to load up 14 horse teams next week. There will then remain no more teams for some weeks, & I shall proceed to Pt Darwin in the Young Australian about the 12th & return at the end of the month or early in May

Page 49 Coming down the river we have seen a great many alligators – yesterday no less than six – One enormous fellow seemingly 12 feet long – I shouldn’t like to be

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______caught by him – I should not make more than a moderate breakfast I suppose. We have a number of snakes about the camp – one was caught in the branch of a tree immediately over my bed on the Bengal. We caught & killed it & found it to measure over 4 feet. One man had a scorpion in his trousers the other day \&/ when he put them on it bit him very severely – Some of the insects are very pretty especially the beetles & butterflies. I would like to make a collection but do not see how I can pre-serve them or give the necessary time – I seem to be always busy. Patterson is awfully lazy & selfish – does nothing much but read – and write to his wife – hardly ever speaks to his men – except to King & Giles – who regularly rule him They found me difficult & began to rebel & threaten to go back – but it is all right now. I will have my own way, & they agree that it is the best. They are both good men but must not be allowed to be masters. I am glad to be free of Patterson and

Page 50 can get on twice as well without him. He never works unless for some personal benefit and is dreadfully selfish. He has robbed me of my gun, taken all the saddle straps wanted all my coffee & I don’t know what besides. Notwithstanding all this I think I have acted wisely & for the best interests of the Government in retaining him here. So many would have said I got rid of him through personal feelings & for my own self glorification when the approaching fine season made my success certain & thus gain the credit pro-perly his. This, of course, would not be true but it is just what would be said – & that by many. He is a great writer – always writing – always picking out smart terse antithetical sentences from books – with a view to introducing them with effect in letters – and although I consider him altogether unfitted for the position – he could have made a very good case against the Govt. On Sunday \the 31st/ just as we were sitting down to dinner some men came in with pack-horses, and were soon after followed by Mr Knuckey – the officer in charge of section A – of whom you must have heard me speak as one of the most energetic officers we have. He left Attack creek […]

Page 51 on Dec 19 with young Bagot, 3 men, & 5 weeks rations. The primary object of his journey was to search for Burt who had not been heard of since he left in Septr but who was met by Patterson from this side in December, & sent back. He (Knuckey) met Burt on the Burke creek on the 22nd with letters from Patterson on reading which he decided on pushing north to the Roper and accordingly sent Burt back to the Sections where, as was then within about 50 miles of the advanced camp, & hope he arrived safely. He was suffering severely from Rheumatism, but the gratification of having safely gone as far, nearly, as the Roper will no doubt repay him & make him forget all his troubles. I only fear that Mrs Burt will have heard of the anxiety felt respecting his safety – and then she will consequently unnecessarily alarmed. Knuckey expected to meet Burton’s party at or near the Daly waters, but the fearfully boggy nature of the country north of […] waters drove him (Knuckey) a long way to the westward, and when he did make back & cut Burton’s tracks going south he found them leading into country so boggy

Page 52 that he could not follow him. This was a great disappointment to him, not only because he could not advise Burton as to the nature of the country a head of him southward & the best route for the line, but also because he was nearly des-titute of food having started with only 5 weeks supply. He, therefore, pushed on north in hopes of meeting Maclachlan and came up to one of his tents \camps/ but tho they could give him a feed they had none to share for supply on road, and he had to go on, meeting MacLachlan on the 17th in charge of a small camp he having had to send his party north \to Hack/ for rations of which he had scarcely any. Poor Knuckey had only a few mouthfuls of flour left – so he pushed on to Hack – where for a time his troubles ended. From here he went on with MacLachlan to Rutt’s camp and found Rutt very ill. The work was almost at a standstill. He Fortunately Milner de-livered 1000 sheep to

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MacLachlan at this time & Knuckey despatched Giles with 300 \sheep/ to Page 53Burton & if he succeeds in reaching him all will yet, I hope, be well – but you can imagine my anxiety for the safety of these poor fellows who have been out of rations, or an short […] during the heaviest of the rainy season. Many of MacLachlan & Rutt’s men were ill with fever and ague – & no doubt all will be more or less disheartened. Patterson has asked me to put Knuckey in Rutt’s place – which I am only too glad to do for tho Rutt is a nice quiet & very religious consciencious man – he is not I think the best man for his present place – Has not sufficient energy & pluck, & does not keep his men by his own example in good heart & spirits. If he hears them singing – he is quite shocked & prohibits all games. Prayers and work are all he thinks of. Patterson is much the same – but is so apathetic – mixes so little with his men, and looks so closely after No 1 that he is not generally liked. He spends the greater part of every day in reading and writing to his wife then, too, he is such an alarmist, & so awfully fidgetty he quite

PRG 630/2/28

[different handwriting, library comment?] [Letter incomplete. see 31906/7.2.21]

Page 54 140/37 Govt Residence Pt Darwin. May 12 – 72

My dearest Alice I had only time on Wednesday last to write you a few hurried lines as we were approaching this place, the Bengal, which we passed, beating out from the Pt for Batavia affording me an opportunity – We left the Roper camp this day three weeks but having to stop at different places to wood – i e to cut down trees & put them on board, a tedious process with only 4 available hands – it took us from April 21 till May 8 to get here. This was tedious – but it gave me an opportunity of seeing a good deal of the northern coast which

Page 55 I should not otherwise have had when we towed the Bengal down the Roper. I left 4 men about 12 miles above the mouth of the river to cut wood for our voyage round. They had a boat & were all well armed each man having a revolver, and 2 rifles amongst the party. A day or two after my return to the camp I found that we should require two of these men to start with some teams just about to leave for the line, so I sent a boat down for them in charge of the […] mate of the Young Australian. On the following Sunday he returned with the 4 woodmen, whom he met on his way down walking back to the camp. They reported that they had been surrounded by the

Page 56 blacks who had cut their boat adrift during the night, & then while they went to look for it the blacks robbed their camp leaving them no alternative but to attempt to reach the \main/ camp on foot, following the river a distance of 70 miles. They were very fortunate in seeing the boat sent down for them, it being moored alongside the bank while the crew got breakfast. Had they not seen it, the boat would, of course, have gone on to their camp & they would have had a long & fatiguing journey of 50 miles further without food & through, to them, an unknown country. They were followed by the blacks & had to

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Page 57 swim several wide creeks which swarm with crocodiles or alligators Such was their fate – on hearing which I decided that as we went down I would secure a black fellow & detain him as a hostage till the boat, a valuable one, especially to us, was restored – and that I would perhaps give him a whipping as a punishment for his tribe stealing the boat – After starting a lot of teams & making final arrangements \for Mr Davies’s […]/ during my absence I started at 9h am on Monday – leaving Mr Davies in charge. We got down to near the wood camp at dusk & anchored for the night. On our way 4 friendly blacks called out to us & signified their wish to

Page 58 to come aboard so I directed the Captn to put in for them, & they ac-companied us down the river, staying on board all night. They were exceedingly friendly, & evidently placed most implicit confidence in us, which it would have been wrong to abuse. When I succeeded in making them understand abt the boat having been cut adrift & the 4 whitefellows retreat, they ex-pressed the greatest concern, as-suring me that they slept up the river long way from the scene of action – thought they had evidently seen the 4 white men & told us that they had gone up the river – the rope they said had probably been bitten by a “gunambow” or alligator – The next morning we got

Page 59 to the wood-pile & wood camp about ½ mile from our anchorage & went ashore – taking the 4 blacks with us. Round the camp were tracks of natives – but as we found the flour & meat, as well as the axes and the men’s swag untouched it did not appear as though the blacks had intended any mischief. The four with us, indicated that it was another tribe occupying the coast & lower portions of the river country, & suggested that we should shoot them – \soon/ After they left us, two of the \strange/ blacks came near, but on our going towards them they cautiously made off indicating that the tribe would visit us in the course of the day Accordingly in an hour or two

Page 60 nine man came to us – the foremost three – who were fine strapping fellows – carrying a beautiful bunch of white feathers (from the white crane which frequents the river. They approached with great confidence, and on my invitation came on board & remained till the evening. The chief – or bungowah as he called himself – was a fine well made man – intelligent & friendly but somewhat impudent and when thwarted exhibited violent temper – they all indignantly de-nied having cut the boat adrift and before I showed them the cut painter they said the rope must have been bitten by an

Page 61 alligator. The rope, however, had evidently been cut – and I think with an axe – by whom I cannot say. I don’t think these blacks did it, or they would certainly have taken the axes (– so valuable to them & of which they know the use –) and the swag – And they would not have come to us again the 2nd day as they did – as I gave them clearly to understand that I should punish them for taking the boat My own impression is that one of the 4 woods-men who fastened the boat, did so in an insecure manner and finding the boat gone having broken away in the night cut the rope & told his mates that the blacks had done it & as

Page 62 the latter had been hanging about them, they became alarmed & decamped at once, making up the river for the Depôt – Thinking this I did not feel myself justified in detaining or punishing the blacks now in my power. nevertheless if they did cut the boat adrift, & meditate an attack on the four whites – it was only encouraging them to let them escape unpunished. The loss of a good boat was a serious matter. Having loaded

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______up well with wood we sailed on Wednesday and passed Cape Wilberforce on the following Friday – when we had to anchor & get more wood We landed on the west side of Cape Wilberforce, in a pretty little

Page 63 bay. We stayed there till the Tuesday & there made a fresh start & got as far as Lawson island, just to the east of Coburg Peninsula on Thursday when we had to wood again which took us till Tuesday – on which day we made another start and arrived at Pt Darwin the next day. At the landing places I got some pretty pieces of coral from a reef and also some shells which I will send for the dear children. I may say that the islands in these seas are all surrounded by coral reefs which I have thus had an opportunity of […] The natives were everywhere friendly very fond of smoking – eagerly demanding “tornbucho” – also drink

Page 64 but we never gave the latter. They also like rice which they no doubt get from the Malays – who visit northern Austa every year in search of “trepang” (“Beche le mer”) which with turtle abounds along the coast. Douglas received me very kindly and insisted on my residing at his house – Nelly was married on the 25th last month – at present they are living at the residence but their quarters at the telegraph will soon be finished – it is close to the Residence – and the central office with the SA & BAI quarters on either side forms a fine block of buildings overlooking the sea.

Page 65 Griffith you may be sure was glad to see me. He had just returned from inspecting line as far as the Catherine 200 miles distant – having succeeded in restoring communication which had been interrupted since December. He is looking well – but has a bad hand which I am rather anxious abt Every one speaks well of him and he is very attentive. I got the box, but it did not contain all you advised – there were 5 (not consecutive) numbers of the Illustrated L. News – of no public opinion – Many thanks, however, dearest Alice for your kind

Page 66 intentions. The boat only reached me in time – my old ones being worn out nearly – I am agreeably disappointed with Pt D. It is really a very pretty place & at this season the climate is really most pleasant. It has a splendid harbor – and the site of the residence & telegraph office is well chosen on high land overlooking the sea, close to the cliff. We drove out to the jungle one day – and I liked the appearance of the country – the land is good – but will cost a good deal to clear – and lies low – Sugar Bananas & most tro-pical productions grow most luxuriantly. The sweet potatoes

Page 67 & melons were a great treat after so long an absence of vegetable food. I am thankful to say that my health is good and I look forward with pleasure to my overland journey – Every mile will bring me nearer home – and I do so long to see you all again – I look at the photos every day, & am con-stantly thinking of you. I hope dear Mrs Bell & all the children are well and that Lizzie and the boys are getting on with their studies. I am very anxious about them. Every day is becoming more valuable & in the present they will find their most available opportunity for laying up those stores

Page 68 of knowledge without which they will not be fitted for the great battle of life. Tell them this with my fondest love Dear little Maud & Gwynnie how I should like to kiss them as I often do their amusing photos. William & Charles \Rob’/ are I trust a comfort to you – & both doing well in their respective offices. I shall expect to find William an expert operator and

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______the metl work well up A telegram from Mr Cunningham advised me of dear old Fan’s safe accouchment & I trust the dear girl is now quite well Assure her of my earnest prayer for her future happiness & guidance

Page 69 My kindest love to her, her husband and their little stranger. Give my love to the Stephensons I suppose they are still at Nitherwood [?]. I must now my dearest Alice say good bye – with fondest love & earnest prayers for your welfare & happiness. I am as ever, your loving Husband Charles Todd PS I see no news from the Yelta I hope it is going a-head. This is a good opportunity for saving dear Alice. I know you will be economical. I want to find a good balance at the Bank when I return. Good bye [page rotated 90°. The following is written over the above.]PS Mr Squier desires his kind regards, as well as Nelly’s – He entertains a lively recollection of your kindness to him when in Adelaide – He regrets having come to Pt Darwin – but admits that it has brought him a good wife which is great – deal.

PRG 630/2/29

1 [photocopy] Barque Irene Oct 28. 1855 Latitude 42.53S, Long 115.44E.

My dear Father, Mother, Brothers and Sisters I adopt this general form of writing to you all, as each are very dear to me, and I am certain all are anxious about us & desirous of hearing of our welfare, but to write a long letter to each would take longer & be a more arduous task than I can well undertake. Before I experienced a sea voyage I imagined it would \afford/ many incidents to write about, and many facts sufficiently interesting to relate; but such, at least with us, has not been the case. Day has succeeded day, & week week with but little variety, and but that we are & have been all determined to make ourselves happy and amuse ourselves even with trifles, and have had too the advantage of having as our Captain a man whose chief wish it has been, next to our safety, to provide for our every comfort, who we should have found our voyage very monotonous. Neither let any one suppose he is going to study at sea, wh especially when he has pleasant fellow passengers, as we have, who will make themselves sociable, for then it is absolutely impossible. In the stern cabins there is almost always too much motion, and in the cuddy too much talk. I did however study a little and in the traces, more in the NE which are smoother than the SE, than \I/ generally practised with the telegraph instruments for two hours a day. Mr. Cracknell, I fear, will never make a good reader, in other respects I think he will be very useful, & I am very well pleased with him. Soon after we got clear of the channel I frequently took observations, but as I always made the same position as the Captain, and had to trouble him for his quadrant, and afterwards to compare my watch with his chronometer I discontinued, being satisfied that our results agreed. To determine our position it is necessary to take one (3 generally for increased accuracy) altitude of the Sun called a “time altitude” two or three

Page 2 hours before or after noon, and the meridian altitude at noon From the meridian altitude is obtained the latitude at noon and from the dead reckoning or log we know the difference of latitude we have made between noon and the time of taking the “time altitude”, and thus find the latitude at that time. Then the question to solve is ‘having the latitude & the altitude of the sun (not being the meridian altitude) to find the local time at

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______which the sun is that latitude \altitude/. The difference between the local time & the Greenwich mean time, known by the chronometer, the time by which is noted when the “time altitude” is taken”, gives the Longitude. The Captain is always provided with the error & daily losing or gaining rate of the chronometer on starting. Our Captain has two, & intends having three chronometers. The accompanying figure will explain the foregoing. [sketch, a triangle with 3 Let P be the pole of the Earth, Z the place of observation, curved sides, P,Z,S and S the place of the Sun – vertices]Then ZP is the complement of the latitude or (90° - late) given by the noon observations; ZS is the zenith distance of the Sun got by the altitude (equals 90° - Alte); and PS the North Polar Distance of the Sun obtained from the Nautical Almanac. Having the sides PZ, ZS, PS, to find the \angle/ ZPS, or the angle East or West of the meridian; or the time before or after noon and of course gives the local apparent time. We are now drawing near the end of our long voyage: it is 12 weeks yesterday evening since we lost sight of the Lizard, our last view of old England. The time has not, however, hung heavily some amusement being generally on foot to while it away. In the day time one of our games is shuffle board in which a number of \contiguous/ spaces are marked on the deck forming \a/ square surmounted at its furthest end with a small arch. Each space is numbered, commencing at 1, up to 10, 10 being in the small arch, two or three players on a side are each provided with two circular discs of wood, and the object is to place your own boards on the spaces and knock your opponent’s off. In the evening when fine & warm there was singing on deck, and astronomical discourses. Since it has been cool we have formed cosy parties in the Cuddy some at one thing some at another. I have thrashed all at draughts till no one will play unless I agree to be considered beaten without I have four men left on the board

Page 3 Alice often sings & plays, and on Sundays the Captain will come in and joins us in singing hymns of praise to Him whom “winds and seas obey”. There are several chess players on board, but only one with whom there is much pleasure in playing with; we are a very good match; the others are novices, so I always give odds, or else engage to give checkmate with a certain pawn. I have played but very seldom. We have sighted land but once, viz Gaughs Island, on Sep 28. Soon after breakfast there was a cry of ‘land ho’!, and straining my eyes I made out what seemed very much like two dark clouds, but which were two mountains, as the day cleared we \saw/ three peaks, one of which from its similarity to a church spire is called ‘church rock’: they are about 4385 feet high. The island is 16 miles in circumference; it is uninhabited, but used by whalers for boiling their blubber, we were, when nearest , about 20 miles distant & could see smoke rising from some whalers fires – though no vessel was in sight. Even this distant view of land did us landsmen good. The Longe & Late are 9° 41¼' west, & 40° 19½' S. By it the Captns chronr was ½ a minute slow. You will I fear have felt uneasy at not hearing from us, nor finding any account of us in the papers, but though we have passed several ships nearly all have been too distant to signalize, and those we have signalized have been unprovided with signal flags, and have only replied to our ensign by hoisting theirs & when we signalled our number could make no reply : Some may however have made out our flags & no and reported us. The first we spoke was a Norwegian barque on the first Sunday Evg after we got out of the channel. She came within speaking distance to ascertain her position. The Captn promised to report us. The next we spoke was a Hamburgh barque, Aug 28, homeward bound. We hoisted our ensign & he replied with his; we then sent sent up three flags signifying, by Captn Marryatt’s code, now almost universally adopted, our number, to which he could make no reply. On Sep 18, a pretty Spanish barque passed within ½ a mile of our stern, so that we could see the persons on board, a sight whh did our eyes good. She only replied with her ensign. A larger ship, hull down, homeward bd passed us next day.

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On Octr 2 we met with a regular sulky fellow, outward bound, and standing on the same course, but 3 miles or more to leeward, so we altered our course a point to come

Page 4 nearer, as we […] evidently beating him fast, and as he soon after altered his course towards us & bore down within less than a mile we of course supposed he intended speaking, got out our flags & sent up the Union Jack, but he never deigned to reply, so after some time we dipped our ensign three times as a derisive farewell, & went down to dinner speculating on the cause of the strangers sulki-ness, declared his fare must be bad, and that knowing us by our peculiar colour did not wish us to know him, and was probably annoyed at our beating him. It was a ship of about 800 tons register. I have kept a log, which such as it is, I intend sending you shortly, but as you will probably be impatient to know something of our adventures I give you now an epitome. The voyage has done us both a great deal of good especially Alice: she suffered from sickness the first month but since then has got quite stout & hearty. I was only sick twice & should probably have been better had I been […] – as it is I have been troubled much with heartburn and indigestion. Alice’s spirits are very good, and by general kindness is favourite with all, and a great comfort to me. In our Captain & fellow passengers we are exceedingly fortunate. 6 of the latter are old colonists returning to Adelaide, of whom, two, Mr & Mrs Watts were among the first settlers, and arrived even before any land had been surveyed & whilst they were squabbling about the site of the City. They are now returning to Adelaide after an absence of two years, being unable to endure the changeable climate of England after that of S Australia They take with them a nephew a youth about 13, whom being fatherless they have adopted. He is like all Irish boys a capital climber & never so happy as when aloft or forward with the men & is in consequence a great favorite with them. I have seen him frequently go up to the Royal mast head and stand on the royal yard. The tales of the colony are most amusing: its heat, its fleas, & its hot winds, with the want of water in some districts are certainly great drawbacks, but in other respects the climate, by all accounts, is very fine & fruitful. As the land becomes more under cultivation the hot winds till not be so intense These hot winds from the N generally prevail for two or 3 days every fortnight or 3 weeks. The S wind immediately succeeds them, & is pleasantly cool. From the long droughts in the summer the country presents a very different appearance to the green fields of dear old England

Page 5 and extensive bush fires are not at all uncommon occurrences I am told of one, and not a singular one, that was 30 miles broad, & extended 20 miles: in its march it destroyed 1400 sheep a shepherd, and dog. Now for a little concerning our voyage. My last letter dated July 29 apprised you that we were to leave the Downs that day. We weighed anchor between 2 & 3 pm in company with several other vessels, with a light SW wind, & came to an anchor again at 10h pm off Folkestone. It was a beautiful afternoon & evening. Alice & I were on deck till late, admiring the many vessels beating down the straits whilst the homeward bounders passed gaily on with all studding sails set – It was dear Alice’s first sight of Dover; the high cliffs, and fine old castle with the historical associations of the place were in turn admired & discussed. We saw a train enter & emerge from Shakespeare’s cliff tunnell: it was on its way to London but quick as was its flight, out thoughts were far fleeter and in a twinkling carried us to those dear friends we had so recently parted from. It was a fine moonlight night and the scene as we lay off Folkestone was splendid. We weighed anchor at 3h am and when I looked out soon after 8h naught could be seen but the angry waters, and we began to realize “a life on the ocean wave”. Dear Alice was very sick, for it was very rough, and did not get up till past 12. Caroline, also, was ill. I was quite well on deck, but felt giddy below when dressing. We had a rough passage down channel, with high contrary gales, heavy

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______head sea, & much rain; sometimes making as much up as down channel: then on Thursday afternoon we sighted Eddystone light-house, and on Friday evening we again saw it. On Saturday, Aug 4, we made the Lizard about 4h pm, stood for it till 6, and then bore away to the SW, and were off Ushant early (2 am) next morning. Sunday was fine but calm till afternoon when a fine breeze sprung up which sent us to the west: in the evening we spoke a Norwegian barque We have had but one bad Sunday. In the warm weather we had prayers on deck; in cold in the Cabin, I always officiating as Chaplain We cannot spend the day exactly as we could wish, & shall be glad to get settled in a house at Adelaide and once again attend the house of prayer. We expect to sight Kangaroo Island on Saturday or Sunday next. It blew hard all Monday & Tuesday. We were obliged

Page 6 to have our mattrass on the floor, to keep in bed would have been impossible, but we found it very uncomfortable, so I had a board placed against the side locker & we have \since/ slept on the locker. On Wednesday Aug 8, we had the first of a long period of fine weather, our studding-sails were set, & scarcely a sail altered all through the NE trade winds which carried us to 13° North on the 24th of Augt, when we began to experience the variables, the zone between the NE and SE trades. All through the NE trades we had splendid weather, but little motion, & a pleasant temperature. As you approach the variables the clouds become denser, being heaped up in this zone by the trade winds, and here the wind seldom prevails in the same direction for 24 hours; the W wind predominates and causes a strong current from the W, so strong as to carry us 40 miles to the east in one day. The temperature rose to about 86° in the shade in the north tropic, and was about 124° in the Sun. As we had an awning & side screen up we never felt the heat oppressive – the daily range of temperature is small at sea, seldom more than 4° or 5°, in the tropics not so much. We frequently when in the tropics saw 1000’s of flying fish: they only swim in shoals: are of of silvery grey & about ⅔ the size of a herring. One flew on board. They as well as the nautilus are only seen in the tropics at least in great numbers. The nautilus, or Portugese man of war, is a \[word crossed out]/ jelly fish (generally of a pale pink) with a thin kind of sail which it hoists to the wind. We caught several kinds and kept them till dark, but they were not luminous, I think however, that they are in rough water. The sea in the tropics is splendidly luminous & as well as the general diffused luminosity great patches or lumps of light are seen especially in the ship’s wake & which proceed, I believe, from the larger nautili. Excepting in the variables where it is so often cloudy, the tropical sunsets are most gorgeous, and the twilight very short. The twilight is shortest, of course, at the Equator. I have seen Venus before sunset & Jupiter at sunset. I was not at all well in the variables, notoriously unhealthy, & was sea sick one morning, for the second time; it was owing, I think, to indigestion, for as soon as we got into colder weather where I took more exercise I was better & my appetite returned. We have lived very well on

Page 7 board though one must not scrutinize the Cook’s galley nor the baker’s hands too closely. At Breakfast we have splendid Ham Calves’ Head, fresh or salt herrings, Salmon, Cod, preserved beef, tongue, and hot rolls, and good bread. We had an abundant supply of poultry, 9 sheep, & 5 pigs; our fresh potatoes lasted us till about the middle of Septr since then we have had preserved potatoes which are very good, and we started with a good supply of cabbages that lasted us to the South of the Bay of Biscay. We dine at 3. At Tea (6h) we have bread & butter & jam of several kinds, as well as preserved ginger. At 8 we have grog or negus – So that our inner man is well treated. Early on the morning of Sep 2 (Sunday) Mrs Cracknells baby died. It had been declining for more than a fortnight, and died ay last from starvation. We buried it at two oclock I read the service, the passengers & seaman all assembled amidships where

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______the body placed on a board by an open port, covered with an union jack, and at the proper time was launched into the deep. The men on hearing of the death looked out for a shark. We felt the first of the SE trade on Sep 4 and crossed the line about 3 in morning of the 6th . The men forward had a little spree among themselves, & some passengers sat up & a few headaches resulted. Caroline was asked if she heard the vessel scrape against the line. We often have a laugh at her expense: she thinks it wonderful it should be the same sun & moon here as in England, and often at night thinks the ‘boat’ must overset. I am very pleased with her, & she is very kind & attentive to dear Alice. It was not nearly so hot in the S tropic (on acct of the season) as in the N, and we found it pleasantly cool 10° or 15°S. The SE trade did not serve us well, being light & variable. The sky at sunset & after were generally clear affording us rich views of the Southern stars. The Magellan’s clouds & Southern cross were of course conspicuous & interesting objects to me. On the evg of Sep 12 I detected the planet Mercury, which I had never seen in England with the naked eye, but the short twilight here is extremely favourable for seeing this planet: it was bright throughout the month & about a week since when I last saw it. We began to experience bad cold weather and the high long rollers of the Southern ocean towards

Page 8 the end of the month; the pleasant part of our voyage was over, at least until we were close to Adelaide. The temperature went as low as 35°, and though we put on winter wrappings we found it cold after the tropics, and I had chillblains. On the 21st of Septr during a gale of wind there was a cry of ‘Sail ho!’: She was at no great distance, but it was blowing so hard, with a tremendous head sea, and misty rain that we did not think of signalling, though the Captn & mate recognised her as the William & Jane for New Zealand. She left the Downs with us (the Docks a few days before), and we had not seen her since dusk the same day. Was it not singular that we should meet here? All through the Southern portion of our voyage from the 18 or 19th of Septr till now (Thursday Nov 1) we have had a succession of strong gales from between NW & SW: when SW it is bitterly cold, but clear; from the NW, cloudy & wet. We had only one gale from the SE & sailing upon it, we had only double reefed topsails. The height of waves is always so exaggerated that one naturally expects to find them higher than they really are. Probably the highest do not exceed 36 feet from the trough. With a high wind, we had generally had them from 20 to 30 feet, and I can assure we found them […] high enough. They are very large, many having a base of 300 to 400 yrds. I frequently watched their velocity: the greatest was 30 miles an hour but it seldom exceeded 20. It is a fine sight […] a huge wave 30 feet high, & perhaps upwards of 300 yrds at its base, running a long at the rate of 30 miles an hour. It would amuse you to see the many strange things that occur, especially at meals. The ship gives a lurch & over comes tea plates, knives, meat &c. Sometimes one gets a cup of scalding tea on the head as I did. Another time a lady sees the swinging tray, on which she has just put her cup of hot gruel, apparently very much on one side, and puts her hand to the tray to steady \it/, & overcomes the hot on the top of her head & streaming down her face – Again – we are sitting at dinner, both cuddy doors shut all snug, the meat has been discussed, and the pies at hand, when a wave larger than the rest meets the ship at an awkward moment indignantly rushes over the sides, dashes open both cuddy doors, and in a twinkling we are half way up to our knees in water. Next it occurs when the soup is on the table, and a tureen of hot soup scalds your legs & makes your clothes shine, while the sea was your feet. You must excuse the disjointed style as well as the writing of this, much has been written while half a gale was blowing and the ship rolling, or else amid a perfect din of voices & constant interruption

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Page 9 It is no easy matter to write at sea. To day at noon our position is 38°.26'S, 131°.32'E. We expect to be in Adelaide on Monday. We are busy painting & smartening up to go into port. Caroline helped to clean the cuddy, & many of us assisted in painting the poop. The temp to day is 54°, quite warm. I expect we shall suffer from the intense heat of Adelaide on so recently leaving a winter’s temperature. Owing to the many uninhabited islands in the S, the numbers of sea birds of all kinds are immense, and 100’s being in constant attendance on the ship are a continual source of amusement. As far as the eye can reach are they to be seen, and they follow the vessel for 1000’s of miles. Some which by particular mark we have been able to identify have followed us for more than four weeks. There are the Albatross, Molly-hawks, Cape hens, Trinidad pheasants, Cape pigeons, Peterals or Mother Cary’s chicken, a sea swallow whale birds & many others. We frequently amused ourselves catching them by putting a piece of fat pork on to a hook attached to a line & floating it astern & sometimes we shot them. The cape pigeon is extremely pretty. The molly hawk is about the size, or larger, than a goose and measure 8 to 10 feet from tip to tip of the wings. The albatross is the king of sea birds, larger than a swan, & measuring 12 to 14 feet from tip to tip of the wings. What surprises me most with these sea birds is the ease with which they fly, never scarcely moving their wings, they yet soar & sweep gracefully onwards most majestically & gracefully, at least at the rate \of/ 60 or 80 miles an hour. We have reason to be very grateful to our Heavenly Father for having thus far brought us on our way in safety, and I trust by His blessing we may accomplish the remainder of our voyage with equal success, & be spared too to return & see you all again. We had a very narrow, I may say marvellous escape last Friday morning – About 6 oclock, Alice being awake heard a crash overhead succeeded by a loud scream from the man at the wheel The 2nd mate (whose watch it was) hastened aft, and he too shouted loudly for help. The captain, notwithstanding his bad leg, rushed on deck in his shirt, and we heard him shout for the watch below, and in an instant the 1st mate & all hands were on the poop, and immediately succeeded what seemed a perfect tumult, but above all could be heard the excited but firm voice of the Captain; and good reason had he for being [word crossed out] \collected/, for the chain by which the wheel works the rudder had snapped, the vessel with stunsails set was running 13 knots before a gale of wind with a tremendous sea: in such case were we when the Captain rushed on deck & expected every minute the ship might fly round & be taken \aback/ when we must in all probability have been entirely dismasted or have gone down sternformast. I dressed & hastened on deck: they had then succeeded

Page 10 in connecting the tiller by a rope & pulley with the bulwark on each side. The Captain in his shirt & as pale as death stood at the wheel giving his orders. Men & mate of the below watch were all just as they turned out – and all were in a state of excitement. A connecting shackle repaired the chain, and the danger being over the Captain cried out “All right my lads, we are safe now, but it might have been worse”.

Dec 4. The foregoing gives you my dear Parents, Brothers & sisters, a brief account of our voyage and adventures. I left off here thinking to complete it for the first mail after landing, & so give you some account of our reception impressions, & movements in this terra Australis, but like all human intentions the fulfillment of mine we dependant on cir-cumstances. I found the Government all in a drive to have our telegraph in operation, & my time was so taken up with public duties & private anxieties, especially to provide a com-fortable home for dear Alice, that I was compelled to let the first mail pass without sending this. The mail by the James Baines which left on Aug 5 had just arrived as we did – but no letters for us – we did not much expect you wdwrite so soon. Since then two mails have come in – one by the Emma Aug 21 – the next by the

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Lightning Sep 5, by which we had letters from Cambridge – & were much delighted. We sent you two papers Nov 3. 10 – by the James Baines – the former con-taining the estimates for 56 in which you will see I am pro-vided with a house & fuel [word crossed out] ₤400 a year. The latter gives our arrival & a testimonial letter to the Captain We have also presented him with a silver cup. I will now carry \on/ my letter from the point left off at. Nov 2. & 3, all anxiety to sight land, expected to do so on the 3rd but the day turned out very calm, & though so near we did not sight Kangaroo Island till breakfast time Sunday morning – On the previous evening I could smell the sea-weed on the Coast – How cheering was the cry “Land ho!”, and how anxious we all were for the wind to be fair – we stood well on for the land, about SE, till within 3 or \4/ miles, or 7 or 8 South of Cape Borda, at 1 oclock, then […] ship, when it immediately set in a dead calm, & continued so, with few inter-

Page 11 missions till near to the evening. We had occasionally strong puffs from all quarters, but mostly from the SW and N: these would rise in the space of a 3 or 4 minutes to a slight gale & then die away as suddenly, in all never lasting more than from 5 to 10m. Thus we continued lying too all day – yet within a few hours sail of our destination. The island of Kangaroo is very sandy, the SW end is low at the coast but backed by a limestone hills inland. The Cape Bord with the low land to the South reminds one of the headland off Deal, but that the cliff is dark – The land is thickly covered with scrub & low timber. The grass seemed scanty & burnt up. Though it seemed tiresome to be this near our destination for so many hours, you mar say 2 days, we were reconciled to it by the knowledge of the fact that at the Adelaide folks were being at the time stifled by a hot North wind These hot winds are terrible – we have scarcely experienced it yet the strong puffs from the hot N & cool SW, as well as the heavily piled clouds overhead showed the struggle going on between the land & sea breezes – at 10 a favourable breeze enabled us to make for Investigator’s straight. Got up at 4 next morning – all gentlemen up watching our progress along the coast of Kangaroo Island & looking out for the first glimpse of Cape Jervis on the mainland. On this side Kangaroo island is very picturesque in some parts, densely wooded with scrub & moderately tall trees, but presented no signs of habitation to our longing eyes. The population does not exceed 100 owing to the want of water. When Flinders landed it abounded with kangaroos there are none now & it is thought by some that they were all destroyed by a fire. Dear Lal put her head out of window to catch a glimpse of land. After Breakfast well in to the main-land with Cape Jervis a head. The run up the gulf was most delightful. From Cape Jervis a high range of hills runs nearly parallel with the coast, all, nearly, densely wooded with Gumtrees – some are nearly destitute, & called ‘bald’: they are principally lime-stone. Between the hills & the coast is an extensive plain of rich alluvial soil on limestone subsoil. It is on this plain that Adelaide

Page 12 is built, having as an imposing back ground the Mount Lofty & Mount Barker range. Mount Lofty is about 2600 feet high, We could see the high buildings in Adelaide (there are but few) between 12 & 1, & came to anchor off the lightship about 3 – The pilot came off, with reporters & newspapers. Quite a treat to see fresh faces – to read the latest news from England, & to find in the papers the estimates giving me 400 with house & fuel. At the lightship we were just opposite the port, but separated by a narrow peninsular – the entrance to the harbour being some 7 miles to the north. There are two bars which as we drew nearly 17 feet we could not get over till the Thursday following – A long voyage seems like a blank in ones life – so that it appeared quite natural to have news from England but a few days after our departure. Dear Alice, Caroline & I were all delighted with magnificent scenery up the gulf. Next day Captn with several others went on shore – amongst them Mr Cracknell – I found it would cost

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______about a pound – we 5 miles out, on landing the Sandy peninsula 1 mile or so, had to be walked over, then a ferry across to the port, and 8 miles ride to town – so I kept my money in my pocket & contented myself by writing to report our arrival. They came back to tea – tired, but pleased with the place. The day was splendidly fine – amused ourselves fishing. Next day the same – but very hot. Caught a great many guard fish. Our piano was tuned & all made themselves jolly. In the evening we had a tremendous thunder storm, most sublimely grand. It came up over the hills, & as the flashes illumed them the scene was magnificent in the extreme; and being at such a distance all could enjoy it, but as it passed over head it became too dazzling & awfully grand. I never saw such vivid lightning I met a gentleman, Dr Rankine, some 10 days after, a member of the Legislative Council, who lost 94 sheep killed by lightning near to Adelaide that night. The storm was followed by a gale of wind that lasted with few

Page 13 interruptions till the following Monday. It blew a gale all that night to the no small dis- quietude of the pilot, who was on the beach all night watching us. He came off at 5.a.m. All gentleman passengers were turned out to weigh anchor while the men made sail – A nasty short sea was running – Stood out to sea till afternoon when a steamer towed us into port by 5h pm. I rode with a gentleman about 2 miles on the way to the city thinking to call on Mr Hall, but he lived too far so walked back to tea. Next day was a grand regatta at Glenelg & a general holiday. A steamer went out with a large party of gaily dressed holiday seekers – Alice & I rode in a cart to Woodville, 3 miles on the road to Adelaide, to call on Mr & Mrs Hall – (Mrs H is a relation of Mrs Laurence) Mr H was ill in bed but we were kindly received & entertained. We had intended returning to the ship but it came to blow a tremendous hurricane, raising what is here called a dust storm, such that […] could not […] you never saw such a sight – one couldn’t see many yards for the dust, & even with windows & doors all closed the rooms were filled with \fine/ dust, like smoke, so as to be quite suffocating. Mr & Mrs H wouldn’t let us leave – I must, to save this mail, give you more particulars in my next & merely add now, that we staid at Mr Halls’ till the following Wednesday, when we took up our quarters at Miss Falkner’s boarding house for a week, for which we paid ₤7. 5/- by the end of the week we obtained a house in Sturt St. & moved in on Wednesday week last It is a 6 roomed house of two stories, a wonder here, where most are all on the ground floor. rent of ₤65. I have been well received by the Governor & the Heads & am, I can assure you, quite an aristocrat here – Most things are excessively dear. Bread 1/- the 2lb loaf 10d this week. Meat is cheap 6d Lamb 7d. The crops are fine, and it is expected bread will be 6d the 2lb loaf in July 27, 2011

Page 14 Alice and I are most anxiously looking out for letters from you – do write oftener. You my dear mother I am very anxious about – your health was precarious when I left – but I hope after the excitement of my leaving was over you felt more settled. Has Henry obtained anything yet – I feel sure he will be a comfort to you – How I should like to see you all – I fancy I see you all now – Mary & Lizzie with their twi Samuels & little ones – dear little Lalla & Walter I suppose Walter can run alone now. We are constantly talking about you. But that we are so far away from all we are most happy in our home with many very kind friends – especially in our fellow passengers – we were as one family almost – On our last Sunday on board I was requested to thank the Captn & Officers for their kindness, present the addresses, & propose their health. The Captn […] with us [… …] I hope Samuel B & Liz will write soon, as also dear Polly, letting me know how she gets on. Alice & I are quite well – both getting fat. We write by this mail to Cambridge. I must now say good bye & with kind remembrances & love to all dear relations & friends especially Aunt Mary, Lady Brown &c, & Mr Russell, and with our united love to & best prayers for you all, dear Mother, Father, brothers & sisters,

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I remain, ever, Your affe Son & Brother Charles Todd Observer & Superintendent of the Electric Telegraph

The Observatory is to be commenced immediately. I shall have a beautiful house – 6 rooms on ground floor with calculating room, a nice verandah in front & an acre of ground –

Page 15 Date Lat° Long Wind Barr Ther in Remarks 1855 North West Cuddy at noon ° ' ° ' i ° Aug 3 49.50 4.4 W 29.65 65 4 49.30 4.4 WSW to 29.60 64 Lost sight of Lizard at 7h pm NW pm 5 48.15 5.45 Calm & WSW 29.80 65 6 48.30 8.44 SW to WbyN .80 65 Strong gales, veering round to W by N at 8pm & backed to SW 7 47.7 9.30 WNW NW .80 64 8 44.14 10.34 NNW 30.00 65 9 42.51 11.27 NE pm .00 66 10 40.39 13.12 NE .00 69 11 38.5 15.21 ENE .00 70 12 35.40 17.40 ENE .00 70 13 33.22 19.46 Light ESE .00 72 to SE 14 32.5 20.4 SE am 29.80 75 Temp 80° in shade at 9h am. In the NE pm NE trade 15 30.39 21.6 ENE .90 75 16 29.46 21.26 NE .95 75 Temp of sea 73°: in shade 76° at 9h am 17 28.7 22.21 NE 30.00 76 18 26.35 23.30 NE by E .00 76 19 25.2 24.20 NE 29.97 75 20 22.26 25.55 ENE[?] .80 75

Page 16 75 22 17.49 28.6 NE .00 76 79° in shade 23 15.43 28.58 NE 29.80 75 24 13.39 29.16 NE .90 75 84° in shade 25 12.8 29.34 ESE .90 78 very hot: 124° in sun. In the variables. nearly calm. 26 11.29 29.21 SW to N .90 79 The temperature ranges but 3° or 4° in the 24 hours 27 10.6 29.9 WSW .90 80 28 8.24 28.13 W .80 80 29 7.33 25.22 SW by S .80 80 30 5.50 23.55 SW .80 81 strong W current prevails here: it has carried us 40 miles to the East in the last 24h 31 5.11 22.14 SSW .80 81 Sep 1 5.0 21.11 SSW .80 80 2 4.27 20.27 SSW 80 80 Mrs C’s baby died at 6ham. buried at 1hpm 3 3.50 19.14 SW by S 80 80 4 2.39 21.14 S 90 80 out of the variables. First felt the SE trade here always nearly South

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5 1.12 22.58 S .90 79 80° in shade N S 6 0.44 25.6 SSE 90 78 crossed the line at 3h am. 7 2.48 26.47 SE by E 90 77 8 4.56 28.15 SE 95 77 77° in shade 9 7.21 29.40 SE 95 77 10 9.33 31.20 SE by E 95 77 11 12 19 32.51 SE 95 76 Squally Rough weather 12 15.12 33.48 SE [?] […] 76 Fine: Saw Mercury

Page 17 ship: no reply 3 42. 8.49 W by N .75 45 Temp 39° 4 42.45 10.12 SW to NNE .80 46 nearly calm 5 NNE .40 45 Cloudy, Squally; high wind 6 WSW .70 45 Squally Hail, snow. temp 39° to 40° 7 43.9 21.32 NW .70 48 small water spout 8 43.17 26.32 W .75 53 9 43.35 30.52 N 6h am 85 55 High wind 10 NW to SSW .30 56 11 SSE SE .40 50 Blowing hard: double reefed topsails moderated as it went back to WSW 12 WSW calm .70 45 & NW 13 NW .80 45 14 44.2 49.2 WSW .80 46 15 NW .45 48 16 NW .70 44 17 44.30 63.14 WNW .60 48 18 44.5 69.10 W .60 45 19 WSW .80 48 20 44.3 79.8 .75 49 21 43.58 82.43 70 45 22 44.29 86.50 60 48 23 44.53 92.18 W by S & 70 48 NW by W 24 44.52 97.0 NNW 70 46 [… …]

Page 18. Longitude Wind Barr Ther ° Remarks West [Page folded 34°. 9' SE by E 30in.00 76° 76° in shade. Mercury & zodiacal light not copied] bright 19.40 [?] 34.30 ESE 00 76 Twilight getting perceptibly longer 15 21.17 34.3 ENE .05 76 Fine clear day – out of the SE trade 16 22.38 33.24 E light .05 76 17 23.59 32.38 E light .05 76 Saw a black fish 12 feet long 18 25.15 31.56 ENE .05 75 Fine 19 27.6 30.2 NE 29.95 73 Hazy – 69° in shade 20 NW .95 66 Rough day 58° in shade. Cape Hens & pigeons 21 ESE .93 63 Tempestuous Saw William & Jane 22 ENE .70 65 Cloudy 23 NE .55 65

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24 35.42 25.2 NNW .60 63 25 37.55 22.2 NNE .75 62 Fresh. Stun’sails set 26 39.30 17.59 NNW .60 61 Fresh 10 & 11 knots 27 40.18 13.21 NW .60 61 28 40.49 9.30 NNW .60 58 Gough’s island, 20 miles 29 41.11 5.25 WSW .70 49 30 41.30 3.37 SW to N .75 50 Exterior temp 39° Calm Oct 1 42.7 1.29W Light N & SW .55 48 […] temp 46° fell rapidly […] East E of wind 2 42 [page torn]

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