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Home , Charles Todd (pioneer)

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TODD, Sir Charles PRG 630/2 Special List ______

1. CHARLES TODD, S.S. TARARUA, RIVER ROPER, TO CHARLIE AND HEDLEY. 20 MARCH 1872, 3AM. 4p. Acknowledgement of letter per Tararua. Writing while very tired. Blacks' dread of man eating alligators. Advice to boys to make the most of opportunities and secure a first class education. Reference to Captain Sweet's photographs as likely to "do more than...words to understand and appreciate the kind of life I am leading." Abundance of alligators of large size and of sharks. Unpalatability of catfish.

2. CHARLES TODD, MT. MARGARET, TO ALICE TODD. 6 OCTOBER 1872. 8p. Inability to express himself affectionately in "telegraphic chat". Breakdowns and delay in starting from the Roper. Eventual receipt of letters per the Lucy. Dash from Shirwin Creek in the Young Australian. Importance of example in forming childrens' character. Possibility of turning diary into narrative for perusal by friends. Troubles occasioned by Patterson's arrival. Strategy of keeping him away from working parties owing to his adverse effects on morale. Anticipation of a recuperative trip to and Tasmania with Alice and Lizzie. Hopes that a thousand pounds will be voted him by Parliament. Hopes that newspaper accounts of the line will be sent to England. Anxiety about Mr Bell's affairs. Longing for reunion with children. Naming of piccaninny 'Telegraph'.

3. ALICE TODD, THE OBSERVATORY, TO CHARLES TODD. 23 MAY 1872 FRAGMENT. 4p. Engagement of Mr. Burt by Mr. Elder to go up with camels to meet Mr. Todd. Mr. Elder's liberality towards Mr. Burt, poorly treated by government, and towards widow of "that unfortunate man Edward (Praites?) who died on 31st March of scurvy". Sending of camels from . Mr Field's loss of his wife. Receipt of beautiful views from Captain Sweet. Gwenny's delight with father's portrait. Death of Mr John Baker. Mention by Mr Ross of prospect of knighthood. Manufacture through Dr Wooldridge of fake hand for Ada Babbage. Babbages on steamer to England. Their likely annoyance at sale of plate and diamonds by Colonel Babbage.

4. ALICE TODD, THE OBSERVATORY, TO CHARLES TODD. 29 MAY 1872. 4p. Hoping he has commenced homeward journey rather than returning to the Roper. Mr Symes, the new parson. Felony of respectably connected Alfred Symonds, storekeeper on Patterson's party. Destitution of his wife. Affording ten pounds towards new schoolroom. Progress of Charlie under Mr Howlett. Gwenny's impatience with father's absence. Accompanying Lizzie to an entertainment. Calls upon Mrs Davenport, Mrs Cleland, Mrs Barrow. Sudden loss of Mr Wearing's brother and subsequent poverty of his family. Lady Charlotte's benefit to Mrs Stephenson.

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5. ALICE TODD, THE OBSERVATORY, TO CHARLES TODD. 12 JUNE 1872. 8p. Ordering of Red ensign for Post Office tower by Mr Ayers to celebrate first through message. Anticipation of great public rejoicing. Declining of party invitation from Hughes of Torrens Park, on account of hardships endured by husband. Meagreness of the Warburton's house. Barbers living in Pulteney Street. Visit to the Millers. Purchase of Bank of share scrip in consultation with Mr Cunningham. Calls on Glenelg Railway shares. Dividends awaiting. Building of new school rooms by Rev. Symes. Taking of observations. Visit to Todd's office. References to Gwenny, Charlie and Maude.

6. ALICE TODD, THE OBSERVATORY, TO CHARLES TODD. 9 JULY 1872. 12p. Mounting map of Overland Telegraph. Injury to Griff's finger. Finding of spiritual solace with Reverend Symes. Description of "lamentable loss of five fellow colonists" (named) in Bay. Wedding of Maggie Milne. Extortionate costs of Captain Sweet's views. Kindness of Mr. Cunningham. Regret at breakdown of cable. Outline of household expenses. Irritation at stay of Stephenson’s. Romance of old Reverence Austin of Macclesfield. Refusal of invitations on account of Todd's absence. Anxiety for his return.

7. ALICE TODD, THE OBSERVATORY TO CHARLES TODD. 24 JULY 1872. 8p. Gratitude at being able to hear of Todd each day. Enjoyment of Stephensons' stay. Barr Smiths intentions "to live on the Continent to educate their children". Ordination and living of John Gower. Distaste for large parties. Lizzie's enjoyment of Milnes' party. Mrs Sabine and Reverend Symes' disapproval of dancing. Criticism of Mrs Hay. Attendance at meeting of the City Mission. Death of Edward Hanson. Boys' return to College, Liz to Miss Jenner's (?).

8. ALICE TODD, THE OBSERVATORY TO CHARLES TODD. 11 AUGUST 1872. 6p. Reverend Symes' Sunday service. Children singing whilst William taking the observations. Account of manner in which the Sabbath is observed. Visit with children to Botanic Gardens. Description of childrens' attire at Milnes' Juvenile Party. Reference to Mrs F. Price and "delicate" Milne family. Fright at being called out of church for telegram from Gilbert Creek. Clement Giles' marriage to Miss Goulburn.

9. ALICE TODD, THE OBSERVATORY, TO CHARLES TODD. 29 AUGUST 1872. 2p. Congratulations at completion of Overland Telegraph. Calls from the Private Secretary, John Fergusson, and from numerous friends. News of Todd's arrival at the . Dr Gosse vaccinating Gwenny against Small Pox.

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10. ALICE TODD, THE OBSERVATORY, TO CHARLES TODD. 5 SEPTEMBER 1872. 8p. Pleasure at chat with Todd at Alice Springs. Studies being undertaken by Maude and Lizzie. Threat of small pox in view of incidence of destitution. Destitution of Alfred (Symonds?) wife. Description of miserable conditions at the 'Old Theatre', run by City Missionary. Expectations of bonus of five thousand pounds and twelve months leave of absence. Public pleasure at completion of line. Lizzie's delight in making slippers for father. Call by Mrs Patterson. Return of Mr and Mrs Daly to Northern Territory. Vaccination of other children from Gwenny by Dr Gosse. Comment by Mrs Wearing on possibility of knighthood and handsome bonus.

11. ALICE TODD, THE OBSERVATORY, TO CHARLES TODD, 9 SEPTEMBER 1872. 8p. Receipt of message from Strangways Springs. Opening of new school room. Objection to being subjected to ridicule. Social life of children. Imaginings of Mrs Stephenson. Teaching at Franklin Free School. Effects of visiting the poor. Mr Stuckey's consolation “ with another Lady Love". Reference to Charlie as "music mad". Anticipation of establishment of a University.

12. ALICE TODD, THE OBSERVATORY, TO CHARLES TODD, 19 SEPTEMBER 1872. 12p. Pleasure at 'chat' following Todd's arrival at Charlotte Waters. Progress of boys at College with Charlie "two classes ahead of Edward Young". Maude beginning to play nicely. Need of Todd all to herself. Preservation of Todd's letters to enable his compilation of an account of the expedition. Sending of the Views by Mr Babbage. Rumour of numismatical officer holding Postmastergeneralship. Hopes for bonus. Unwelcome Sunday visits from Lady Charlotte. Completion of school rooms. Instructions for burning of her letters to avoid their "flying all over the bush". News of acquaintances - "fat" Mrs Babbage, "poor Mrs Edward Wright", "poor Alice Simpson's " broken engagement to Willie Warburton. Reference to Charlie as "wild about going to England".

13. ALICE TODD, THE OBSERVATORY, TO CHARLES TODD. 24 SEPTEMBER 1872. 8p. Sending up letters by William Gosse, son of Dr Gosse. Hopes that Todd will be pleased with her management. Admiration for Symes family. Mrs Symes delicacy, surprising marriage to non conformist and voyage to with Mrs Turton. Concern for Mr & Mrs Daly (near confinement) on their return to the Northern Territory. Disappointment at cables being "not right" and subsequent lack of English news. Regard of Dr & Mrs Davies for Todd. Need of Field children for a mother's care. Receipt of the box of beautiful coral. Despatch of Todd's spectacles by William Gosse. References to "old Captain Bagot" and his grandson's returning with Todd. Lady Charlotte. Completion of new classrooms and school rooms.

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14. ALICE TODD TO CHARLES TODD. c 7 OCTOBER 1872. FRAGMENT v7- 4p Inundation of visitors. Visit of "fearfully spooney" Reverend Austin and fiance Miss (?). Purchase of Cassell's child's illustrated Bible for Maude. Inability to send more Sydney Morning Heralds. Sending all local newspapers. Kindness of Mr. Cunningham. Dividend from Bank of Adelaide. Third call on Glenelg Railway shares.

15. ALICE TODD, THE OBSERVATORY, TO CHARLES TODD. 17 OCTOBER 1872. 8p. Delight at receipt of letter after not having had a line for months. Inability to express feelings on "the instrument". Contentment with house. Fearful of climatic effect on Todd's health. Lizzie's delight with letter: Lessons from Mr Dove ; French Governess. Opinion that Patterson "never should have been sent". Hope that Patterson will "not tell any untruths about the country". Regard for his wife. Mrs Hanson's "delightful account" of husband's death bed. Visit to Dr. Davies, 'Sea View'. Morgans' grand life style. Dr. Miller's conversion. Loan of correspondence. Warburtons' bitterness at Alice Simpson's break of engagement. Childrens' Bible reading.

16. ALICE TODD TO CHARLES TODD. C23 OCTOBER 1872. Anticipation of being "restored to each other after 10 months separation" Everyone in Adelaide "ecstacies" about Todd's return. Boys meeting him with waggonette. Kindness of Mr. Cunningham, "dreadfully tired". Lizzie riding with Mr. Symes, Charlie staying with Edward Young. Preference for own beautiful bed over hammock. Contentment with lot.

17. ALICE TODD, THE OBSERVATORY, TO (SIR) CHARLES TODD. 24 JANUARY 1886. 4p. Gwen making frame for set of cards sent by Todd. Hoping change to South Cliffe will improve his health. Anticipation of his return after nine months away. Thoughtfulness of sons Charlie and Hedley. Maude making own dresses. Visit from Mr. Christopher Giles. Mr. Cooke busy observing. Dyson out of a situation. Bowmans reputed to be "very hard up." Occurrence of numerous deaths from apoplexy. Illness of Mr. Turnbull and sudden death of his brother. Widow and children at Henley Beach.

18. ALICE TODD, PORT ELLIOT, TO (SIR) CHARLES TODD. 12 MARCH C1894. 4p. Pleasant railway journey to Port Elliot where met by Will, Lorna and Gwen. Grandchild Willie's delight with one shilling train. Gwen's baby. Visit by the English maid. Probable misdirection of letters to the Observatory. Farewell present of fur lined cloak to Mrs Thomas. Forthcoming marriage of Rose Hughes. Gift of hothouse pineapple and drive with Mr. Hawker. Dilapidation of the Stewart Fields' house. Posting of Jeremy (?) Bragg to New Zealand. His lack of suitability for position of N. Australian officer.

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19. ALICE TODD TO MAUDE, c.I891. FRAGMENT. 4p. Description of ailments. Visit from Gwen. Distrust of nursemaid. Reference to Hannon's and Sewell's plant nurseries. Advice against over eating. News of family and babies. Dr. Deighton's thoroughness. Dr. Lendon's lack of understanding of babies. Advice to Charlie and Lizzie to save to come out.

20. ALICE TODD, THE OBSERVATORY, TO MAUDE. 19 OCTOBER 1891. 10p. Health of acquaintances, likelihood of English winter being of benefit to Maude. Effects of influenza. Preference for news of family well being to politics. Burning of "Libelous" sheet. Criticism of Lady Kintore and Earl of Kintore. Lorna's reading. Details of Lorna's nine course dinner party. Family visit. Floods around Milnes' station. Will and Gwen's invitation to Hunt Club. References to Todd in Quiz column Telephone Talk

21. ALICE TODD TO MAUDE. C DECEMBER 1897 Request that Maude buy stockings and other items in Sydney for Lorna. Improvement in Will's health. Hedley's well being. Lady Buxton's garden party for nurses at Government House. Her showing children and Charlotte the birds, "one of the shows of Government House" Drive with His Excellency. Elsie ,Charlie and Lorna's visit to college chapel for good singing. Vice regal visit to Point McLeay and Murray stations "leaving the Gerard Smiths to the tender mercies of Captain Wallington and Mr. Conybeare". Likelihood of Bessie's regret at leaving Jessie. The Lendons' meal routine.

22. LIZZIE TODD, THE OBSERVATORY, TO CHARLES TODD. 23 MAY [1872] 4p. Death of Fanny's baby. Subscription for poor Mrs Privetts (?). Mr. Burr to come up to Todd. Invitation from Sarah Gower. Mrs Stuckey's party. Attendance at Bible class. Efforts at reading and writing. Boys' preparation of flags. Admiration of photograph of Todd in bush uniform and of beautiful Roper River views. The Wearings in mourning. Speculation on reasons for lack of invitation from the Harts. Reference to the Roper having not agreed with Mr. Hart. Boys' capture of beautiful Port Lincoln parrot.

23. LIZZIE TODD, THE OBSERVATORY, TO CHARLES TODD. 29 MAY [1872]. 4p. Ride with William and Mamma on Queen's Birthday. Desire to go out with Dr. & Mrs. Miller. Visit from "jolly" Mrs. Symes. Readings by Mr. Clark at White's Rooms. Miss Sarah Gower, Emy Babbage staying as guests. Call on Mrs. Hayes at beautiful Torrens Park. Attention to Ada Babbage's arm in Melbourne. Delivery of crooked pole for flagstaff from Mr. Hawkins at Aldgate Pump. Boys' discovery of boats, possibly stolen, in back paddock.

24. LIZZIE TODD, THE OBSERVATORY, TO CHARLES TODD. 13 JUNE [1872]. 4p. Anticipation of father's return in August. Hoisting of Red Ensign at top of Post Office to mark first through telegram. Ride on Sir Dominick to athletic sports with William. Receipt of letters from Jeannie Young, Ada Babbage, Griffith. Evident abstraction on voyage of album sent to Griffith and papers sent to Todd. Mamma's call on Mrs Eden Babbage in beautifully furnished house. Anticipation of visit by Mr. Field and Katie. Delicacy of shadow-like Mrs Miller. Severity of the Portonian on members of Parliament. Visit to the Simpsons. Readings by Mr. Clark. Boys anxiety to go to England.

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25. CHARLES TODD, SS OMCO, RIVER ROPER, TO ALICE TODD. 1 FEBRUARY 1872, 18pp

26. CHARLES TODD, STEAMER YOUNG AUSTRALIAN, MARIA ISLAND, GULF OF CARPENTARIA TO ALICE TODD. 2 MARCH 1872, 27 pp

27. CHARLES TODD, BARQUE BENGAL, ROPER RIVER, N.T. TO ALICE TODD, 3 APRIL 1872, 8pp.

28. CHARLES TODD, GOVERNMENT RESIDENCE, PORT DARWIN, TO ALICE TODD, 12 MAY 1872, 16pp.

29. CHARLES TODD, BARQUE IRENE, 28 OCTOBER 1855, TO HIS ‘FATHER, MOTHER, BROTHERS AND SISTERS’. 28 OCTOBER 1855. 14 pp. + 3 pp figures [Formerly D5181(L) and D6471(L)] Describes his voyage to in the ship ‘Irene’, with some details of his arrival and early residence in Adelaide. [Photocopy only]

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