prg 101/2/1-50 letters of arthur hardy and family ... from edward hardy (1811-1869) to his younger...

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PRG 101/2/1-50 Hardy, Arthur letters transcript of 161

PRG 101/2/1-50 Letters of Arthur Hardy and family correspondence

Transcribed by Barbara Wall, Volunteer at the State Library of South Australia, 2012

PRG 101/2/1

Letter from Edward Hardy (1811-1869) to his younger brother Arthur Hardy (1817-1909).

[One folio and one single sheet. On one side of the single sheet is the address]

Arthur Hardy Esquire

Adelaide

South Australia

[Written crosswise alongside the address in another hand]

Recd Feby 1839 Ansd Feby 1829

[When this letter was written Arthur was at sea on the ‘Platina’ on his way from England to South

Australia. He arrived on 9 February 1839. Edward came to Adelaide on 26 August 1839 and

departed for England on 23rd December.]

[page 1]

Peniston1 Paterson N.S.W.

28 Oct 1838

My dear Arthur

I received your letter of the 10 June three days ago with the greatest pleasure. I am convinced

that there are no friends so good as brothers, when they do suit each other, and it is therefore a

very fortunate thing for Alfred & you & myself that we are likely to be more than brothers to each

other, that is sincere friends, more especially as it is our fate to be so distant from all other

friends – I sympathyse with you in the regret that you must have felt in leaving home under such

melancholy circumstances. but when you find yourself in this beautiful climate, I feel no doubt

that you will recover your health & spirits. – As to your success I do not feel the slightest doubt of

it – perseverance & economy is all that is requisite and I believe you to be possessed of both

qualities. – What a melancholy picture you give of the Montgomerys and poor Withecombe. – I

am glad to find that all my friends remember me – You give me a gentle reproach for not having

written to you, but you should remember this is the first letter I have received from you by post

and I made a point of answering none others, But as you say, now we are closer together we

must write much oftener Alfred2 is a very bad correspondent, he does not seem to like writing. I

have not heard from him for a very long time; and I much wish to hear what he is doing I heard

a rumour that he had resigned his appointment as Surveyor – I think that it would have been a

much wiser plan if you had come direct to this Colony and made your purchases & taken them

with you to South Australia, and I now think it

1 Peniston (now Penistone) was a small town in South Yorkshire near where the Hardy family lived in England. 2 Alfred Hardy (1813-1870) was the brother in between Edward and Arthur.

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[page 2]

would be your most advisable plan to come up here – I believe the passage up is very trifling

compared with the advantages of judging for yourself and making your own purchases – While

you were here you need not be at much expense. – If Alfred has resigned his situation, why not

both of you come up, you would not lose much time by it and I think you would save a great deal

in the long run – I confess that I am rather selfish in this wish as I have the strongest desire to

see you both once more If you should come immediately you arrive in Sydney write me a letter

informing me what day you will leave town, and I will meet you at the Steamer and bring you

home, you ought at once to buy a horse (at Jones’ livery Stables) a good saddle & bridle – you

will get a good horse for £35 or £50 & be able to sell it when you are leaving with very little loss

I shall try to make you both as comfortable as I possibly can, & I can give you much more

information than I can in a letter besides introducing you to people who have the means of

affording you more information than I can give you I think in every respect it would be better for

you to come here to make your purchases, than to trust to an Agent, or to buy at Adelaide –

Thank you for your offer of quarters, if I am ever compelled to accept it be sure I would do so in

the same spirit in which it is made. – For myself I am struggling my hardest, and I am in hopes

that I shall clear myself with my ensuing crop I have written to my Father asking him to

purchase my farm & rent it to me & telling him if he should not that it was my intention

immediately to return to England – But I am not sure but that should I find I can do no good for

myself here, I might try my chance in South

[page 3]

Australia I do not know how it may be, but I fancy my experience in this Colony would enable

me to do well there, however this fancy only crossed my mind since I sat down to write this

letter.

I quite agree in your opinion respecting William3 & in fact I have long since ceased writing to

him.– With respect to the information you require about Tobacco &c &c – I will always answer

every question you ask, and shall be very glad if I am able to tell you anything which will be

useful to you – but I cannot manage to give it you in the form of a narration – Tobacco – The

seed is not sold but given – if you cannot get it there I will send you some. The most profitable

sort is the large broad-leafed – the leaf from 2 ft 6 in to 3 ft long & 18 or 21 in: wide – Books will

tell you only to leave 8. 9. or 10. leaves on the plant, I leave from 15 to 25 according to the

health of the plant & I find it answers – The best quality of land for it, is the rich black alluvial flats

on the river banks in nooks not containing more than 15 or 20 acres at the outside & well

sheltered – but not overhung by trees it should always be new land, which should be thoroughly

worked & cleared until the soil is like that in a garden – The seed should be sowed in beds of the

following description choose a piece of rich land on a gentle slope towards the morning sun

make your beds any length you please but not more than 3 ft wide they should be thoroughly

dug & cleared, until the soil is fine, then sow the seed as you would Cabbage, only being very

3 William Hardy (1809-1840) was Edward’s older brother. He had been a surgeon in the Royal Navy and died in Italy

in 1840.

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particular not to sow too much or to let it fall in patches, the seed being so fine this is a most

difficult job, after scattering the seed do not rake or cover in any way, but tread the bed after the

manner in which Carrot beds are trod The beds should never be watered

[page 4 written crosswise over page 1]

unless you are so late with your Crop as to make it a dernier resort – In which case you might

cover the beds with fine boughs to keep the sun from them & water them every night until the

plants shew, when immediately uncover & cease watering. – These plants however cannot be

depended upon. – The beds usually take from 6 weeks to 2 months to come up in the ordinary

way, and about a fortnight when forced – The proper time to put in the seed is just as the frosts

are over, so that the plants when they come up should not be cut off by the frosts; If the beds all

come up fairly it will take about 5 beds to the acre, of the following dimensions 24 feet long by 3

wide. – The best time for planting out is when any one leaf of the plant is the length of your little

finger but you may plant them at any size. – Having your land properly worked cleared &

sweetened – you should open drills four feet apart from centre to centre by drawing the plough

up the furrow & then back again, thus throwing the earth out on either side – & then with a hoe

draw the earth in again to a level with the top of the drill at every three feet – this hole being

about 9 or 12 inches in diameter, as soon as your plants are ready to put out you should

commence whether it is wet weather or not. In dry weather you should have a wide shingle

about 6 inches square for each hole – At one o’clock P.M. let your men commence watering by

putting a quart of water into each hole & covering it with the shingle thus watering as many holes

as you think you will be able to plant, about an hour & a half before sundown draw what plants

you require with a small knife so


as not to disturb the earth from the plants you leave as should you do so they will probably die. –

then plant them one in each hole with a dibber as you would cabbage plants only taking especial

care that the roots are quite straight down, cover them as close as you can with the shingle to

keep out the sun or hot winds, in two or three days if they do not look fresh you might put a pint

of water into each hole without removing the Shingle, The very first continuous rain you have

uncover them & leave them open. – Where any have died fill up their places. – When it is raining

plant away as hard as you can without watering – and do not cover any plants that have had two

days rain. – From the time the plant shews above ground until it is cut & housed you must be

constantly looking for grubs grasshoppers and other insects. – When the plant is about half way

to your knee, take off the three or four bottom leaves that look badly and are trailing on the

ground & hill the plant up when the soil is not heated. – these leaves will be useless – The plant

will now grow very rapidly & in three weeks or a month you will yourself perceive that there

should be more leaves taken from the bottom – these leaves will now be 15 or 18 in: long

perhaps longer, take off what are necessary & again hill the plant – These leaves after having

about half an hours sun should be tied in hands4 about 12 in a hand by the stem ends to \two/

4 ‘hands’ were a bundle or bunch of tobacco leaves tied together.

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hands tied together & then hung over wattles cut for the purpose & placed in the roofs of your

buildings, you will probably


have two underleavings before your crop is ripe – The stalks will now commence shooting

upwards & throwing out blossom, immediately top the plant by breaking off the top of the stalk

with your finger & thumbnail close above the highest large leaf, the plant will now throw out

suckers from every joint these suckers you must take off as fast as they appear. This process

throws all the sap of the plant into the leaves you want which other wise the seed or the suckers

would take. The plant will now get ripe, which you will judge yourself by the leaf getting a

yellowish colour & becoming hard & firm, do not allow a plant to remain in the field when the leaf

begins to get thinner, When your plants are ripe, cut them with a knife or a sickle about 2 inches

from the ground, & let them lie in the sun for ½ an hour or an hour, to stiffen but do not allow

them to be burnt & shrivelled – Then carry them to your Barn or Shed using great care not to

break the leaves.– This is all I can at present think of respecting the field except that the stumps

will throw out fresh suckers when you remove all but one & hill it up, Keep constantly removing

suckers & topping as before until ripe, you may have a 2d & a 3d crop, but each will be inferior to

the former – the stumps will be of no use for the next year, you will have to begin de novo. I

forgot to mention that the beds must not be put in all at once but one at a time with intervals of

two or three days a week or a fortnight according to the quantity of plants you require, the

quantity of seed sufficient for a bed of the dimensions I have mentioned, is about as much as a

large tea spoon

[page 7 written crosswise under page 8]

will contain – There ought to be one, or two late beds put in, for fear of the plants dying after

having been planted out. – I think I have now mentioned all the field work except that the ground

should be kept as clean as a garden throughout. Any place that is secure from the weather will

do for housing the crop, but it takes up an immense deal of room – whatever place you choose

should be previously fitted up with crop bearers on which you should lay stout wattles you

should also be provided with stout wooden pegs about 8 in long & pointed, as fast as the stalks

are brought in drive these pegs through the stalk about 4 or 5 in from the cut end, the peg

having a slanting direction downwards, then hang the stalk on the wattle by means of the peg, of

course the leaves hanging downwards. the wattles as also the pegs should be just sufficiently

far apart for the Tobacco to hang clear of the surrounding stalks, when the leaves have become

limp & hang straight down. you may have as many rows one above the other as your building

will hold, but the upper rows war \must/ swing clear of the tops of the under ones; the more

draught of air you can have, without having an absolute wind the better – You will yourself be

able to judge when the leaves are quite dry, the first wet weather after they are so, when they

get limp again with the damp so that you can handle them without breaking, take down as much

as you can manage, strip the leaves off the stalk & pack them carefully into a square heap, sized

in proportion to the quantity you wish to sweat, this heap should be on a bag or rug & should be

entirely covered around & above with the same Article, so as to keep the Air out, the time it

should remain in sweat so entirely depends on circumstances, that it is impossible to fix it – the

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state of the Tobacco, the state of the weather, & the quantity all influencing it – a large quantity

will generally be quite sufficiently sweated in 10 or 12 hours or less – of this which is the most

ticklish part of Tobacco growing, you will have to judge for yourself, you must never let it get to a

wet heat, you must thrust in your hand to the middle

[page 8 written upside down over page 7]

of the stack and judge for your self of its state, it should have a tough damp heat, with a dark

brown colour, you must then take it ought very carefully every leaf separate, and tie them

together in hands of about 12 or 15 leaves, by the stem ends, they are always tied by one of the

leaves, they being sufficiently damp & tough – These hands are then hung separately on the

wattles to dry again, you open the hand in the middle & place it a straddle on the wattle, where it

will ride quite safely; as soon as these hands are thoroughly dry again, take advantage of the

first damp weather to take them down, & stack them as they are but perfectly straight, in stacks

of from 5 to 80 lbs in a stack, & in a perfectly dry place above & below. I forgot to mention that

about Lbs 500 is the very largest quantity you should sweat in one stack – when you have got it

into the dry stack it is then fit for manufacturing or for Sale. With respect to the manufacturing I

do not feel disposed to go into that subject in this letter, as it would be a very difficult one to

explain, if you write to me, however regarding information on that branch I will immediately write

you all I can on the subject – I cannot very well give you an exact answer to your queries as to

the total average expence & clear returns pr acre these depending so much upon various

circumstances; as to the return you must judge for yourself, it is a good crop that produces 1000

lbs of leaf to the Acre – the average price of leaf in Sydney is \or has been/ now [. . .] being £50

to the Acre. – It is however more profitable to manufacture it when you can, as to the expense

the only way in which I can possibly give you an idea of it, is by telling you what I did last year, &

what labour I think was requisite for it – I built a shingled slab cottage on sleepers, 36 f t long by

12 deep with an 8 ft Verandah, a kitchen 21 feet long by 12 with 2 skilleen5 rooms 7 by 12.

\slabbed/ barked in a stable 20 ft by 12 with a skilleen fowl house 9 x 12 slabbed & barked

[page 9]

and two large Govt men’s huts slabbed & barked. also a Tobacco Shed of very durable

workmanship, 60 ft long by 39 ft wide & 30 ft from the ridge pole to the floor, this is entirely

covered in with bark; – besides putting up about 800 rods of fencing. I grew about 4 acres of

wheat, about 6 acres of maize, ½ Potatoes and about 10 or 11 acres of Tobacco, the whole of

which I housed & cured – to do this I calculate required 5 men & a team of bullocks – you must

now calculate what the expence of that number of men & bullocks would be & the worth of the

work done by them – I got about 5 Tons of Tobacco, clear, The Wheat indifferent about 50

Bushels – Maize about 350 Bushels in Cob, Potatoes an indifferent crop, I don’t know how much

– Should you grow tobacco, you will find children of all ages useful in it, if you can only make

them careful the value of the Tobacco greatly depending upon the leaves being unbroken –

Children are good for weeding, looking for Caterpillars, grubs, grasshoppers &c & for taking off

suckers – They are also good for pegging, hanging up, stripping the leaves from the Stalk &

tyeing up the leaves, strong boys & girls from 10 years upwards could manufacture Tobacco

5 More usually spelt ‘skillion’.

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very well if they took to it. – I know very little of Sheep – Pure Ewes however of any breed are

extremely dear from £3.3 0 to £6.6.0 For good maiden Ewes in lamb that is 2yr old – with their

wool on, you would give from £1.15 to £2.10 P head, the price of course depends on the age &

quality of the Sheep & as there is a good deal of cheating I strongly recommend your choosing

for yourself. Good Draught Oxen, are at an Average from £8 to £10 P head sometimes £12 to

£14. Cows taking a number from £4 to 5 P head – perhaps less – especially for Cash – Bulls

are at any price you like there being many of them of all descriptions I should think you could

buy as many pigs (sows) as you like at from 10/- to 15/- P head, at the proper season, perhaps

cheaper – A good dray complete from £12 to £16 – Plough & Harrow about £3 each. – A good

gelding for riding or driving from £35 to £45. a good mare from £40 to £70. I hope you will be

induced to come up here in which case you will probably see my Tobacco growing & also see all

the other process including manufacturing. – We are now & have been suffering most terribly

from Drought, so that the Tobacco crop at present is an entire failure throughout the Colony. I

am however pretty fortunate as I have as yet plenty of plants, altho’ they die off very fast – I shall

endeavour to get in 12 acres but I am very doubtful. – I have between 8 & 9 acres of wheat,

which is acknowledged by all who see it to be the best looking wheat in the Colony! I have

about 8 acres of Maize – which is looking very bad being quite burnt up, I shall put in about


4 acres more of Stubble Maize – This year will either set me altogether on my legs, or I shall

give up all hopes of doing any good in this Colony, which way it will be I can scarcely give a

guess, if things go on as they are at present, There will be scarcely any Tobacco this year and

consequently the price will rise tremendously, this will of course be a great benefit to me, as I

have sold none of my last crop, besides which I have a better chance of getting a crop this year

than any one I know – but if the weather were to take a sudden change so as to enable the

Tobacco growers to reap [?] large crops this year it would do for me, as I cannot afford to grow

Tobacco at the price it is now fetching in the Sydney Market – As I have to get every thing on

Credit I am obliged to pay far higher than other people for my supplies besides having an

enormous amount of Interest. – I am paying 12/½ and 15£ P Cent on all I owe. – I have not

written so long a letter as this I don’t know when, so that I hope you will write me a full account of

your movements & intentions in return, and do not delay in doing so, but do as I do, answer

every letter the day after you receive it – I try and flatter myself that I shall have the pleasure of

joining you and Alfred in a Christmas dinner – how delightful it would be to me If it can be

managed at all pray do both of you come, but if Alfred cannot, still you ought for your own sake –

I can write no more now my dear Arthur, and must therefore conclude by wishing you all health

success and happiness until I have the pleasure to see you God bless you my dear fellow

prays your

Affectionate Brother Edward Hardy

[This letter has the stamp Public Library of South Australia Archives followed by

Presented by Miss M. P. Hardy

The manuscript letter is accompanied by Miss Mabel Hardy’s typewritten transcript.]

A copy of the transcript can be found as PRG101/2/99 ]

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PRG 101/2/2

Letter from S K Kingston to Arthur Hardy re proposed sale of South Australian Sections,

12th August 1845

[one folio; 4 pages]

S K Kingston [written across the corner in pencil]

Wykeham Lodge

Hersham, Esher, Surrey

August 12. 1845

My dear Arthur/

We received your long expected letter bearing date 10th Feby about 3 weeks ago – We are truly

happy to hear such satisfactory accounts of the excellent understanding subsisting between you

and dame fortune, & sincerely hope you may, on a final settlement of accounts with her, take

leave with entire satisfaction – You surprise us with the intimation of your intended visit to

England, not but that we shall be truly happy to see you again – but we should have supposed

you would have found it difficult to leave your important and growing interests, where a few

years more might have enabled you to have made your bow to them all, & thanked them for past

favors – You seem to have been amazingly fortunate,– not the less so that you have lately been

solicited to accept the ripening favors of the earth’s treasures – How long might you have been

in this variable climate anxious

to

[page 2 on verso of page 1]

exercise to their full extent, the energies you have put forth in the land of your adoption, without

meeting with a tithe of the success wh has been awaiting you in Australia –

You are not to suppose from my thus adverting to your good fortune, as intimated in y r last &

former letters that we have received the many letters we hope you have written us – Two only

have reached us – & in the last you kindly advert to our valuable sections, respecting wh you are

puzzled how to act for the best – Should you not have come to a determination on that head ‘ere

this reaches you, we should be glad if you would sell them outright, as you best can, for at this

distance, & without the hope, expectation, or wish, of a seeing the prolific soil in wh our bank

notes have been sunk, it will be more congenial to the “bird in the hand” axiom to reconvert the

said soil back into Sovereigns at the earliest possible period – and now I am on the subject, I

must beg you to enquire & send me word, in whose name Section {--60 Dist B

{ 80 ac”– Country Section – signed by G.Gawler

[page 3]

a mile or two from Adelaide, are \is/ register’d – Our good old Uncle, whom you must rember, (&

whose decease in March last at my house you will probably have seen in the papers) was

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persuaded to take it by George K– I have told you how unaccountably he has neglected, up to

this moment even, giving any advice or information respecting it, & in a letter of six or seven

lines received some two months ago, he merely states his intention of writing shortly – I sent him

out power of attorney in April 1843 to let or sell it, the latter if he could \was to have been/ to a

Mr Aston who had agreed to purchase it at £160 – He has never acknowledged receipt of the

power of attorney or my letters – You will see that without the least desire to put any other than

the most favorable construction on his conduct, I cannot but feel he has behaved very

incorrectly, nor can I continue to place any confidence in one who could have behaved so very

[. . .] towards the good old Colonel – It is of no use, now, my telling him so, but he was

exceedingly

[page 4]

& naturally, displeased at his neglect, & often spoke of it – I wish therefore you would be so kind

as get all the information you can about it, & forward it to me – I do not know that I can epitomize

better as respects our own Section than by repeating our desire to sell them – I should have

requested, as respects the Colonel’s section, that you would ascertain if sold to whom, when, &

for what price,– if unsold, its value – Be so good as say also whether the Col’s executors can

send you out any legal instrument whereby the power of attorney (should they on consideration

feel it necessary) formerly given to G.K. can be superseded? –

Of home news there is very little – I have not seen yr Father for many months – the Hope being

broken up, & I discharged as part of its cargo – The Griffin’s at present on a visit to Devon –

having left Canterbury, & being undecided as to future plans – Mrs Kingston desires me to thank

you for your last kind letter, & to express her satisfaction at the prospect of seeing you again – &

hearing you extemporize on the piano – Miss Mounsey too will be anxious to hear the

combination produced by Australian influences – Our united regards & best wishes attend you –

Believe me

Yours very sincerely

Arthur Hardy Esq &c &cS K Kingston

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PRG 101/2/3

Letter from Joseph Hardy to his nephew Arthur Hardy. Arthur was in England in 1849.]

[This letter has been written on a small folio.]

Manchester

March 17, 1849

My Dear Nephew,

I have a favor to beg of you – it is a Letter of Introduction to your Brother Alfred at Adelaide for

the son of a very particular Friend of Mine – with whom I do Business & who are a highly

respectable Rich House – as Calico Printers – of near 50 years Standing – At Hollingworth near

Mottram – the Diem is Thos & Mr Dalton – the young GentleMan going out is a Son of Mr Dalton

– he is a very fine genteel Young

[page 2 written on verso of page 1]

Man – his Name is Henry Dalton – he sales on the 25th Inst from Lpool –I would not ask for such

a thing from you if I did not feel perfectly confident in the high respectability of the Family & of

the good character of the Young Gentleman – I hope to have your reply in time –

[page 3]

I am very thankful to hear that your dear Father is better – May he continue to improve – Tell my

brother that he shall hear from me in a few days – Robt Wm has been here – asked me about the

Property of the £100/ – I have told him all about it – More when I write

My Love to you all

Yours very truly

Jos. Hardy

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PRG 101/2/4

Letter to Arthur Hardy from his sister Caroline Ley.

[This letter has been written on a small black-bordered folio.]

Birksgate

June 26th [1849]

My dear Arthur

I was much glad to receive your letter today and to hear that Mr Taylor still continues better. I

sincerely hope that this change for the better may be permanent. I am glad too to find that you

are in Yorkshire Poor Mama has had such a long solitary time of it & I long to be with her too. I

only wish I could get so far as Birksgate – I have the greatest wish to


see the place once more but it is quite useless for me to think of it for I feel that I could not take

the journey alone & a servant I should not like to take so far, besides this it would be I suppose

of necessity but for a very short time I look forward with great pleasure to meeting dear Mama in

Exeter before very long. Pray let me hear as frequently as you can how you go on – I shall be

so

[page 3]

anxious to hear what you are doing – I wrote to you yesterday but I hardly know if you would

received my letter before you left. Tell Mama she will be glad to hear I am getting so much

better. Today I have managed to limp across the room twice almost without assistance – It was

excessively painful but then it is such a great thing to be able to move at all – I have received a

large packet of newspapers


from Edward directed to different people and evidently sent to me by mistake, so I have put them

in the post again One was directed to Mr Thos Firth & one to Mr Fooks. With best love both to

you and Mama believe me dearest Arthur

Yours ever affectly –

Caroline Ley

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PRG 101/2/5

Letter from Arthur Hardy to his Uncle.

[This letter has been written on small note paper in tiny handwriting with many abbreviations.]

Adel

2nd June 1855

My dear Uncle.

I am in rect of yr tre6 of 6 Dec & lose no time in replying to it. I hear In the first place I must

inform you that I did not bring any origl documents from England but I have looked thro’ sundry

memoranda &c \taken from my fathers dictation/ \& wch I/ made whilst in England & the result of

my investigation is as follows “£280 part of Uncle Josephs share of Uncle Johns Estate is on [. . .

] by note of hand from Trees7 of Methodist Chapel at Manchester to my father & Mr Booth at 5

pc an Inst paid to Uncle Joseph” – I have also \made \shortly after my fathers death/ and have by

me/ a complete list of all deeds documents &c wch were left amongst my fathers papers. The

Promy8 note in question is not mentnd in that list & I am therefore confident I have not seen the

instrument – I have also by me in my fathers handwriting instions9 to his Exs10 \dated May 1846/

in which he says the


“3 Exs of my brother John hold in trust certs11 mos12for my brother Joseph & also for Harriet Jubb

the Legacy to the last mentd named pson13 is secured by Dutch Bonds deposited with Mr Darrent

[?] The most – he goes on to state that “£280 is lent to a Methodist Chapel in Manchester” but

he does not say where the Security is I therefore infer that has to my father had not it or he

\having/ wod have sd where it was he being so very parlar14 in stating where all Secys15 wl were

where pos. I find on refering to the accts the balce due to my Uncle Johns Exs £112.17.1 was fd16

on 13 Oct. 1849 I therefore \On the whole I/ conclude Mr Booth or Mr Richardson will have the

Secty – you can however if you please ask my nephew Herbert to go thro’ the documents in the

box belongg to my fathers Exs. altho’ I feel confident it is not there shod it however be there he

should hand it over to Mr Booth or Mr Richardson – regards to

Aunts Mr Booth Mr Richardson &c in wch Alfred joins all well – Mr Berks doing pretty well I

believe

6 ‘Tre’ is a Hardy abbreviation for ‘letter. 7 Trustees 8 promissory

9 instructions

10 Executors 11

certificates 12

memos 13

person 14

particular 15 Securities 16 forwarded

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PRG 101/2/5A

Letter to Arthur Hardy from Joseph Barrow Montefiore.17

[The letter has been badly damaged and is illegible in places. Guesses are in square brackets.

‘J B Montefiore about Brussells’ has been written at the top of the letter in Miss Mabel Hardy’s

handwriting.]

Brussels

23rd November 1856

My dear Sir,

Ere this I had hoped to have informed you of the Petition to the Court of Chancery with reference

to our lands in S.a. having been presented all the necessary documents are at present in the

hands of Holdsworth Hunt for his opinion as to whether it will be necessary to apply to the Court

for permission to appoint new Trustees (Mr Major’s having resigned) or whether the change can

be effected without such application [The] moment this can be ascertained the matter will

[pro]gress more rapidly. It will have been satisfactory [for] you to have perused the opinions of

Sir R Bethell18 (now H. M. Attorney Gen) which are decided with those of Mr Hunt that the

learned gentlemen Messs Gerymer, [?] Flower [?] & ns [?] have not shewn much knowledge of

their profession as lawyers in placing the misconstruction upon the Deed as they had done. I

direct my Mr Howard to forward you the opinions in question which I hope you duly received.

You will have heard of the


bad treatment and annoyances we experienced on board the “Lovestein”, unfortunately Some of

our passengers were of the lowest grade and the Captain (if such he could be called) was quite

accustomed to such society, irrespective of such conduct our table could not have been of a

worse description. I often pitied those who had cargo on board arising from many circumstances

connected with the command as well as of the general management of the vessel; boarding

every dutch vessel he met, taking a Cargo at Sea for Sale [?] at the Cape, indeed I very much

question if Miss Elder was entitled to pay a Shilling of the Charter. I calculated we lost at least a

month at Sea

I shall be glad to hear from you with some accounts of South Australia, the rental you Set upon

the lands in King Wm St. I am as you will perceive [?] by the address of this letter residing in

Brussells, [it is] a most beautiful City & we find a great change after [the] monotony of Adelaide

with its dull society, here we could visit considerably more schools than would be convenient

amusements of the first order [?] are obtainable at a low rate and I am educating my children by

17

Joseph Barrow Montefiore (1803-1893), merchant and financier, emigrated to New South Wales in 1829. His

nephew Jacob Levi Montefiore joined him in 1837. After financial problems and time spent in London in 1856 they

came to South Australia where they became successful citizens. Joseph returned to England permanently after his

retirement in 1860.

18 Sir Richard Bethell, 1st Baron Westbury, (1800-1873) was nominated Attorney in the UK in 1856.

_____________________________________________________________________________________


means of the very first Professors at a cost of about one third less than I should have to pay in

London; the necessaries of life are much about the Same as in England, house [. . .] is very low

[page 3]

£60 or £100 for a first rate house, servants [. . .] £6 or £7 according to the services they have to

fulfil.

With best regards

I am My dear Sir

Yours very truly,

Joseph Montefiore

ps. [half a dozen illegible words]

26th I have just received a letter from Messrs Galty [?]& Howard stating that the new Trustees

may be appointed by “Deed”. I leave for London on Sunday returning the next week I hope we

shall make the first move. I have retained both Sir R Bethell and Holdsworth Hunt.

[page 4 – envelope page]

First Government Mail Europe

Arthur Hardy Esq

Solicitor

King Wm St

Adelaide

S A

Brussels

26th Nov 1856

_____________________________________________________________________________________


PRG 101/2/6

Letter to Arthur Hardy from his sister Harriet Taylor Mill19. This letter is a photocopy,

stamped ‘British Library Political and Economic Science’.

Blackheath Sep 7. 1856.

My dear Arthur,

We returned only last Saturday from a two months excursion to Switzerland and I found your

long letter of April 10th awaiting me here as well as one from Alfred. For the kind & brotherly

interest you show in my affairs accept my sincere thanks and believe that I should act in the

same manner if ever I could be of any service to you or yours. The account of your house &

residence on Mount Lofty is delightful, the name is a poem and the place must be charming.

How you contrive to get through such an immense quantity of books is to me a wonder & so far

from being surprised at your not writing oftener I attribute to my own

[page 2]

deficiences in the corresponding departmt the occasional long gaps in yours. Do not pray think it

necessary to write long letters for me, short ones are always welcome & pleasant when there is

not subject for a long one. I am glad to hear that you still keep up your Institute, tho it has not

answered all your hopes it is sure to sow a good deed. we will send copies of the Political

Ecoy20 as soon as we can get them bound. The dedication was not inserted in the 3d edition, as

it was published in 1853 when it would have been no longer appropriate. Mr Mill is writing a new

Philosophical book which is sure to make an immense sensation – & this is to contain something

of the same kind. The fourth edition of the Logic is just published – it has been translated into

French Italian German & Spanish without either Mr Mill or his publishers hearing of it till it was

done & published

[page 3]

in the respective countries. This is a tribute to its utility \and celebrity/ probably unparelled in a

[crossed out] the case of a grave work. It is also adopted at the Universities. The sale of it is

most surprising being so very dry a book. I have forwarded your letter to Caroline21 and thank

you for it. I have suffered more than you would perhaps imagine from the rupture with her & its

cause. She has never answered my last letter nor has there been any further communication

either with her or Ar Ley. Indeed Ar Ley’s has long been a mere name, as he acts in all matters

of business only under Caroline’s direction and it was plain from her letter that she thought she

should gain some advantage by refusing to resign the trust, & when once she thought that

19 This letter and the next were given to the Library by Mabel Hardy. They are photocopies and bear the stamp of

The British Library of Political and Economic Science. They are similar to letters written by John Stuart Mill to Arthur

Hardy dated 21st

January 1856 and September 29th

1856. They concern especially the problems with the

trusteeship of the marriage settlement of Harriet Taylor Mill’s first marriage and their effect on Harriet’s children.

For further information see the Collected Works of John Stuart Mill, Volume XV pp. 679, 680. 20 John Stuart Mill’s Principles of Political Economy was first published in 1848. 21 Arthur Hardy’s sister Caroline. Her husband was Arthur Ley, who caused problems as a trustee.

_____________________________________________________________________________________


nothing would move her. If anything would I imagine it would be your opinion. She has adopted

with the utmost literalness

[page 4]

our mother’s incessantly repeated maxim that self interest is the only rule of life and that all who

do not make it so are either hypocrites or fools. My mother’s toleration extends to allowing one to

take ones choice of those two denominations. They, like many inexperienced people, fancy this

opinion proves great “knowledge of the world” a thing which those who haven’t it always greatly

desire. It concerns me to think that I have caused you more labour in writing than I need have

done, by not explaining with sufficient clearness the state of the case but I am much obliged to

you for all your suggestions. The original Trustees were our brother Thomas22 and Joseph

Travers – Thomas was replaced by \A. L. and Jos. Travers by/ his brother John Ingram Travers

– He later proved a very careless & inefficient Trustee as I thought, and when we married we

requested him to resign & a Mr Wm Thornton

[page 5]

a colleague of Mr Mill’s at the India House took his place and has been the acting Trustee ever

since, and the deed of Settlement is in his care. He is now I am sorry to say staying at

Bournemouth for his health & I think and hope for his own sake that he will recover. In the event

of his death, A. Ley would be the only Trustee, & I should then have power to insist on another

Trustee being appointed. Any mischief A L could do would be in the interim, which

circumstances (such as absence from England &c) might make of some duration. He himself

might, & I have no doubt would, throw difficulties in the way of a new appointment. As to

appointing a third Trustee now, our Solicitors, Messrs Gregson, (Angel Court Throgmorton

Street) are of opinion that we have not the power according to the terms of the deed to have

more than two Trustees.

[page 6]

I see by the papers Mr Duffy23 is speechifying at Melbourne as I suppose he would do wherever

he might be. I do not know if Political agitation is as desirable there as it used to be in Ireland,

but I think colonial Governors must have a very troublesome & difficult post. If we hear Sir Hy

Young’s24 administration spoken of we shall certainly report that we hear both his measures &

his motives very highly spoken of.

We have just returned from a beautiful tour in Switzerland with Haji & Lily25 & have benefited

much in health from it. Haji has been passing the winter at Rome, he has I believe given up his

notion of farming, very wisely I am sure. Lily also is still in very poor health which is a great

22 Thomas Hardy, brother of Harriet and Arthur, had died in 1829. 23

Gavan C. Duffy, later Sir Gavan (1816-1903), Irish nationalist emigrated to Melbourne in 1855. He became a

statesman and an influential member of parliament. 24

Sir Henry Fox Young (1803-1870) was Governor of South Australia from 1847 till 1855 when he was appointed

Governor of Tasmania. 25 Haji (Algernon) and Lily (Helen) were the two younger children of Harriet Taylor, née Hardy, later Harriet Mill.

Herbert, the oldest child, is mentioned in the next letter.

_____________________________________________________________________________________


anxiety to me. They both send best love to their little cousins to each of whom pray give a Kiss

from me & with kind love & regards to yourself & Martha in which Mr Mill begs to join

I am Your ever Affecly H Mill –

[There is a pencil addition written upside down at the top of the letter.]

Can you tell me if I ought not to receive something from my father’s estate? I receive each half

year the !4.19.11 joh from your part of the Estate but for some years past nothing else.

_____________________________________________________________________________________


PRG 101/2/7

Letter to Arthur Hardy from his sister Harriet Taylor Mill. This letter is a photocopy,

stamped ‘British Library Political and Economic Science’.

Blackheath

June 8. 1857.

My dear Arthur,

I have just received yours date March 30th containing copies of letters from you to Herbert &

Caroline about the Trusteeship. They are not likely to have had any effect. Caroline’s refusal to

let Ar. Ley resign was grounded on the knowledge that it would place Herbert in opposition to

me on the subject. Herbert showed throughout that he cared nothing about the matter itself but

would not lose the opportunity offered by Caroline of opposing

[page 2]

me & his brother & sister.

You say he tells you he “has requested A.L not to resign unless he has the consent in writing of

all interested” – This can only mean his own consent, as the only persons interested being

myself Haji Lily and himself, and Haji & Lily desiring it as much as I do, it is only Herbert’s

consent that is in question – the sentance therefore is mere nonsense & can only have been

intended to mystify. I confess that I am dissapointed, since you wrote at all that you did not say

that Ar. Ley ought to resign: whoever might be appointed

[page 3]

in his place I think it must be plain to everybody that he is not a fit person to hold it. However I

have no wish to drag you into my affairs. We must trust to the Distringas26 as our lawyer thinks

the issue of a suit in Chancery would be doubtful unless we would bring proof of A L’s unfitness,

which I should hardly like to do if we could, as I am convinced he wishes to do \resign/ do & is

only withheld by Caroline.

I hope you have quite got over the accident to your foot? I received your letter of

[page 4]

introduction from Mr & Mrs Cooper & we were as polite & attentive as it was possible to be. I

heard a most tempting account of your house on Mount Lofty from Mrs Cooper tho’ from your

own account it would seem to be ‘Bleak House’ –I have no doubt it is a delightful place. The

irregularity of the mails must be very disagreable for you, I hope they will soon be put on a better

footing. Your account of the election proves how highly you are esteemed where you are best

known & it must be very gratifying for you. We are strongly apposed to the Ballot. Please to give

my love to Alfred & to Martha and kisses to the children from Yr Affecty H Mill

26 In English law: a writ commanding the sheriff to distrain a person by his goods or chattels, to compel a

compliance with something required of him.

_____________________________________________________________________________________


PRG 101/2/8

Letter Book of Arthur Hardy, 6th November 1848 to 12th September 1849

[on paper cover of folio size booklet] 6 Nov/48 to 12 Septr 1849 England

[Index of recipients of letters]

[on verso of front cover]

Folio Date Name and Address Folio Date Name & Address

1 1848 Novr 6 P Whitington 33.4 1849 Jany 20 J.B. Montefiore

2 “ “ 16 G.W. Whitington 35 “ Feby 3 G.W.Whitington

3 “ “ 21 Hy Price Esq. 36 “ Feby 21 H Ellman.

4 “ “ “ Thos Wickstead 37 “ “ “ E.W.James

5.6 “ “ “ Thos Weeding 38 “ “ “ G.W.Whitington

7 “ “ “ Lionel Kell 39 “ “ “ Wm Gorton

8 “ “ 27 E.W.James 40 “ “ 28 Neales, Wick

-stead & Hughes

9 “ “ 30 Thos Wickstead 41 “ “ “ J.B.Neales

10 “ “ “ Thos Weeding 42 “ “ “ Chas Cooper

11 “ Decr 4 R.N.Holloway 43.6 “ March 11 Jno Baker

12.13 “ “ 6 Mrs Johns 47 “ “ 12 Price Hawkers

& Campbell

14 “ “ “ B. May 48 “ April 14 G.W.Whitington

15 “ “ 8 E.J.Wheeler & Co. 49 “ “ 30 Robt Buck

16 “ “ 13 Mrs Johns 50 “ “ “ E.J. Wheeler &

Co

17 “ “ 14 Chas Wilde rep Settled 51 “ May 3 E.W. James

18 1849 Jany 13 G.A.Anstey 52.3 “ June 14 Bony Price

19 “ “ “ Alfd Hardy 54 “ “ “ Neales Wick-

stead & Hughes

20 “ “ “ Wm James 55 “ “ 18 R.E.Burroughes

21 “ “ “ C.J.F.Campbell 56 “ “ 20 – Marsden Esq

22 “ “ “ M. MacDermott 57.8 “ “ “ Mrs Hardy

23 “ “ “ Geo Stevenson 59 “ “ “ Bony Price

24 “ “ “ Jno Baker 60 “ “ 21 R.E.Burroughes

25 “ “ “ McArthur 61 “ “ 28 Geo Simpson

26 “ “ “ Josh Holloway 62 “ “ “ E.W. James

27 “ “ “ Coll Gawler 63 “ “ 29 “

28 “ “ “ Dickson & Overbury 64 “ “ “ Hodgson Esq.

29 “ “ “ Josh Holloway 65 “ “ “ Geo Charteris

Junr Esq

30 “ “ 19 Rawson & Co 66 “ “ 30 E.W. James

Esq

31 “ “ “ Wm James 67 “ July 1 “

(vide 6 copy Book) (pencil)

32 “ “ 20 Dickson & Overbury 68 “ “ 4 “

_____________________________________________________________________________________


[page1]

46 Cross Street Finsbury Place

London

6 Novr 1848

Sir

Enclosed I beg to hand you a letter from your son Mr W S Whitington27 of Adelaide –

Mr Whitington informs me that he is not aware of the address of his brother George who he

says, can afford some information relative to some claims Mr Whitington has upon persons in

London, but who he tells me will meet me and give me the necessary information Will you have

the kindness to request Mr Geo Whitington to address me a note to the above address telling

me when he can meet me and giving me three or four days notice in order that I may let him

know if the appointment will suit me.

I am Sir

Yours Obediently

Arthur Hardy

P Whitington Senr Esq

Whitmore House

near Guildford

Surrey

[page 2]


16th Novr 1848

Sir

I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your favor of yesterday’s date. I shall be glad to see you

upon the subject of my letter of the 6th instant as soon as possible & therefore will be at the

above address at one o’clock on next Tuesday afternoon where I shall hope to meet you.

I am Sir

Yours faithfully

Arthur Hardy

G Whitington Esq

care of J Maitland Esq

12 Copshall Court City

27

William Smallpiece Whitington (1811-1903)

_____________________________________________________________________________________


[page 3]

Mr Packenham28

105 Pall Mall London

21 Novr 1848

My dear Price

I have only time now to write you a few lines to say that I forwarded your letter to your brother at

Rugby (having been hitherto unable to get so far myself) & have received a most pressing

invitation to go down there as your brother cannot leave – this I will do shortly but at present I

have so many relatives to visit that I have found it impossible to spare the time – So soon as I

have seen your brother I will write you fully – I have received letters from my brother Alfred from

which I see that the acceptance for £82.16.9 or any part of it had not been taken up on 12 th July

– this has annoyed me because relying upn its being paid from your promise to that effect I

received the money for it from Bakers & the funds that Alfred should have had to remit to me

have been absorbed to that extent, it has severely inconvenienced me that & other

disappointments – I hope that it has long since been provided for – Mrs Prices Commission shall

receive attention immediately & you shall hear from me again shortly – Hoping that you & Mrs

Price & all your family circle are well & that a good arrangement has been made for me as

regards her & with kindest regards Believe to be

Yours very truly in haste

Arthur Hardy

[page 4]


London

21 Novr 1848

Sir

At the request of Mr P Wickstead of Adelaide I enclose you a letter which I am unable at present

to deliver personally –

I am Sir

Your Obedt Sevt

Arthur Hardy

Thos Wickstead Esqr

East London Waterworks Old Ford

0. Middlesex

28

In his diary Hardy recorded that he was sending this letter to Henry Price by Packenham.

_____________________________________________________________________________________


[page 5]

105 Pall Mall

21 Novr 1848

My dear Sir

Not having seen you in town I enclose you a statement of monies received by me on your

account for Lands in South Australia as follows

1847 Septr 28 Lester rent£6: – ; –

1848 Feby 3 Metcalfe do 2: 10: –

April 3 Lester do 6: – ; –

14:10; –

from which I have paid as follows

Postages 8:8

to Hardy & James for unrolling [?]your power of Attorney &c ––– 8:19:2

for Surveying amount of Fencing done by Lester & report thereon 1:7:–

10:8:10

Showing balance due of £`4:1:2

for which I enclose you a cheque –

The balance shewn above is however not quite correct inasmuch as I have omitted to charge

you Commissions &c either on this or former transactions but which as the particulars have not

arrived I will charge you in future accounts

[page 6]

Lester has not fulfilled his covenant for fencing only having fenced a portion of one side of his

Section and before leaving Adelaide I gave instructions for an action to be brought against him

to compel his fulfillment of it –

A person has applied for an offer of one of your sections on the Light either to rent or purchase

his object being to cut the Timber I should not however advise you to let the land for such a

purpose – I wrote you a letter about a fortnight since & addressed it to Malcolm Essex [?] – Your

acknowledgement of the enclosed will oblige Dear Sir

Yours very truly

Arthur Hardy

Thos Weeding Esq

Great Winchester Street

City–

[page 7]


London

21st Novr 1848

Sir

Herewith I beg to forward you a small parcel from Mr T Wickstead of Adelaide it has been

opened as you will perceive by the Custom House officers & some letters which were enclosed

_____________________________________________________________________________________


were forwarded about the 1st Octr last – and I have not hitherto had an opportunity of forwarding

the parcel.

I am Sir

Your Obedient Servt

Arthur Hardy

Lionel Kell Esq MD

Great George Street

Westminster

[page 8]

No 105 Pall Mall

27th Novr 1848

My dear Sir

On my return to town last night I found your note of 22d inst & hasten to answer it. I am sorry to

say that I am suffering under a severe cold & sore throat & am advised not to go out after dark &

shall therefore not be able to have the pleasure of dining with you this week – I shall however be

very glad to see you if you can make it convenient to call tomorrow morning about twelve oclock

– I know both the Mr Reynells personally & I saw them both shortly before I left Adelaide & shall

be happy to afford Mr Grainger any information in my power – the David Malcolm is in at last &

altho’ I have my files of newspapers I have not a single letter. Some deeds were to have been

sent by this vessel for me to your care should they have arrived I shall be glad to receive them

as my letters very possibly be enclosed – I am leaving town again in a few days if my cold gets

better & should tomorrow morning not suit you I will endeavour to make another appointment to

talk over matters I am glad to hear the fire at Lesled [?] was extinguished without damage

Believe to be Yours very truly

E W James Esq Ely Place

Arthur Hardy

[page 9]


30th Novr 1848

Dear Sir

On my return to town last Monday I found your note of 22d inst since then I have been laid up

with a very severe cold or I would have written to you earlier – The mine in which your Brother is

interested is not the Burra Burra but the Victoria situated a very short distance to the North of the

Montacute Mine. The specimens may be seen at the above address & if you will let me know

your most usual day for being in town I will endeavour to make an appointment to meet you &

show them to you. I do not know from what paper the slip is cut, but that could be ascertained by

searching a file of Adelaide papers which may be done I am told at Densons [?] Coffee House in

Walbrook – I do not know who Coll Helmerson [?] is & I do not think he was ever in Australia –

Any information you may require I shall be happy to give you from the documents in my

possession when you call to see the specimens.

I remain

Yours faithfully

_____________________________________________________________________________________


P.S. In enclose your Arthur Hardy brothers lettter & its enclosure –

Thos Wickstead Esq

East London Waterworks

Old Ford

[page 10]

No 105 Pall Mall

30th Novr 1848

My dear Sir

On my return to town at the beginning of this week I found your note under date 20 th inst & at the

same time I received back through the dead letter office my letter to you of 8th Novr which had

been sent according to Mr Taylors direction addressed to Maldon Essex this accounts for your

not having received it – since my return to town I have been completely laid up by a very severe

cold & sore throat but I am glad to say that I am quite getting rid of both and I shall feel great

pleasure in coming down to Maldon for a few days and giving you any information you may

require. If the middle or latter part of next week will suit you and Mrs Weeding & you will let me

know I will do myself the pleasure of paying you a visit – I suppose the Railway is the South

Western? With kindest regards to Mrs Weeding & yourself I am My dear Sir

Yours very truly

Arthur Hardy

[page 11]

105 Pall Mall

4th Decr 1848

Sir

Some few months since I met your brother (I believe) Mr Joseph Holloway at Melbourne and at

his request I called on Mr J.W.Wright of Old Broad Street to enquire if he had remitted some

money due to Mr Josh Holloway I found that Mr Wright could give me no information on the

subject but referred me to Mr Holloway of 33 Nicholas Lane or yourself & I accordingly called on

Nicholas Lane but was told that Mr Holloway had left & his address was not known I therefore

write to you on the subject. It appears that Mr Josh Holloway considered himself entitled to a

sum of money and drew for £400. This bill was refused acceptance & he has been obliged to

take it up in Melbourne with 20 pr ct & the exchange besides Notorial charges &c. He is very

anxious that whatever may be coming to him should be remitted without delay & as I propose

writing to him shortly I shall feel obliged by your letting me know what has been done in the

matter – Mr Holloway begged me to say that if it was considered necessary that any particular

form of power of Attorney or Release should be executed he will be obliged by the requisite form

being sent out & the money sent out to be handed over on his executing the documents or on an

authority to draw for the amount

I am Sir Yours Obediently

Arthur Hardy

R W Holloway Esq

Leigh House Lower Heath Hampstead –

_____________________________________________________________________________________


[page 12]

No 105 Pall Mall London

6th Decr 1848

Madam

I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 3rd instant – I saw both Mr John & Mr Alfred

Reynell very shortly before I left Adelaide in April. Mr Alfred Reynell has been for some years

chief clerk in the Colonial Treasurers Office & I see by later papers has an increase of his Salary

which was well deserved Mr & Mrs John Reynell live a few miles from town & I do not see so

much of them, they are all well. I shall be most happy to afford you any information in my power.

As far as you are personally interested I think that altho’ the necessaries of life are cheaper in

England South Australia than in England, yet there are many discomforts inseparable from a

Colonial life, but a Colony affords better prospects to young people than an old country – at the

same time the facilities for completing a good education are greater in England than in the

Colony, on this point you are I should think more competent to form an opinion than myself as

you alone can judge of your own inclination to take the trouble of

[page 13]

educating your children – there are several ladies schools in Adelaide but I should imagine that

there is still an opening for one of a superior class – Should you determine on proceeding to

Adelaide I think you would much regret it did you not take out with you your books Piano forte

plate linen & china heavy & bulky articles of furniture I would not recommend being taken in any

large quantity Rents in Adelaide are high I should think you would not obtain a house under

£30 to £50 a year – female servants get from £16 to £20 a year & it is difficult to get them good

servants at these rates – There is a Collegiate School established under the Auspices of the

Bishop which we hope will afford the means of a good solid education. I cannot say whether

your son would find employment with his uncle, but having resident friends would be

advantageous to him – Should you require any more definite information in my power I shall be

happy to afford it I remain

Your Obedt Sevt

Mrs Johns Arthur Hardy

rospect Street

Plymouth

[page 14]


London

6th Decr 1848

Sir

I am requested by Mr J B Neales of Adelaide South Australia to inform you of my arrival in

England – Mr Neales says in his letter that you have important documents in your hands relating

to the Victoria Gold Mine which it is necessary should be in London at an early date – I shall

therefore be glad to hear from you at the above address at your early convenience.

_____________________________________________________________________________________


I remain Sir

your Obedt Sevt

Arthur Hardy

B. May Esq

Bedford Street

Plymouth

[page 15]


8th Decr 1848

Gentn

In the letter I had the pleasure of handing to you yesterday from Mr J.B Neales you are

requested to supply me with funds on that Gentlemans account to the extent of £50 fifty pounds

– the question I wished answered is whether you are prepared to make such an advance on Mr

Neales account should I require the same – Your early reply on this point will obligeYours

Obedtly

Arthur Hardy

Messrs E. J. Wheeler & Co

Manchester House

Old Broad Street

[page 16]


13th Decr 1848

Madam

On my return to town I found your letter of 8th instt enclosing a note from Mr Noel Byron which I

enclose as requested – I would suggest to you the prudence of awaiting an answer to your

letters to Adelaide – I do not think that your son would derive any adequate advantage from a

residence with a farmer & I am inclined to think the delay in waiting for a reply would be most

beneficially occupied in completing your sons education. Will you kindly forward me Mr Walters

address & can you give me the address of a Mrs Taylor who is a native of & resides in Plymouth

whose husband died in Adelaide a few months before I left. Mrs Walters will be able to give you

detailed information as to expense of living houses &c. Altho’ Mrs Walters may not give a very

favorable opinion of Adelaide to you yet I would suggest that the giving more attention to

unfavorable than to favorable accounts is likely to lead to less disappointment than the reverse

I remain Madam

Yours faithfully

Mrs Johns Arthur Hardy

_____________________________________________________________________________________


[page 17]

No 105 Pall Mall

14 Decr 1848

My dear Sir

I received a letter from my mother this morning saying that my father felt himself so unwell that

he is anxious I should go down there on Saturday which I propose doing by the Morning Express

Train – will you therefore have the kindness to let me have the Ingrossment29 and draft of my

brother Alfred’s settlement by tomorrow evening (Friday) in order that I may take them down with

me.

Believe me to be Dear Sir

Yours very truly

Arthur Hardy

Chas Wilde Esqr.

[page 18]

I am told there are great alterations in the docks at Hull since I was here last

Reform Club London

13th Jany 1849

My dear Anstey

Allow me to introduce to you my friend Mr F Sinnett30 who is about proceeding to Adelaide – Mr

Sinnett is undecided whether he remains in South Australia or proceeds to Port Phillip, but as

we cannot afford to lose [. . .] additions to our society I depend upon your kind exertions to

induce him to stay amongst us – Any Attentions you can show Mr Sinnett will much oblige me – I

have not heard from you since my arrival but intend shortly writing you a long letter & fulfilling Mrs

Ansteys commissions With kindest regards to Mrs Anstey

Believe me to be

Yours very truly

Arthur Hardy

[page 19]

London

13th Jany 1849

My dear Alfred

Mr F Sinnett who will deliver this is a friend of Herberts & proceeds in a few days to Adelaide, he

is uncertain whether he stays there or proceeds to Port Phillip any civility you can show Mr

Sinnett by introducing him to our limited Society will oblige me – We are all pretty well my father

was exceedingly unwell about a month since but is now much better

29

Meant for Engrossment? 30

Frederick Sinnett (1830-1866) emigrated fearful of consumption, came to Adelaide, helped lay out the town of

Truro, came to Adelaide, helped lay out the town of Truro, then moved to Melbourne and became an influential

journalist.

_____________________________________________________________________________________


Yours affectionately

Arthur Hardy

P.S. Mr Sinnett is kind enough to take charge of a parcel of books &c for you –

[page 20]

Reform Club London

13 Jany 1849

My dear James

This will be handed to you by my friend Mr Sinnett who is proceeding to

Adelaide in connection with the Railway company from Adelaide to the Port Mr Sinnetts views

are also literary, any assistance or civility you can shew him will much oblige me I have written

you once or twice but am as yet without any letters from you. I saw your brother yesterday & all

your family are well with Kindest regards to Mrs James & Wally

Believe to be yours truly

Arthur Hardy

Mr James Esq.

[page 21]

Reform Club London

13 Jany 1849

My dear Charley

Allow me to introduce my friend Mr F Sinnett who is proceeding to Adelaide Any information and

attentions you can shew him will much oblige me, but I need say no more than that he is a friend

of mine – Remember me kindly to all friends & Believe me

Yours very truly

Arthur Hardy

C.J.F. Campbell Esqr

[page 22]

Reform Club London

13 Jany 1849

My dear Sir

Allow me to introduce to you Mr F. Sinnett a gentleman who is proceeding to Adelaide in

connection with the Railway Company to the Port. Any information or assistance in his views

you can afford Mr Sinnett will much oblige.

Dear Sir

Yours faithfully

Arthur Hardy

M MacDermott Esq

_____________________________________________________________________________________


[page 23]

Reform Club London

13 Jany 1849

Dear Sir

This will be handed to you by my friend Mr F. Sinnett who is proceeding to Adelaide Mr Sinnetts

primary views are in connection with the Railway from Adelaide to the Port, he has been on the

Globe Newspaper & would be glad to turn his literary talent to account should he see an opening

& I am certain there is no one can give him better information or forward his views in that line so

well as yourself Any information or attention you can afford Mr Sinnett will much oblige me.

Hoping that yourself Mrs Stevenson & family are all well Believe me to be Yours truly

Arthur Hardy

Geo Stevenson Esq.

[page 24]

Reform Club London

13 Jany 1849

My dear Baker

Allow me to introduce to you my friend Mr F Sinnett who is proceeding to Adelaide in connection

with the Railway from the Port. Any information you can afford him in his views will much oblige

me. I am as yet without any letters from you but shall be writing to you again shortly, having

nothing definite to say at present. Hoping that yourself & all your family are quite well & wishing

you many happy new years.

Believe to be yours sincerely

Arthur Hardy

John Baker Esq.

[page 25]

Reform Club London

13 Jany 1849

My dear Sir

The bearer of this letter my friend Mr Fredk Sinnett is about proceeding to the Australian

Colonies – he proposes touching at Adelaide and should he not find sufficient inducement to

stay there will proceed to Melbourne, any information you can afford him will much oblige me

with my best respects to Mrs McArthur Believe to be

Yours faithfully

Arthur Hardy

McArthur Esq –

Melbourne

_____________________________________________________________________________________


[page 26]

Reform Club London

13 Jany 1849

My dear Holloway

Allow me to introduce to you my friend Mr Fredk Sinnett who is about proceeding to Australia –

he touches at Adelaide & should he not find sufficient inducement to stay there proceed to Port

Phillip I have given him this letter to you assured that it will be sufficient to introduce him to the

best people in your district – you will probably hear from me by post before this reaches you

Believe to be –

Yours very truly

Arthur Hardy

Josh Holloway Esq

Port Phillip

[page 27]

London

13th Jany 1849

My dear Sir

I will forward the letter you enclosed me under cover to Messs Ken Rawson & Co of Singapore

begging them to forward it by first opportunity to our mutual correspondent in Adelaide Messs

Younghusband & Co. who will deliver it on arrival, these vessels often do not take any mail

besides the Agents bag – the next Overland Mail from Southampton is on the 20th & via

Marseilles on the 24th

With my respects to Miss Cox Mrs Gawler & your family Believe to be

Yours faithfully

Arthur Hardy

Coll Gawler

[page 28]

No 105 Pall Mall

13th Jany 1849

Gentn

I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your favor of yesterdays date, I shall have much pleasure in

giving any information in my power and beg to appoint Thursday next at two oclock if convenient

to yourselves and the other gentlemen at your Offices. I am not aware that I cannot give any

further information that I have already afforded in my letters, but as I have not copies of them

with me I propose calling upon you a quarter of an hour before the meeting for the purpose of

looking through them.

I am Gentn Your Obedt Svt

Messs Dickson & OverburyArthur Hardy

Solis

4 Fredericks Place Old Jewry

_____________________________________________________________________________________


[page 29]

Reform Club London

13 Jany 1849

My dear Holloway

I arrived safely in Old England after a pleasant but long trip on the 1st Octr last & as I had to stay

in town for a day or two for Clothes &c before going to my fathers I went into the City on the 2d &

3d & called on Mr JW. Wright but did not find him in either day, I then left town & on my return

saw him – when he said he knew but little about the matter & referred me to your brother who

lives at Hampstead. I accordingly wrote to him & he called upon me & says that the matter is

concluded as far as the decision of the Court is concerned but that those troublesome fellows

the lawyers will not get the details arranged – he however was in daily expectation of it being

concluded & promised so soon as it should be possible to send you out an Accountant Generals

Power of Attorney with authority to draw on signature of the Power – this appears to be all I can

do in the matter. I have enjoyed myself very much since I have been at home & have had many

enquiries after Mr Goldsmid of Port Fairy who is a member of this Club – I came home with Geo

Rodger whom you know I believe & found him a very agreable companion& we have continued

our intimacy since we have landed – The Overland route is all very well for once but it is

comfortless & very expensive. Rodger on his return will give you details We passed nearly a

month in Ceylon – I gave a letter of introduction to a Mr Fredk Sinnett to you in case he went to

Port Phillip, he is of a very respectable family & clever

Josh Holloway Esq Believe me in haste yours very truly

The Club Port PhillipArthur Hardy

[page 30]


19th Jany 1849

Gentn

Being anxious to forward the enclosed letter overland to Adelaide I have taken the liberty of

enclosing it to you and shall feel greatly obliged by your sending it on by the first direct

opportunity, our mutual friends Messs Younghusband & Coy of Adelaide will repay you any

postage you may incur in the matter and I have requested my partner Mr James to repay them.

Apologizing for the trouble I am giving you

I remain gentmn

Yours faithfully

Arthur Hardy

Messs Rawson & Coy

Singapore

_____________________________________________________________________________________


[page 31]

Reform Club London

19 Jany 1849

My dear James

I spent a day last week with Coll Gawler at Derby and received a request from Lady Wilmot

(Mundy’s Sister) to forward the enclosed letters overland to Mundy informing him that his eldest

brother is in such a state of health that his dissolution is almost inevitable – I have therefore

enclosed this in a letter to Messs Rawson & Co of Singapore & begged them to forward it & told

them you would pay Messs Younghusband & Co any postage they may pay there – We have

had four ships from Adelaide since I have been home but I have not received a letter from

Adelaide except from Alfred via India – We have no great news here – the Railway Companys

head quarters start the day after tomorrow on the William Hyde& I fancy are connected with the

South Australian Bank but I cannot ascertain for certain – I saw your brothers the other day who

are well I have been taking a months run in the North & found it very cold, this is an execrable

climate for those who have lived long or light

With kindest regards to Mrs James & all friends

Wm James Esq

Believe me yours very truly

care of Messs Younghusband & CoArthur Hardy

Adelaide So Aus –

[page 32]

105 Pall Mall

20 Jany 1849

Gentn

I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your favor of yesterdays date – I regret that the appointment

you make will not suit my engagements but shall be happy to attend at either one or two oclock

on Wednesday or Thursday next. I shall be glad to know at your early convenience which time

will suit you

I remain Your Obedt Sert

Arthur Hardy

Messs Dickson & Overbury

4 Fredericks Place

Old Jewry

[page 33]

for William Hyde105 Pall Mall London

20th Jany 1849

My dear Sir

Your favor of 16th Octr came to hand this morning & as there is a vessel at Plymouth to sail

tomorrow morning I send this down in hopes is may catch her – I have no letters from Adelaide

_____________________________________________________________________________________


of a later date than 12th July but possibly there may be letters by this mail via Southampton

which will not be due here for five or six days – As your letter to hand does not mention what you

wish I must wait until I hear – I called at your brothers counting house in October last & saw him

once or twice, he was quite well – Wool is rather firmer but at the November sales nearly 10,000

bales were bought in Trade generally is looking better & should no fresh disturbances take

place in France we may look for better times – Will you kindly tell Mr Mundy that I at the request

of Lady Wilmot forwarded two letters to him yesterday to the care of Rawson & Co of Singapore.

they announce the almost certain dissolution of his oldest

[page 34]

brother who had gone to Barbadoes for change of air & the family fear that the next West Indian

Mail will bring accounts of his demise I am enjoying myself much & travel about a great deal –

but make my headquarters at the Club where I have Chambers – I shall be anxious to hear what

is doing at Glen Osmond in mining the people here who have rented from me appear sanguine

– Smelting on the spot will greatly increase the value of the property – nobody here will look at

our mining properties, I meet a good many Cornish people & they all say that the Burra is a [. . .]

of ore & will soon work out – I am glad Peachey [?] has made such good terms as it shows that

mine are reasonable

With kindest regards to all friends & your family circle Believe to be yours very truly

Arthur Hardy

J B Montefiore

Adelaide So Aus

[page 35]

105 Pall Mall

3 Feby 1849

Sir

I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your note of yesterdays date – I received a letter yesterday

from Mr Baker, but it did not contain any allusion to an advance to you on his account and I have

no instructions either from that gentleman or your brother on the subject –

I have been surprised at not hearing from you as promised so long ago as 14 th December.

I am Sir

Yours Obediently

Arthur Hardy

J W Whitington Esq

care of Mr J Maitland

12 Copthall Court London –

_____________________________________________________________________________________


[page 36]

105 Pall Mall

21 Feby 1849

My dear Sir

I arrived in town yesterday Afternoon & take the earliest opportunity of enclosing you the seeds

from South Australia – I hope they will grow, those from Sturts desert are a species of vetch with

a very beautiful bloom – the Banksia is more of a shrub with a handsome flower Hoping that

you are all well at Landport and with kindest regards

Believe me to be

Yours very truly

Arthur Hardy

Harry Ellman Esq

[page 37]

105 Pall Mall

21 Feby 1849

My dear Sir

I only returned to town yesterday afternoon after a fortnights trip thro’ the South Downs or your

note of 13th should have received earlier attention Your old servant & her husband will I have no

doubt do exceedingly well in South Australia if sober & that is the great point to be attended to –

Any information they may wish for on matters of detail I shall be happy to afford them – The

overland mail is now due & after its arrival I will give you a call altho’ I think it unlikely we shall

have any news this month – no doubt the Gratitude & Himalaya will have letters for us but I do

not expect either of them for nearly a month yet –

Believe me in haste

Yours truly

Arthur Hardy

E W James Esq.

[page 38]


21 Feby 1849

Sir

I only returned to town yesterday after a fortnights absence or your letter of 10 th inst would have

received an earlier reply – I can only repeat that I have no instructions to make the advance

requested in your letter – I am entirely unaware of what the “two other matters” referred to by

you are –

I am Sir

Yours Obediently

Arthur Hardy

G. W. Whitington Esq

30 Bloomsbury Square

_____________________________________________________________________________________


[page 39]

105 Pall Mall

21 Feby 1849

My dear Sir

I am proposing to leave town in about a weeks time & should therefore be glad to hear from

you whether there is any likelihood of your friend making further enquiries about an interest in

the Paringa Mine – if not too much trouble would you kindly write me a line, I shall be in your

neighbourhood tomorrow afternoon (Thursday) at about three oclock

Yours very faithfully

Arthur Hardy

Wm Gorton Esq

18 Wharf Road City Road

[page 40]


28 Feby 1849

Gentn

I have made it my business since I have been in England to use every exertion for the purpose

of disposing of the Victoria Mine as requested by you but I regret to say hitherto without having

effected the object – I found in the first place on my arrival that money was somewhat scarce

owing to the great depression which Railway shares in common with all other property had been

suffering under, so much so that I was informed shares could be purchased to pay £ 6 pr cr pr.

an. This caused people at that time to be rather shy of entering into new speculations I am glad

to say that money is now so much more plentiful that people are once again looking out for

investments but the wonderful discoveries of gold in California as reported disincline speculators

from entering into anything new with gold until they ascertain the probable effect on the price

from the Californian discoveries – I find that all mining properties in South Australia are looked

upon by monied men with suspicion altho’ the feeling is undoubtedly wearing off – I shall keep

myself in communication with parties in the City and can assure you that nothing shall be

neglected towards effecting a disposal of the property –I remain Gentmn

Yours most obediently

Arthur Hardy

Messs Neales Wickstead & Hughes

Victoria Mine Adelaide

[page 41]

pr Posthumous105 Pall Mall London

28 Feby 1849

My dear Sir

I enclose you a letter to the committee of the Victoria Mine I fear I shall not be able to effect a

sale but will do the best I can – shares will not sell at any price. Will you tell Mr Wickstead that I

_____________________________________________________________________________________


was in Sussex a fortnight since and saw Mr Kell who has been ill but is getting better I met Miss

Kell at Mr Blackmans in Lewes & saw Mr & Mrs Geo Ellman at Bedingham who were all well &

desired to be remembered to Mrs Wickstead & her family – you will perceive that wool has

advanced fully 3d at the last sales large quantities having been taken I am told for the continent

these I believe were principally Cape wools but still relieved the market the impression on

change is that present price will be fully maintained with a probability of a rise rather than a fall,

at all events for the wools which arrive early, Emigration is attracting much attention here – The

general impression with regard to wheat is that British will average under 35fr rather than over &

the general average be under 45 frs per quarter these prices will not of course justify shipments

from Adelaide I am glad to hear such continued good accounts of mining matters generally &

hoping that you are all well in AdelaideBelieve to be


J.B.Neales EsqArthur Hardy

Adelaide South Australia

[page 42]


28 Feby 1849

My dear Sir

On arrival in town I made enquiries for a book containing the Exchequer Crown writs for you but

could find nothing of the sort – I often meet Mr Nelsby [?] who is engaged with the Attorney Gen l

in most of the crown cases & he suggested that I should call at the Queens Remebrancers office

this I did & they kindly furnished me with a set of the writs they use Mr Brown told me there was

no work containing them & that they had constantly to vary the forms – I have enclosed them in

a parcel I am sending to Mrs Anstey & she will no doubt kindly forward them to you I have much

enjoyed my trip I saw a good deal of Ceylon having been detained there nearly a month & the

trip thro’ Egypt was very interesting – I have not seen Captn Sturt since Novr & he then talked of

returning in January but I have been much out of town myself, altho’ my head quarters are here

having fortunately obtained a set of chambers on my arrival – I saw Coll & Mrs Gawler & their

family the last time I was at Derby they were quite well. I forwarded some letters for Mundy via

Singapore informing him of the alarming illness of his eldest brother the last accounts were I

believe rather more favorable but the loss of the Forth31 on the Anacranes has disarranged this

months mails Hoping that yourself & Mrs Cooper are all well & with Kindest regards to all

friends Believe me to be

yours faithfully

Arthur Hardy

31

The steamer forth was wrecked on the Anacranes Rocks on January 31st

1849.

_____________________________________________________________________________________


[page 43]

Birksgate near Huddersfield Yorkshire

11 March 1849

Dear Baker

I received yours of 20th July on 2d Feby & have delayed writing as I was in hopes of having

something more definite to say – The same evening I received a letter from Mr GW Whitington in

which he says “I have letters from Adelaide in which I am directed to purchase & send out for Mr

Baker & my brother certain Books & acts of Parliament &c & also to go into Yorkshire about

some business for them & that I am to apply to you if I require funds which I do & must has

therefore beg of you to send me such money” to this I replied on 3d Feby that I had received a

letter from you but that it did not contain any allusion to an advance to him on your account &

that I had no instructions from you or his brother on the subject & I intimated my surprise at not

having heard from him as promised so long since as the 14 th Decr – He wrote me a long letter on

10th Feby saying “I have repeatedly been informed that my expenses should be paid but they are

of the Colonial character professions & promises only” & requesting me to cash his draft on his

brother & you for £25 & winds up his letter as follows “if these combined circumstances &

interests coupled with my position & services required to make money for them will not induce

you to meet the necessities as proposed I can only say it is folly for them or for you to occupy my

time or your own in further desultory & consequently fruitless pursuits” to this letter I simply

replied that I had no instructions to make the advance requested by him & was totally unaware

what the “two other matters” referred to by him where. I have heard nothing further from him – I

fear there will be nothing realised from these claims without incurring considerable expense &

risk & this I should hardly have been inclined to do even if your instructions did not preclude me

– I have had several nibbles for Paringa’s & shall be glad if they come to anything – I will not

forget your wishes to effect sales – I am much annoyed at Shepherds not forwarding the trees –

You will be glad to hear of the advances in wool there seems every probability of its being

maintained – Any commission you may have

[page 44]

have in London I need hardly assure you shall receive my best attention – I am rather in the dark

as to what my brother has paid up you upon the £150 acceptance you lent me. I only see the

£26:10:7 he paid you in his acceptance in July & George Morphetts acceptance for £65:12:6 due

7 August I presume you had also Geo Morphetts acceptance for £66:8:7 due 7 Nov r. these

together would pay you & release Price’s acceptance to Campbell for Collection on my own

account – I was vexed when I heard that Campbell had got cash for the £26:10:7 as the memo

was expressly that he was to be allowed that sum off Price’s acceptance to him – this I

mentioned to you but suppose you must have forgotten it – the nonpayment of Price &

Campbells bill has inconvenienced me much & appears to have disarranged all my brother

Alfreds plans – I do not see the benefit of discounting Browns acceptance of course there could

be no objection to taking it as collateral security which is a very different thing from discounting it

& paying cash the balance thus doubling the amount to be recovered instead of lessening it I

suppose Browns bill has been paid as it was due on 4th Octr & Alfred’s letter of 16 Oct does not

_____________________________________________________________________________________


mention it – I was surprised to hear from my brother that Campbells acceptance for £170:14:4

due 19th June had not been paid as I handed to Hagen with that Bill the undertaking of yourself

& Anstey to pay it out of the proceeds of the Butchers shop & I am sure you would not have

allowed any other payment to have taken precedence of it. If I were on the spot no one would

be more happy to accomodate Charley, Campbell but as it is I am dependent on what I receive

from Adelaide I am now nearly twelve months away & have not received a sixpence & hence I

have of course been inconvenienced as you will guess when I tell you that I spent £270 between

Adelaide and Southampton & had to pay a Bill for £50 I endorsed for Mendell.

[page 45]

I find myself in very comfortable quarters having Chambers at the Reform Club I pay £53 p r an

rent unfurnished besides subscription of course – I called on Cappers & delivered the letter I had

shortly after I arrived they were not I, but left a card for me about a month afterwards & I have

seen or heard nothing of them since – I meet a great many people at the Club who take interest

in the Colonies & have a great many enquiries about Adelaide in particular – I have not yet been

able to see Lord Greys bill of giving us an assembly but I hear that it is proposed that a large

permanent civil list is to be a sine qua non independently of the Assembly, if this is so it is a

mere mockery & I have talked the matter over with a great many M P’s who view it in the same

light & promise to endeavour to prevent our being imposed upon – great attention is being

turned to Emigration I object as strongly as I can against our funds being applied to the relief

\Emigration/ of paupers who are not ablebodied or Irish children let the Parishes which wish to

be relieved pay the passages, we find quite sufficient good emigrants offering who are ready to

pay the £6 towards their passage – I saw Sturt about three months since & Coll Gawler a month

ago, both professed themselves of opinion that Borrow & Goodiar32 had something due to them

& I have no doubt it would long since have been settled had Coll Gawler remained with us. I had

a very pleasant trip from Sydney staying nearly a month in Ceylon. I travelled thro’ a good deal

of the Country which is exceedingly luxuriant but the air was very oppressive altho’ it was the S.

West Monsoon the coolest season No families should go overland & single men only once. the

inconveniences are worth putting up with for once – Aden is a very remarkable place, not a

blade of vegitation, it is as strong

[page 46]

as Gibraltar & being as strongly fortified, it is the key to the communication between Europe &

the East – the trip up the Red Sea past Mocha & Mount Sinai is interesting as is the journey thro’

the Desert from Suez & Cairo & Alexandria – I am now writing surrounded by snow & frost, three

weeks ago in the South Downs Almond trees were in full bloom – Copper you will see is

advancing in price. I have obtained a good deal of information about smelters profits & am

promised details which will be of much use to us – I believe that the Swansea people instead of

being entitled to the 21 cwt make more 22½ per cent \in the boring/ of pure copper from the 20

cwt more than they shew by the present mode of arriving at the Standard – I shall make further

32 There are mentions in Australian newspapers of cases concerning Borrow & Goodiar, Colonel Gawler and Captain

Sturt.

_____________________________________________________________________________________


enquiries about this in a trip I am to take with one of the largest Cornish Mine owners in April

next throughout the mining districts, he is one of those who discovered the excess the smelters

are making – Matters on the Continent are still unsettled & should material disturbances occur

they may affect the price of wool & ore, but on the whole they are not anticipated. Present my

kindest regards to Mrs Baker & all your family and hoping that you are well & that I shall shortly

hear from you I remain yours very truly

Arthur Hardy

PS. A letter arrived from Nagem [?] to James’ brother by the \overland/ Mail a month since but

the documents referred to had not arrived when I left town –

[page 47]


12 March 1849

Messs Price Hawkers & Campbell

Messs Price Hawkers & Campbell

Gentn

Dear Sirs

I have received a return relating to my sheep in your care up to 21 June 1848 and it appears to

me so unsatisfactory that I should not be doing justice to myself or you did I not call your

particular attention to it and former returns – The return I received before I left Adelaide started

with a total of 3659 on 1 June 1847 On this return Mr Price made a memo that the increase

shewn by it does not give more than 50 pr Cent and that the increase was greater by at least 20

per cent, the increase was I believe in fact greater than that as Mr Price told me & promised to

send up a better return – Now had the increase been only 20 per cent greater the total number

on 1 Decr 1847 after deducting outgoings as shewn by the return should have been 4413

instead of 4057 as shewn by that return but your last return starts with a total for 1 Dec r 1847 of

4129

The losses shewn in the last return appear to me excessive those amongst the Ewes & rams

appear heavy considering the number of deaths from old age allowed in previous returns but

there ought not to have been such a loss as shewn amongst the Hoggetts – You start in the

return from 1 Decr 1847 with 2934 Ewes whilst your return up to 1 Decr 1847 shews 2587 Ewes

199 four tooth Ewes and 286 Two tooth Ewes together 3072

Apart from details the returns shew that on 1 June 1847 you had of my sheep total 3659 and on

1 June 1848 a total of 3778 shewing an increase for me in twelve months of 119 sheep in

addition to 72 wethers sold in 1847 – This result calls for Inquiry and I am sure I need only draw

your attention to it and it will be rectified

yours faithfully

Arthur Hardy

_____________________________________________________________________________________


[page 48]

Guernsey

14th April 1849

Sir

Your letter of 9th instant is to hand here – I shall have an opportunity in about a week or ten days

time of forwarding on the packet of papers you wish to send to Mr Baker if you will send them

addressed to Mr Baker to my care at 46 Cross Street Finsbury – the books you say Mr Baker

wishes for shall be forwarded. There is nothing in my letters to warrant an inference that I am

not inclined to proceed in matters the claims on Johnston I merely intended to intimate that I

had no instructions to make the advance you applied for.

I am Sir

Your Obedit Sert

Arthur Hardy

G W Whitington Esq

Whitmore House

near Guilford Surrey England

[page 49]


30 April 1849

Dear Sir

Your favor of 2nd instant only came to hand this morning having followed me into Devonshire and

thence followed me here where I am detained by what I fear will be a fatal attack of illness to my

father – If I can be of any Service to Mr Baker or yourself and you will address me here I shall be

happy to do anything in my power – I fear it will be some time before I shall be in London, but I

will call upon you when I do go to town –

Yours faithfully

Arthur Hardy

Robt Buck Esq

60 Mark Lane – London –

[page 50]


30 April 1849

Dear Sirs

I received this morning a letter from my brother in Adelaide dated 10th Decr in which he says

nothing about Wheal Hardy beyond his hopes that the weather was likely to clear & that Mr

Morphett spoke in good spirits of his intentions of prosecuting the works with vigour into the Hills.

I see that there are arrivals to the 24th Jany (I think) for Overland Mails but I have nothing by that

_____________________________________________________________________________________


opportunity – I am detained here by the very severe illness of my father which I much fear will

prove fatal. So that I have no immediate prospect of being able to call upon you Will you kindly

send me a line to the above address saying whether you have any news & Specimens for

Competitor or otherwise & any extracts that may be of interest? Apologising for the trouble I am

asking you to take I remain


Mess E J Wheeler & CoArthur Hardy

Broad Street

London

[page 51]

Birksgate near Huddersfield

3d May 1849

My dear Sir

I perceive by the papers that there are five or six vessels arrived from Adelaide. I have letters in

November December & to the 6th of January but not one from Walters since I left Adelaide now

more than twelve months ago – Have you any news from him? if you have will you kindly write

me a line addressed here? I have no letters from Hagen [?] – or in fact from anyone but my

brother – I was summoned home by the alarming illness of my father and I am grieved to say

We have not the slightest hopes of his recovering

I remain Dear Sir

Yours very truly

Arthur Hardy

E W James Esq Ely Place Holborn

London

[page 52]

105 Pall Mall

14th June 1849

My dear Bonamy

I am glad to hear that there is a prospect of obtaining another pupil for Nancy [?] I have been as

I suppose you are aware confined to the house since last Saturday fortnight by an accident I met

with on that day dislocating one of the small bones of the left foot & I cannot yet get about to

make calls but if you will write to Mr Simpson to call upon me here I will give him any information

he may require & trust that a not overflattering account will not frighten him I am very anxious to

get into Yorkshire as soon as possible but could see Mr Simpson on Monday or Tuesday

between twelve & one oclock I am quite in the dark as to the \time of the/ conclusion of matters

in Guernsey, but my letters from Adelaide make it of consequence that I should lose no time in

returning there. My fathers affairs render my presence in Yorkshire of importance & I hope to go

down on Wednesday next but I could very well get as far as Rugby on Tuesday evening if you

would like to talk about Mrs Dowdney’s

_____________________________________________________________________________________


[page 53]

proposal – What do you think of the proposed Australian Bill? I think it very liberal & with some

few modifications it would I think work well. The federal scheme would not work, it would cause

a great deal of trouble expense & quarrelling without any corresponding advantage, the only

matters in which it could be of advantage are Customs Post Office & a Court of Appeal – the two

former can easily be settled without the proposed measure and the latter is not required as far

as South Australia is concerned because we have a Court of Appeal already, it is true that this

Court might be improved & we should be the better for a Second Judge & the other Colonies

would find it advantageous to have their appeals in their own Country – The Cholera is very bad

in Paris & it is more than likely they will have disturbances there – With kindest regards to Lydia

& the children

Believe to be Yours sincerely

Arthur Hardy

[page 54]

Messs Neales Wickstead & Hughes105 Pall Mall London

14th June 1849

Victoria Mine Adelaide South Australia

Gentn

Since my last I have tried in very likely Quarter to effect a sale of your mine, but hitherto I regret

to say without effect –Every person who has seen the specimens and documents express their

opinions of the exceeding value of the property, if, it is really as good as described but then they

say if it so valuable, no-one would think of parting with it.– The fact appears to be that the people

in London can as little believe that we possess so valuable a gold mine, as they have hitherto

believed that the Burra was not all moonshine or at least greatly exagerated: they are now

convinced of the value of the Burra in spite of themselves but I doubt being able to overcome

their suspicions of the value of Aust your property – I am satisfied a sale will not be effected

except by asking a large price. As the time within which I am authorized to conclude

arrangements so soon expires I shall if I can get any persons to terms make the agreement

conditional on its being approved in Adelaide – Assuring you that my best exertions have been

used and shall be continued for meeting your views I remain Gentn Yours Obedy

Arthur Hardy

[page 55]

105 Pall Mall

18th June 1849

My dear Sir

I this morning received your note of Saturday I did not call on Mr McCulloch when in Guernsey

as I was requested [. . .] doing so, If you will let me know what amount & how I shall send it to

you I will do so by return of post & shall feel greatly obliged by your remitting it – I am sorry to

_____________________________________________________________________________________


hear that you think it will take a long time to wind up matters in Guernsey – I am quite in the dark

upon the subject waiting until I hear something definite, as however it is of importance to me to

return to Adelaide with as little delay as possible I shall be obliged if you will give me your ideas

on the subject as to what must be done.


R. E. BurroughesArthur Hardy

Bank Street

Norwich

[page 56]

Reform Club London

20th June 1849

Dear Sir

I have been detained in London for this month past by an accident which happened to my foot &

I am therefore obliged to send down to Mr Jno Noble receipts for some rents accruing due. I

have instructed him to pay what he may receive for me into your Bank to my Credit – I shall feel

obliged by your opening an account for me Arthur Hardy my signature not being very legible &

advise me of any payments to my credit.


Marsden EsqArthur Hardy

Huddersfield Banking Coy

Huddersfield

[page 57]

105 Pall Mall

20th June 1849

My dearest Mother

It is so long since I have heard from you that I am anxious as to your being well. I heard from

John Noble this morning & enclose you the receipt for the rents. I also enclose a letter to Mr

Marsden asking him to place any sums Noble may pay in to my credit. let Jno Noble pay in all he

receives to the Bank unless you are in want of money when of course you would take what you

require – there will be some monies due to you in a day or two – had I not better open an

account for you at John Taylors Bank & pay the money to your Credit? I require a certificate of

my birth, is this not at Dr Williams Library – where did your own marriage take place? by the

custom of Lambeth Manor the best “Beast” belongs to the Lord of the Manor, however, they will

take a sum as its value. I should like to know the worth at lowest price of the carriage horses ?

in will you ask George what they would sell for?

[page 58]

_____________________________________________________________________________________


what he thinks at least, he need not know what the object of the inquiry is & may suppose you

think of keeping them yourself. John Taylor was much the same last night, he is easy but

continually under the influence of Morphia I am just going up there – Will you tell Noble that he

must not take the last half years rent from Thos Moorhouse & give him the receipt No 2 until he

has received the former rent & given receipt No 1 – the following is

a```````````````````````````````````````````` list of the receipts I enclose –

No 1 dated 21 June 1849Thos Moorhouse £8 : :

2 “ “ “ 8 : :

“ “Geo Britcliffe 8 : 5:

“ “Josh Mellor 8 : 5:

“ “Saml Brown13 : :

“ “Ralph Seddon11 :19:

“ “Nmn Wrigley21 : :

“ “John Ralph 10 : :

I think S Brown should be somewhat more for advance for drainage but I am not certain.Hoping

to hear that you are pretty well by tomorrows post believe to be

Your best Son

Arthur Hardy

[page 59]

105 Pall Mall

20th June 1849

My dear Bonamy

I waited in yesterday & the day before but have neither seen nor heard of your friend Mr

Simpson. I had fully intended coming down yesterday afternoon but I regret to say the alarming

illness of my brother in law Mr Taylor prevents my leaving town for the present – I will however

call on my way into Yorkshire. With kindest regards to Lydia & the children

Believe to be Yours very Sincerely

Arthur Hardy

Bonay Price Rugby

[page 60]

105 Pall Mall

21st June 1849

My dear Sir

I endeavoured to procure a Post Office order for you yesterday afternoon but was too late as I

find they do not issue them after four oclock – I therefore enclose a cheque in favor of your firm

for £2 :17 :6d & which as I have crossed I believe to be perfectly safe, but shall be glad to hear

that it is safe to hand – I am sorry to say the accounts of the health of the family in Guernsey are

not satisfactory Miss Henrietta Price having but just recovered from an attack of low fever & Miss

Annie having just been seized in a similar way Believe to be

_____________________________________________________________________________________


in haste yours very truly

Arthur Hardy

R. E. Burroughes Esq.

[page 61]

105 Pall Mall

28th June 1849

Sir

It is unfortunate that neither of the times I have named will suit you as I believe I shall be leaving

town on Tuesday I will however endeavour to be within at Six oclock on Monday evening if I

hear from you that that time will be more convenient to you

Yours Obedly

Arthur Hardy

Geo Simpson Esqr

19 Old Square

Lincolns Inn

[page 62]


28th June 1849

My dear Sir

I received your favor of yesterday & hasten to reply to it – It appears to me precisely a similar

case to a lessee for a term of years who grants an underlease and then purchases the fee[?], in

which case if the original term did merge, surely it could not affect the covenants to him in the

underlease & there are the legal covenants to him his heirs &c and terms & there could be no

Equity in the tenant to free him from paying his rent or performing his covenants – I am much

obliged by your having lost no time in taking an opinion, but I am very unwilling that the sale

should be postponed (irrespective of the expense) & any difficulty (if advised) might possibly be

got over by an additional Condition of Sale do you not think? I find I have but little time to spare

before the post goes & therefore must conclude the expense of buying in will not be more than

of with drawing.


Arthur Hardy

E W James Esq

23 Ely Place

Holborn –

_____________________________________________________________________________________


[page 63]

Birksgate

29 June 1849

My dear Sir

I hope when you have received the opinion you will not find it necessary to avoid selling but this I

leave entirely to your discretion – should it be unfortunately necessary a high reserve as you

suggest will be the best plan, but then Mr Collier should be informed of this – I will send you up a

note to Mr Hodgson about the Heriot33 & remit you the money tomorrow for him, as I shall have

to go over to the Bank at Huddersfield & shall be too late for todays post. Thanking you for the

trouble you are taking Believe to be

Yours very truly

Arthur Hardy

E W James Esq

23 Ely Place

Holborn

London

[page 64]


29 June 1849

Sir

According to promise I have made enquiries about the cost of the horses the property of my late

father – They are a pair of heavy \quiet/ Mares fit for old people. the last purchased and which I

am inclined to think the best cost I am told Twenty pounds and I think about Fifteen pounds a

fair price to offer in satisfaction and have requested Mr James to settle the matter with you and

get the admission altered accordingly. Will you write me whether the amount payable is due from

the new tenant or the estate of the last tenant.

I am Sir

– Ley Esqre Yours Obediently

– Hodgson EsqArthur Hardy

Deans Yard Westminster –

[page 65]


29th June 1849

Sir

33

An ancient death duty.

_____________________________________________________________________________________


I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your note of 26th instant addressed to me at the Reform

Club, but having left town for a short time it has been forwarded to me here – I fully agree with

you in the importance of a reduction in Maritime and Colonial Postage and shall be most happy

to concur in any measures having this desirable object in view – A considerable residence in

South Australia & acquaintance with the other Australian Colonies has given me some

information on the subject and which I shall be happy to make of use –

I am Sir

Geo Charteris Junr Esq Your Obedt Sert

22 India Street Arthur Hardy

Edinburgh

[page 66]

Birksgate

30th June 1849

My dear Sir

I hope tomorrow will bring a more favorable account from Mr Greening but if otherwise it cannot

be helped. I enclose you a letter open to Mr Ley at Mr Hodgsons & have requested the Manager

of our local Bank to forward you £20 by this post with which you will probably be kind enough to

make the best terms with the Archbishop of Canterbury you will see I propose £15 but the £20

must be paid if necessary altho’ it would be better worth their while to take £10 than send down

here for a horse. I am very busy looking thro’ papers records &c We have had it tolerably cold

since I have been down here – I think it best to get the admission [?] just right whether we sell

or not

Yours very truly

E W James EsqArthur Hardy

[page 67]

Birksgate

1 July 1849

My dear Sir

Thank you for your letter with Mr Greenings opinion. It does appear desirable to postpone the

sale at all events, until we see what can be done. Are you aware that Mr Bright has paid me a

quarters rent on the 25 Ult? and do you think that makes any difference as an Attornment34 or in

that nature? I have no proof of his having paid me, but he would no doubt produce his receipt to

you & state the fact if you asked him when he last paid rent – If you can get him to assent to a

Surrender & new lease – I shall be much obliged by your doing it at once & so the sale need not

be postponed for a very long time – Of course I could not ask him to be at any expense in the

matter – he might possibly like a new lease direct if we could shew any good reason for asking

him to accept it. A license to demise would I suppose be necessary. As I am not on the spot I

34

An acknowledgement of a transfer.

_____________________________________________________________________________________


must ask you to take the trouble of this for me and feel much obliged by the attention you have

paid to my interest in the matter

Believe me to be

Yours very truly

E W James Esq Arthur Hardy

[page 68]

Birksgate

4 July 1849 –

My dear Sir

I think under the circumstances the £15 a fair thing and shall be glad to hear that you have got

the admission completed. Mr Lee promised to write me that the Heriot is payable from my

fathers estate as a voucher for my payment & I shall feel obliged by your asking him to do so – I

should greatly prefer selling to Bright, but from the value he named to me I think he would give

£650 or at least £600 at which latter sum my father valued the property to me if he would give

the £650 I would not mind giving him twelve months or so for a £100 on his acceptance and

deposit of title – but if he will do no better I will let him have it for the £550 if he takes it right out

of hand without trouble – If not the last thing will be for him to Surrender his & take the new

lease for similar terms. at £32 paying the £50 in which case he would pay for the new lease

Surrender because I have to receive some rents on the 10th instant. Would it be troubling you

too much if I sent the receipts to your office & ordered the tenants to call there with the money?

I have determined to sell the freeholds down here & as the letters have all been in Mr Floyds

hands I have requested him to attend to the sale which

[continued crosswise near left margin]

he agrees to do an Agency from your house – I thought \Jon/ would not object to this

arrangement which will lessen the sum payable down here one half I suppose

Believe me to be

Yours very truly

Arthur Hardy

EW James Esq

23 Ely Place

Holborn London

[page 69]

Birksgate

9 July 1849

My dear Sir

I received a note from Mr Lee in reply to my query and have to thank you for getting that matter

completed – I fear that I am inconveniencing you now you are so much engaged – I leave the

_____________________________________________________________________________________


question of the Sir Street property entirely in your discretion satisfied that you will do the best

under the circumstances. I hope Bright will buy & it would probably be better to let him have it at

the £550 if he will not raise his Price. I avail myself of your kindness to enclose six receipts for

rent as under –

Mr Phillips £6 : 5: –Mrs Grattwick £6 : – : –

Mr Roberts 5 : 5 :–Mr Forbes––– 6 : 5 : –

Mr Birmingham 6 : – :–Mr Panolt––– 8 :15 : –

There are others due but I cannot make out the exact amounts just now – In most instances they

will claim deductions for taxes which of course must be allowed them on their delg up their

receipts – I expect to have one or two payments to make in London & when I hear that you are

in sufficient funds will ask the people to call should they not have already received the money at

my brother in laws Counting House. I had a letter from my brother Alfred by the Sibella but no

other –Believe to be

Yours very truly

Arthur Hardy

E.W. James Esq

[page 70]


13th July 1849

Madam

I beg to acknowledge the favor of your letter of 6th instant and much regret the loss you have

sustained. I expect to be in London in about a month when I will do myself the pleasure of calling

in Mark Lane before my return to Adelaide and shall be happy to inspect the probate and letters

of administration. Any information or assistance in my power as to adjustments of accounts is at

your Service

I remain Madam

Your Most Obedit Sert

Mrs M N Buck Arthur Hardy

60 Mark Lane

London

[page 71]

105 Pall Mall

27 July 1849

My dear Sir

I arrived in town later on Tuesday evening than I had expected in consequence of the time of the

trains at Peniston having been altered & I was detained at the station until ten minutes to twelve

oclock but I did not return on account of the rain – I performed the melancholy duty of attending

the remains of my best & most esteemed friend to their resting place on Wednesday I found my

sister bearing up very strongly, but shortly after I left her she was attacked with extreem feverish

_____________________________________________________________________________________


symptoms which have confined her to bed. This reaction was not surprising but I trust she is a

little better – I have packed up the books & addressed them to you Peniston near Sheffield pr

goods train – I was in the City yesterday & paid your premium at the Imperial Office & enclose

you the receipt & also a memorandum. the proof requested is a certificate of Baptism – they

have also marked upon it the names of Agents who will receive the premium in future or you can

send it through your banker to the office in London & they will send you down a receipt – I have

not yet seen Mr Dunant but will write you again. Mr Floyd writes me that not one lot was sold on

Wedy. hoping that Mary continues better & with best love to her & yourself

Believe to be


Arthur Hardy

[from Name and Address list

John Booth Esq]

[page 72]

105 Pall Mall

27 July 1849

My dear Sir

I have but just received your letter of 21st instant – the Release referred to was to Miss Price

alone – I not having incurred any liability and was intended to be signed by those who can at

present give a release as far as their own claims if any may extend [?] – Of course the Executors

could not be expected to release alone. It is clear that only those of the cestui que trusts35 who

could now release can at present compel the Executors to enforce their claims if any & those it is

who should be requested to sign as I understand they are willing to do I thank you for your

Assurance on the subject and believe me to be


Arthur Hardy

R E Burroughes Esq

[page 73]`

105 Pall Mall

27 July 1849

My dear Bonamy

I have this morning received the letter from Mr Burroughes redirected by yourself, he says when

the estates are wound up the executors will have to call upon their cestui que trusts to join them

in releasing all parties who may then be liable in anyway to make up any deficiency but he

cannot with propriety ask them to do so now this answer we foresaw would be not unlikely You

of course are quite clear that all will be settled as arranged & therefore as the formal release to

Martha cannot be obtained in time for the marriage I am quite content to accept your guarantee

35

‘cestui que trusts’ are the persons who are entitled to the benefit of any trust arrangments.

_____________________________________________________________________________________


against claims upon me as proposed the last time I was in Rugby in the event of Mr Burroughes

declining to sign until all was settled. – There is no difficulty I understand in obtaining a release

to Martha from everyone else and I need scarcely say that your giving the guarantee will be

entirely between ourselves & need not be known to anyone else. I shall be glad to hear from you

by Monday as I propose going over that evening or Wednesday – We have had very wet

weather here. Mrs Taylor I am sorry to say was served with a severe feverish attack on

Wednesday afternoon but is I hope a little better. Hoping that you continue to enjoy the beautiful

country you are in & with best love to Lydia & the children

Believe to be

Yours very sincerely in haste

Arthur Hardy

Bony Price Esq

[page 74]

105 Pall Mall

30th July 1849

My dear Bonamy

I received your letter of yesterday this morning & at the same time received three letters from my

brother Alfred from Adelaide but none from Harry36 Alfred says Harry was at Port Lincoln & was

well but mentions that Isabella was a good deal cut up by the death of her sister he does not

however mention which sister or the cause or date of her death – Nothing can be more

satisfactory than Edward Price’s letter as far as he is concerned & I suppose there can be no

difficulty in your getting the release to Martha signed by all interested under yr uncles will who

are of age as to infants there is little note of their dissenting from what their parents think correct

– I certainly understand that you would give me a guarantee against being called upon for claims

against your father or mother or their descendants & do not see why it should be limited to the

claims of those who are to be paid in full because on such payment being made there could be

no occasion for a guarantee – I understood that there was no likelihood of my being called upon

& therefore there would be less difficulty in your guaranteeing that I should not, if you decline

doing this the inference is that I may expect to be called upon, what the amount of the one third

or the probability may be I do not know but you will agree with me that I ought not to be placed in

a position to run any risk especially such as you say would be more than you could in Justice to

your own children do – understanding as I did from you that Martha had no liabilities direct or

indirect, it is only fair to you at the

[page 75]

same time to allow that at the time you told me this you fully believed the statement to be correct

– I think it would be very advisable that no time should be lost in getting the release from such

as are willing to sign it, yourself Edwd & Louisa & those in Guernsey matters will then be much

simplified I am exceedingly pressed for time – Mrs Taylor having been confined to her bed ever

36

Henry Price, Bonamy’s brother in South Australia.

_____________________________________________________________________________________


since the day of the funeral with an attack which we feared would prove to be Cholera – but she

is I am thankful to say better & all my spare time has been passed with her – I am still detained

by these vexatious lawyers at York not sending the papers on and I fear I shall not be able to

leave until Friday before when I hope I shall hear from you – I put up the Freehold properties in

Yorkshire for Sale having had them valued previously by two people and could not get an offer

for them – money appears to be scarce in those parts – the weather is finer here now & I hope it

has improved with you so as to enable you all to enjoy yourselves with best love to Lydia the

children

Believe to be


Arthur Hardy

B Price Esq

Grassmere

Ambleside

Westmorland

[page 76]

105 Pall Mall

30 July 1849

My dear Sir

I duly received your favor of 26 inst & have delayed replying hoping to hear that you had

received some reasonable offer by private contract – I fear that the delay in posting the bills was

very disadvantageous as they were not seen in the neighbourhood of Peniston before the day of

the Sale or the preceeding day – I do not know whether Jno Noble obtained Moorhouse or

Wangleys’ [?] rent – If no reasonable offer is likely to be made I should wish to obtain as much

as possible on Mortgage of the whole estate and at as low a rate of interest as possible. I

suppose not more than £3,000 and interest at not more than four to four and a quarter per cent

for a lengthened term with liberty to pay off on a reasonable notice if Sales affected or to

continue the mortgage for a further term. will you kindly write me at your early convenience what

you can do in this matter. I shall not leave town before Thursday

I remain

Yours faithfully

C S Floyd Esq Solr Arthur Hardy

Huddersfield

[page 77]

105 Pall Mall

2 August 1849

My dear Bonamy

It is precisely until the arrangement you have made is completed that the guarantee is required,

after that, & a release then executed to all there being nothing further to guarantee against of

_____________________________________________________________________________________


what use would it be? The fact of Mr Bonsay being a needy man as you say makes it more

important that I should run no risk with him. It is desirable that the release should be prepared at

once from all able & willing to sign, it must be properly prepared under seal and stamped: it is

not as against those now willing to sign that a release is required at all but they may die & their

representations might not feel bound by an understanding – will you therefore get one prepared

from all willing to sign? yourself, Edwd & Louisa & the others? I cannot myself ask them, it is

most proper for you to do this – It is perfectly easy to get this now; if one died at a future time it

might be very difficult Altho’ you give the guarantee I still think it desirable to have the release

from all who can & will sign as altho’ I shall be clear of ultimate loss yet I have such an aversion

to law that it will be as much my interest to bar claims as it will to forgo. I am far from well being

overworked & anxious. love to all yours ever in haste

Arthur Hardy

B Price Esq

Grasmere Ambleside

Westmorland

[page 78]

105 Pall Mall

3d August 1849

My dear Sir

Thank you for your kind attention. I do not know Mr Bonsay and therefore should not like to call

upon him, and I should hardly have felt justified in writing to you were it not for your very kind

and friendly reception which I met with in London. I of course could not expect or indeed wish

that you as Executor should run any risk and I shall be perfectly satisfied with the release of your

cestui que trusts, of course when the proceeds are paid over a general discharge will be given –

The release from all parties in England should be under seal & stamped and should be executed

by Bonamy as well as his cousins – that in Guernsey had probably better be performed there

Believe me to be


R E Burroughes EsqArthur Hardy

Solr

Norwich

[page 79]

105 Pall Mall

5th August 1849

My dearest Mother.

I fear my letters will contain little but business as I have been in truth so much overworked & out

of spirits that I could write on no other subject. I now seem – anyway pretty clearly. & hope this

will be the last devoted to business – The following is the statement of account to the third

August – £

_____________________________________________________________________________________


Paid Smiths Bill for you£1:7:4By Legacy-–––––– 100

“ Packing ––––––––––––– :4:– “ Claytons rent less

“ Cartage –––––––––––--- 1:5:– property tax ----- 19:18:4

“ Cash to you in Yorkshire 20:–:– “ Townleys rent less

“ “ to your credit at property tax 20:12:7

Commercial Bank of London 117:4:7

£140:–:11d £140:–:11

This is exclusive of the sum I remitted you for the Piano and the Chelsea rent \& Brighton

dividends/ not yet received – I enclose a receipt to me as Executor which please sign and return

to me – I paid in the £117:4:7 to your credit on Friday & you can draw it out as you require it. I

enclose you the form of a letter which you must write and send to Mr Cutbill at once. He will

send you a statement of his your account once in two or 3 months I also enclose you a cheque

book – you will observe on the counter part of the first cheque I have written the amount paid in.

I always subtract the amount of the cheque I draw and carry the balance over the counterpart of

the next cheque so that it always shows how much you have at your credit. The Bideford Bank

will I believe give you cash for your cheques.

[page 80]

when I first oppened your letter at Fullwood I was exceedingly hurt at the reception you had met

with in London your visit there having been suggested by myself, but immediately on opening

Herbert’s letter announcing his fathers death I laid aside all feeling on the subject, making

allowances for the state of over fatigue & anxiety which they all suffered at the time and I much

regret that Cary did not write to Harriet. she has been indeed very ill & I had great fears of her

illness taking a serious form, she is now weak & exhausted and much requires kindly & friendly

feelings to restore the tone of her mind to cheerfulness. I am sure both you & Cary feel with me

that we have need in this world to cultivate all the kindly feelings we can. And if there has been

neglect in a formal announcement you will not allow that to remain on your mind and if I might

suggest what I would myself feel inclined to do, it would be to forget the past \feeling of irritation/

& write one of your own kind letters without alluding in any way to what has gone bye I propose

going over to Guernsey tomorrow & `shall much enjoy the quiet, so please direct Post Office

Guernsey I propose returning in about a fortnight via Torquay but will write to you first – I will

write to Cary in a day or two & shall hope to hear that you are both in good spirits what do you

think of moving to Sidmouth when I come over? let me know with my best love to Cary &

yourself Believe me my dearest mother ever affect Son Arthur Hardy

[page 81]

105 Pall Mall

6th August 1849

My dear Sir

Will you get a draft prepared of a Settlement as proposed by Mr Coote giving the Trustees the

discretion as to the payment of the rents & profits during my life & after my decease as I may

appoint by deed or will with power of revocation & new appointment from time to time – In

_____________________________________________________________________________________


default of sufficient appointment & wife surviving half rents & profits to her for life –

independently of any future husband. remaining half (or wife not surviving the whole) to children

(if any) –On wife’s death realise & divide amongst children if any equally daughters share to be

continued in trust independently of husbands &c. No children – equally amongst my brothers &

sisters & children if either dead to take parents share – Throughout the settlement where

property would come to females I wish it to be in trusts independently of husbands – I wish the

following provisions if practicable or others as near as possible that Power for myself to lease \or

license for Minerals/ all or any portions for any terms & to accept fines as well as rents &

Royalties – Power to Sell – Purchase monies & fines to be reinvested in similar trusts –

Purchaser or Lessee not bound to See to application or affected by notice of non application.

Power to myself to remove trees & afft fresh trees from time to time. Please to have form of

removal & reappmt added to draft – I have no form of Settlemt by me the usual clauses must be

in addition – I shall feel obliged by your sending a copy drt addressed Poste Restante Guernsey

at your early convenience.


Arthur Hardy

E I Wilde Esqq

Mess Wilde Reese & Co

College Hill

City

[page 82]

105 Pall Mall

6 August 1849

My dear Sir

The copy of the will arrived on Thursday Morning & I have proved the will in Canterbury – I shall

be glad to hear from you on the subject of the advance. I have offers to lend me what I may

require upon the property in London but if I take a loan I would prefer taking it from one of your

clients as you know all the titles & I shall be saved the expense of abstract. Will you have the

kindness to send me a copy of the particulars you made of the state of the title and of the

conditions of Sale – I am still anxious to sell if I can obtain the value of the properties but not

otherwise for Lot 2 I will accept 250 Guineas or as much more as you can obtain Lot 3 £250

Lots 4 & 5 £500 each & Lot 6 £275 – but I shall be glad to hear from you the best offers you

can obtain – please address me “Poste restante Guernsey” – letters leaving by Tuesdays post

are delivered there on Thursday after Tuesday & up to Thursday are not delivered until

Saturday I am just leaving town & shall hope to hear from you on Thursday. You do not

mention whether Moohousea & Wrigley paid their rentsYours very truly in haste

C.S. FloydEsq Arthur Hardy

_____________________________________________________________________________________


[page 83]

Guernsey

9 Aug 1849

My dear Bonamy

I hoped to have heard from you last Saturday or Monday & was rather disappointed at not

receiving a letter yesterday but I suppose you are getting Martha’s release prepared & are

waiting to write about it when it is done. I wrote to Mr Burroughes this morning to ask him if it is

being proceeded with for unless it is signed at once it will be impossible to be ready in time for

the wedding Not having heard from you on the subject of the indemnity I presume you are

getting it proposed, will you let me know by return of post whether this is so? In that event send

me a copy of the draft or whether I shall instruct Wilde Rees & Co (who I have consulted on

Settlements) to prepare it & forward you a copy draft, if as I presume you will give it according to

promise or definitively that you decline giving one. All well here Love to Lydia & the children

yours very sincerely

Arthur Hardy

Bony Price

[page 84]

Guernsey

9th Aug 1849

My dear Sir

I have been expecting to hear from Bony that he had given instructions for the release to Martha,

but not having heard I write to request that you will prepare one at once from Bony – Edwd &

Louisa Price & Mr & Mrs Bonsay it should be a general release, under Seal & Stamped, if the

latter do not sign it need not invalidate the other signatures. The release here is being

proceeded with. will you send me a draft by return of post. I feel that I ought not to have been

forced to take this step, but as it is wished that the wedding should take place this month there is

no time to be lost – we are all well here – The ladies desire to be kindly remembered to you, I

have but just time for the post

Believe to be Yours very sincerely

Arthur Hardy

R E Burroughes Esq

Solr

Norwich

[page 85

Guernsey

13th Aug 1849

My dear Aunt

_____________________________________________________________________________________


I thank you for your kind letter & shall be most happy to take charge of your present for Alfred – I

must have expressed myself without sufficient clearness, what I intended to have obtained your

opinion \and approval/ upon was the time of my marriage not on the choice – The time fixed is

earlier than I should have named had I been intending to remain in England but as I feel it

necessary to lose no time before returning I expect to get away in the course of the two following

months & as I wish to spend some time with my mother & my wife together before I go the 30 th

of this month is named – I thank you sincerely for your affectionate consideration about the

Salver; believe me dear Aunt that whether you give it to me now or not I shall as deeply value

the affection I have always experienced from you and, should you ever determine upon giving it

to me that it will be treasured not only as a gift from you but as a family memento

[page 86]

I expect to be in London at the end of this week or the beginning of next and to see Anne

Perkins there when I will unless I hear from you to the contrary give her the two sovereigns from

you. I think I shall have nothing to call me into the North again except to say goodbye to my

friends & present my wife to them, but should I do this I shall take care that the stay is but very

short & that no fatigue shall be sustained in consequence. I am very thankful to say that Harriet

is better, she was alarmingly ill for a few days after poor Johns funeral, and Caroline appears

from the accounts to be better. My mother is pretty well – I have talked of you my dear Aunt to

my intended Martha who altho’ she has not had the pleasure of making your acquaintance

desires to do so & hopes that you will accept her love. Believe me to be Your very affectionate

Nephew

Arthur Hardy

Will you remember me very kindly to Mr Richardson37

[Mary Alder, formerly Mary Hardy, Arthur’s aunt.]

[page 87]

Guernsey

13th Aug 1849

My Dear Uncle

I fear you will think I am sadly neglectful in not having answered your letters before but in truth

whilst I was at Birksgate I was so exceedingly occupied that I had not time to write & I fully

intended to have written to you when I went to the Lakes & to have paid you a visit on my return

to Huddersfield; I was again disappointed in my plans having missed my letters & I saw the

announcement of Mr Taylor’s death first in the papers. I immediately hurried across from Preston

made some few arrangements & went up to town – I must apologise for not attending to the

interest & balance &c before but I have been so pressed for time, will you write me your ideas &

wishes on this subject. I shall be in town the end of this week I hope for a few days , the

marriage being proposed for the end of the month. You are aware that I individually take no part

37

Mr Richarson was the husband of Mary Alder’s sister Ann(e), and was Arthur Hardy’s uncle.

_____________________________________________________________________________________


or share of my fathers personal property, but I begged my mother to select something she

thought acceptable to you & in the hurry of packing it was put up with the other things, but I

doubt not so soon as she unpacks it will be forwarded to you. With best love Believe to be

Your affecte nephew

Arthur Hardy

[Joseph Hardy, Arthur’s uncle.]

[page without number]

Guernsey

15 Aug 1849

My dear Sir

I was in hopes I should have heard from you ere this with copy draft settlement, if however it has

not been despatched before you receive this will you kindly send it to 105 Pall Mall, as I intend

coming over on Friday. I mentioned to you that my intended wife was supposed with her sisters

& brothers to be liable to other members of their family for debts due from their parents. Those

resident in England have consented to release, & as there is at present no claim by them upon

me, I apprehend the release should be to her alone, unless you think it advisable to recite [?] the

intended marriage & release claims that they may have against me in right of my intended wife –

If however you think a single general release from them to her will suffice & I think that

preferable – will you kindly prepare a draft & let me have it at 105 Pall Mall by Friday Evening & I

will call on you on Saturday

[page 88]]

the release should of course be stamped & under Seal – the names of those giving the release

\to my intended wife Martha Price/ are \her brother/ Bonamy Price of Rugby Warwickshire Eng

Edwd Price \curate/ of Lutterworth & Louisa Price two of her cousins and ––– Bonsay of Slough

Solr & ––– his wife, the latter sister of Edwd Price & consequently cousin to Martha Price.

Hoping to receive the draft settlement at the same time

I remain Yours very truly

Arthur Hardy

Chas Wilde Esq

[The two pages of this letter are not listed on the ‘Index of recipients of letters’ found on the

verso of the back cover of the letterbook. The first page has no number. The second page is

numbered 88 which in the letter book is attributed to a non existent letter to Joseph Hardy.]

_____________________________________________________________________________________


[page 89]

Guernsey

15 Aug 1849

My dear Sir

I received yours of 10th itn yesterday the amount offered is not very material but I would prefer

making it the £2000 for the sake of being even money & perhaps when you mention that some

of the amounts will be paid by myself in Adelaide your client may be inclined to make that

advance if he is unwilling the £1750 will do, as the difference in cost in investigating the title in

London would far counterbalance the advantage of the extra £250. I should like farmer [?] to

buy sell \portions/ when opportunity offered paying the purchase money off the advance ac t

having six months notice of payment interest which is equivalent [?] I come over to England on

Friday, & I shall be glad to hear from you on Saturday that this is completed. I am short of paper

so please excuse this ?[. . .] and these [. . .] I think if £1750 only is advanced [. . .]

some interest and I hesitate over the some other [illegible] 4¼


Arthur Hardy

[C.S.Floyd]

[page 90]

105 Pall Mall

22 Aug 1849 -

My dear Sir

I am content to take the £1750 at 4½ per cent & shall be glad to receive the draft from you. I

return you the [. . .] of the title. I leave town again on Monday & if I receive the draft on Saturday

will return it before I leave – I think Mr Roberts had better consent to sales at anything above our

reserve at the Auction, what do you think of this? I should like the option of continuing the loan

for three or Seven years longer should Mr Roberts not give notice that he requires the money

eighteen months before the expiration of the first seven years so as to give me time to remit or

make other arrangements – to this suppose there will be no objection the interest being regularly

paid. I enclose you Mr Sidney Moorhouses bond on what is due £210:16:10 and interest from the

first of August at 5 per cent. On his processing a Bank Bill or paying in that amount at one of the

Branches to my credit at the Commercial Bank of London you can give him the Bond, he

promises to pay it on the 29th or 30th instant

[written crosswise over page 89, scarcely legible ]

Will you let me know if he does so? I have directed Mr Noble to pay you what he collects for me

if Moorhouse does not pay this week I should wish you to apply for the amount from Noble [. . .]

the receipt

Yours faithfully

Arthur Hardy

C.S. Floyd Esq

_____________________________________________________________________________________


[page 91]

Mr Hardy approves of the payment of the Property Tax Income Tax & requests that the balance

and whatever may be received may be paid over to Mr Floyd. Should mr Mr Moorhouse not pay

this week you will hand the receipt for his rent to Mr Floyd. £1 of Wrigleys [?] was the balance of

arrears & the other £4 is on account of the last half years rent due – & it is hoped that the

balance will be paid shortly.

105 Pall Mall

22 Aug 1849

Mr John Noble

Marshalls

Thurstonland

Huddersfield

Yorkshire

[page 92, written 192]

105 Pall Mall

23d Aug 1849

My dearest Mother

I have delayed writing to you yesterday & the day before because I was in doubt whether I

should not have been able to come down to Bideford, but I find that this unpleasant visitation

continues in spite of Dr Powers remedies of which I have taken a good deal – I feel today

decidedly better but not right & Power who has just left says he would strongly recommend me

to be perfectly quiet for a few days & thinks that travelling would be sure to produce a return of it,

this I believe to be correct & must therefore deny myself the pleasure of going to Devonshire on

my way to Guernsey I trust however to see you in about three weeks time. I suppose the

matters on which you wished to consult me are not immediately pressing or you would have

referred to them more particularly& you know I am sure that if they were so, nothing in which I

am interested should prevent my attending to what you want. I shall not leave town until Monday

when I hope to hear that you are pretty well & Cary better. I have received Twidales rent £21

odd & paid it into your account & am to receive the Brighton Railway dividend £42 odd today &

will pay that in also – It is necessary for me to state the place of my birth, it was Saint Mary

Newington was it not? I told you I had Alfreds Portrait, let me know if I shall have it framed?

[page 93]

it is an excellent likeness – My uncle Joseph was in last week & I gave him a dinner at the club,

he wrote me the enclosed letter & I merely told him I should forward it to you – I also enclose a

letter from Mr Owen. I know nothing about it. do you? it seems a large amount please return it

to me. I have nearly completed the heaviest part of my business & shall remain quiet – Wm Ley

talks of going over to Guernsey with me which will be pleasant. Thank Arthur for his letter

_____________________________________________________________________________________


yesterday – I saw William in the evening & will talk to Harriet – with my best love to yourself Cary

& the children Believe me to be my dearest Mother

Yours Ever affectly

Arthur Hardy

[page 94]

Guernsey

29th August 1849

My dear Sir

I have but time to write to you a few lines before the post goes out I called on Mr Heather & paid

him the ground rent. I also called on Bright & told him we could not hear from Church he

offered me £180 to reduce his rent to £20 pr An. I offered to take £200 & do so or take £50 &

reduce it to £32. he will call on you before this day week & say which he would like to do.

Heather promises to send an offer If Bright comes to terms would you sketch out the form of

letter I had better write to him (sending it through Gov [?], so that it with his answer may from a

contract

Yours faithfully

E W James EsqArthur Hardy

[page 95]

Guernsey

31st August 1849

Dear Madam

I should have acknowledged the receipt of your note of 13 th instant sooner but that as I was

proceeding to London I determined to endeavour to see Mr Simpson – I was in town but a few

days & wrote to that gentleman making Ran appointment for the only vacant time I had; but did

not see him & he has since I have returned written to say he did not receive the appointment in

sufficient time. I was also unfortunately detained at home by two or three appointments I made

with Mr Simpson for the purpose at the end of June last – I do not expect to be in England again

for some time & even then I shall be much occupied before I sail – but I shall be happy to write

you the best information in my power on any subject Connected with Australia – I do not myself

reside at Port Lincoln but at Port Adelaide

Mrs DowdneyI remain Dr Madam Yr Obet SertArthur Hardy

10 Montpelier Street

Cheltenham

[page 96]

Guernsey

12th Sept 1849

My dear Sir

_____________________________________________________________________________________


Thank you for your letter of 20th Ult. I do not write the letter to Bright until I know whether he

wishes the £50 or the £200 purchase. Has Mrs Burton yet sent the rent £18 odd? it should be

paid at once. I wish to trouble you with a correspondence the particulars & objects of which I

can best give in a Narrative form. Early in 1847 I at the request of Mr John Pratt Winter of Agher

Summerhill Coy Meath \& acting under his power of attorney/ administered to the estate of his

late Son Benjmn Pratt Winter and wrote to him that there was personal property of about £400 –

shortly after writing this letter I observed in an English paper the death of Mr John Pratt the father

& I waited an explanation of hearing from his representatives – I heard nothing from them – have

wound up the estate & have paid what demands there were upon the estate. The accounts are

all in Adelaide & I dont know what the balance due is exactly , but believe it is something over

£300 – the money is lying in the Bank at Melo Adelaide – I received the other day a copy of a

letter sent by Mr Saml Winter who says he is the personal representative & sole Executor of his

late father – so much for the facts of the case. I have no accounts here & therefore can render

none until my return, but I wish

[page 97]

to pay over to the person entitled so much as I am satisfied is due say £200 or a little more –

now what steps should I take to ascertain that this Mr Saml Winter is the person to give a

discharge and do you think it would be prudent for me to communicate with him direct or through

you? Had they sent me a copy of the account with the copy of the letter I should have had no

difficulty but have sent the balance – I propose leaving this for England next Tuesday so that

letters up to Monday will find me here – & I hope to be in London at the end of this month or

early in October

Believe to be

Yours very Obeintly

Arthur Hardy

EW James Esq

[a few lines of illegible writing at the bottom of the page]

_____________________________________________________________________________________


[Index of recipients of letters]

[on recto of back cover]

Folio Date Name and Address Folio Date Name and

Address

69 1849 July 9 E. W. James Esq

70 “ “ 13 Mrs Buck

71 “ “ 27 John Booth Esq

72 “ “ “ R. E. Burroughes Esq

73 “ “ “ Bony Price

74.5 “ “ 30 “

76 “ “ “ C.S.Floyd

77 “ Aug 2d Bony Price

78 “ “ 3 R. E. Burroughes

79.80 “ “ 5 Mrs Hardy

81 “ “ 6 E.A.Wilde

82 “ “ “ C.S.Floyd

83 “ “ 9 Bony Price

84 “ “ “ R. E. Burroughes

85.6 “ “ 13 Mrs Alder

87.8 “ “ “ Josh Hardy

89 “ “ 15 C.S.Floyd

90 “ “ 22 “

91 “ “ “ John Noble

92.3 “ “ 23 Mrs Hardy

94 “ “ 29 E. W. James Esq

95 “ “ 31 Mrs Dowdney

96.7 “ Sept 12 E. W. James Esq

_____________________________________________________________________________________


PRG 101/2/9

Letter Book of Arthur Hardy, 1st May 1850 to 30th March 1857

[Handwritten on front cover of Letter book]

Herbert Taylor

& S. K. Kingston

& W. D. Cooper

[This letter book is very fragile. The carbon papers are tissue thin, in some cases loose and

impossible to read, or to place in their original position.]

[page 1. This is a letter to Herbert Taylor, the oldest child of Harriet Taylor Mill, Hardy’s older

sister.]]

No 1. ‘Mary Ann’

Off Cape of Good Hope.

1 May 1850

My dear Herbert

We have been off here within a few miles of Port this three days & it is now nearly calm with no

present prospect of our getting a favorable breeze to take us in I therefore commence a letter to

you & will add a postscript when we get in – We got out of Torbay on the afternoon of 23 Feby

with a very light breeze & were in sight of Berry Head the whole of the next day so that I had the

mortification of missing Alfreds letters by overland if there were any or of receiving your letter

saying there were none – We got light winds from the Southward for several days but made a

tolerable passage to Madeira which we were close to on 8 th March but did not touch the Captn

having suddenly changed his mind alledging that he had no copy of his policy & was in doubt

whether the risk would be covered, but as he had talked for some days of stopping it must have

been on account of the time we had lost. We (the passengers) offered to subscribe the expense

the ship would have incurred, but the matter ended by our having a good view of the Island

which appears to be Volcanic & is very steep & bold We got on from there very well & with only

a few days calm crossed the line on Good Friday 29th March from which time until 10th April in

Lat 25.19 S Long 21.32 W we had a remarkably fine S.E. Trade & expected after all to make a

very good passage but we were again doomed to be disappointed for we got very heavy

weather from S.S.E. which lasted four days the ship rolling & pitching tremendously, the Cow

which had quite recovered our first bad weather & had not suffered much from the heat received

I am sorry to say much injury from bruising & rolling about that she died altho’ every thing was

done for her that was possible We made a post mortem

[page 2]

examination & found the viscera all healthy, she died solely from the bad weather. She had a

fine Bullcalf so that her loss to me is far greater than Arch Prelate would have been as the calf

_____________________________________________________________________________________


would have been as valuable as he is. The Doctor kept the calf in spirits – she was insured for

£40 I think but I have not a copy of the particulars of the policies – I fear there will be some

damage to the cargo as we have had very bad weather. I shall as soon as we get in send the

necessary certificate or protest as I may be advised is necessary & forward for you to recover

from the underwriters The Calf is quite strong & wonderfully grown – On 27 March we

exchanged colours with the French barque Jean Jaques homeward bound & asked her to report

us – I will write from time to time for what I may require which I shall be obliged by your sending

in order as written for, always bearing in mind that I wish no order executed until you are in funds

or have bills of lading and also so as not to diminish the balance which I wish you always to

retain in hand sufficient to pay half a years interest to Mr Roberts & half a years rent charge to

your mother & Caroline – In addition to the Diary [?] I wish sent annually as soon as published a

pocket diary containing an almanac – I wish also for the following Carlyle’s latter day

pamphlets38 with the exception of the first which I have Dickens39 new work to be published in

March in Weekly numbers at 2d – Macaulys40 history as many vols’ as are published & the

remainder as they come out & his Lays of Ancient Rome – Bohn’s Illustrated Library – J Weales

Rudimentary Dictionary of terms 1849 50 from 59 High Holborn a work on the Bankrupt Law

consolidation of 1849 by Brown & Ogbourne reviewed in Westminster for Jany p 419 Comic

Blackstone & History of England

[page 3]

History of England both Illustrated Chambers information for the poeple last edition. Slaters

shilling series from 252 Strand & his shilling edition of Miss Bremers works41 – I wish also you

would ascertain & let me know the price of the Brass Orrery, illustrating the planetary system

they are I should think about two feet in diameter & I should like when I can afford it to present

one to our Mechanic’s Institute – I want also two tins of lemon biscuits (plain) and two tins of

rusks – four quarter cwts of freezing mixture & one £10.10 freezing machine (the discot they

allow is 20 pr ct) Also 24 2lb tins of preserved Salmon – I doz bottles of Anchovies not Anchovy

sauce) 1 doz pot Anchovy paste 2 doz pints Oysters & 6 tins Red Herrings containing each 24

– I reckon by the time you receive this letter you will have in round numbers – £50 left by me

£24 arrears of rent Wrigley & Moorhouse about £80 rents due in June & £40 Insurance on Cow

to get about £194 besides proceeds of last years wool against which from what I see of Alfreds

accounts he ought not to have drawn – & you will have had to pay interest £39.7.6 rent charge

£30 in May Barton £35:18: & Carberry [?] £71.15.6 & Guernsey Wardrobe &c £34.18:– about

£211:19: – So that whether Alfred is drawn or not you should have a balance, do not however

should such be the case remit until you hear from me from Adelaide – I think it unlikely Alfred will

have remitted money as I wrote to him last June to discontinue I enclose you a 1/6d Bill stamp

which I did not use my servant having left me at Torbay. I have not with me copy of acc t currt

38

Thomas Carlyle (1795-1881), Scottish philosopher, historian and essayist. The Latter-Day Pamphlets, published in

1850, denounced what he saw as the imbecilities and injustices of the period. 39

Charles Dickens (1812-1870), English writer, social critic and novelist. Hardy may refer to David Copperfield. 40

Thomas Babington Macaulay (1800-1859), English Whig politician, essayist, poet and historian, best known for his

History of England, 5 vols., (1849-1861) and his Lays of Ancient Rome. 41 Fredrika Bremer (1801-1865), Swedish writer and feminist activist.

_____________________________________________________________________________________


with your firm from Octr 1848 to March 1849 containing proceeds of Wool & Mendell [?] Bill &

charges will you send me this?

[Here follow a number of pages where the writing is so faint as to be indecipherable. There are

no page numbers. The pages are loose and some are missing so that it is impossible to be sure

that they are in the right order. Visible dates suggest that they come later in the series..The next

numbered pages begin at page 19.]

[page 19]

No 10 pr Hydaspes –

Adelaide

17 Janry 1851

dep pr Calder to Calcutta via Marseilles.

My dear Herbert

My last No 9 was per Benjn Elkin & as I am short of time I have asked Martha to make extracts

from it on the other side – I have only time to acknowledge receipt yesterday

of yours of 2nd Septr pr Raleigh with its welcome enclosures We had also same day letters to

16th Octr pr Duke of Wellington announcing the death of poor Marmaduke, the [. . .] \from

Caroline/ last brought no particulars – you will be in funds I hope per Hydaspes which takes this

on my account but for fear of the contrary I enclose you a \Bill of [. . .]/ Bill for £50 at 30 days

We are in the midst of moving to Birksgate poor Marmaduke his death has much shocked us

altho’ I was prepared to hear of it at any time he was the best of his family Martha desires her

love to all in which I join She will be wanting some finery in a month or twos time I will write to

her sister Louisa who will [. . .] for £10 probably – You will see by the enclosed the Bank insure

£440 for the future please insure at £17 pr bale [?] – If Moorhouse remembers [?] the [. . .] [. . .]

will give £300 for the [. . .] for coal [?] Floyd knows about this Jno Noble – via India is not a good

opportunity for letters from

[written diagonally across the page]

England – a vessel from here is sure to catch a Steamer at the furthest at a months [remainder

unreadable]

[page 20]

No 11 pr Prince Regent to Callao via [. . .] and [. . .]

Adelaide [. . .]

April 1851

My dear Herbert

My last to you was No 10 pr Hydaspes & shipped via Marseilles of 17th Janry since when I have

not heard from you & I write now principally to try whether the present is a good opportunity –

_____________________________________________________________________________________


Miss Price42 was married the week before last to Mr White & they sail pr Royal Shepherdess the

end of this month – yesterday we had the Osceola from London 26th Dec but no letters from you

I observe however that the [. . .] Mails of 22d [?] Septr by which I wrote you are arrived. I hope

the Hydaspes will be to hand when you receive this with the wool which I expect will arrive to a

good market & will with the £50 bill also the [. . .] draft on Ravenshaws place you in funds for me

to say nothing of Yorkshire Bankers which I hope have not been affected – I will give you a

further list of commissions to be executed when you are in funds the first without delay viz 12

dozen pints good Stout – Guiness – Grants [?] if any – Anything Cooper can recommend on

Chancery [. . . . . .] it is a subject I wish to take up here – Can you provide [?] for me the present

code of New York by which [. . .] any abolished altogether with a book of practice [?] if the [. . .]

[page 21]

Court there under the present system. I should like to do some good in my day & this appears

the most feasible direction for me to make the attempt – Will you send me the Exhibition

Catalogue & any papers containing some illustrations of it – I have had the last two months

papers from the Club but not yours – those sent by agents bags are opened on the journey &

must be [. . .] they come so irregularly – there is nothing like the post altho’ it is rather cleaner [?]

will you send me a repetition [?] of Lemans Crescents [?] & also two boxes of “tops & bottoms”

tell them to pack them in tin boxes with common Locks which are very useful for keeping thins in

afterwards from [. . .] Martha want from Pollards 4 dozen oblong glass dishes such as they

charged us 9/- for & two one quart Jelly moulds for which they charged us 1/9d – I shall also be

glad of another ton of Bass pale ale will you get me 1 doz labels for Bins in Wine cellars earthen

ware – with Port Sherry & Madeira as on the [. . .] I shall be writing shortly for some Marsala,

that which I brought out has turned out very well as has the Port not so the Sherry or Madeira

the latter was too tart I have got into my new house at last & am much more comfortable – Mr

Wilde was to hand you a small [. . .] from Mr Sale & I sent you a draft on Ravenshaw of which I

will enclose a copy – I have not yet [. . .] what you [. . .] on the [. . .] on the wool [. . .]

[page 22]

Alfred [the remainder of this line is indecipherable] from which we are glad to [the remainder of

this line is indecipherable] am at work from six oclock in the morning looking after the men at

work about the place & at the office in town all day so that I rarely feel much inclination to write

of an evening – I hope you will see the Whites when they arrive & they will give you a better

description of Birksgate43 that I can from here I [. . .] if this harvest from [. . .] Martha unites in

love to yours [the remainder of this line is indecipherable] in Devonshire with yours

affectionately

Arthur Hardy

42 Martha Hardy’s sister, Henrietta.

43 The house Hardy had built at Glen Osmond in Adelaide.

_____________________________________________________________________________________


[page 23]

No 12 pr Osceola to Bombay via Marseilles

Birksgate Nr Adelaide

4 May 1851

My dear Herbert

My last No 11 was on 7 April pr Prince Regent to Callao since when I received yours pr Florentia

& desp overland of 20 Novr on 28th April – with regard to Fox’s claim for 12/- I believe you have

his bill – I was not aware that I had the glasses from him I thought they had been from Deane’s

but if he supplied them & they are not charged please pay him – I much regret that you should

have been in advance for the rent charges & interest but trust this will not occur again & that

there will be less arrears of rents if the property has not sold but which I should greatly prefer – I

am glad to see the general objection on the Popery question, the legitimate point to take a stand

on appears to be such intervention as the Pope or his clergy made on the Irish Colleges

question I would sanction no sort of intollerance, but I would equally not stand any interference

by a foreign state or its emissaries to the spread of education & thereby enlightenment – We

have no news here but look anxiously for steam Communication – We have papers but no

letters via Bombay thence to Calcutta & Galle to 4th Feby which contain advertisements of a new

Company – We had when I arrived an immense number of bubble Mining companies these

have all

[page 24 missing]

[page 25]

No 13 pr Rebecca Jane to Singapore

Adelaide

26 May 1851

My dear Herbert

I wrote you last on 4th inst pr Osceola via Bombay She has however been detained& has not yet

sailed – I enclose dup rect for Alfreds rent charge – The Whites sailed on the 14th & after getting

halfway to Cape Lewin with a fair wind she sprang a leak made 3 feet water an hour & put back

they landed the day before yesterday – she must delay & will probably be detained two months

– it is not improbable that they will turn over their luggage to the Vessel which takes this &

proceed via Singapore & Overland – will you drop a line to Mrs Grenfell to say they are all well –

Will you tell Fox that the furniture I brought out with me was admirably packed while that sent by

the Raleigh & the Florentia was most carelessly and improperly packed – the battens across the

inside of the cases to prevent the goods from shifting were in the first packages carefully

secured with screws from the outside whilst those by the Raleigh & the last case were supposed

to be secured by nails I say supposed for in the Florentias case the nails were not driven into the

cross piece at all this was gross carelessness of the packer & the consequence was that the

back of

_____________________________________________________________________________________


[page 26]

is broken across & will cost at least three pounds here to put it in order as it will require a new

back – this makes it come as a very expensive chair costing as it did when landed with freight

&c upwards of £12 – the case containing the armchairs pr Raleigh was similarly ill packed & one

of the Chairs Broken costing upwards of £1 to repair & others scratched &c – Will you tell him

what I say & that I think he ought to make some compensation & that it is impossible I can order

other goods from him with confidence if more care is not taken in packing I have some persons

in lately for the purchase of my station runs and sheep if I can get my price I shall sell but it is

uncertain whether I shall deliver until after shearing – I will however advise you in good time if

insurance is required – I wrote very fully to Mr Irvine of the Great Britain Office (the one in which

Dr Power is interested) soon after my arrival – the – the letters are home but I have heard

nothing from them – I shall feel obliged if you will ascertain from Power whether they have

actually sent powers to me & if not, I would rather have no further connection with them – In that

case I think that the Church of England Office to whom Mr Cutbill

[page 27]

introduced me (wishing to change their agent as I believe) might be worth enquiring about – if

therefore nothing has been done with Powers office would you ask Mr Cutbill whether he would

oblige me by ascertaining whether the Church of England is making any changes? I have my

club papers regularly whilst I have none from you of December or January nor the Reviews I

hope ere this you have had them posted as issued or if not that you will do so – We know that in

many of the Uniform rates ships the agents bag is opened every Sunday morning & the

newspapers read by the passengers & some of these are collected & put back on the Sunday

evenings – My last from you was of the 23d Inst We have direct ships to 24th Janry & letters pr

Steamer from Cape from 17 Feby but it is quite a Chance if a vessel may be coming on from the

Cape here All well Yours very affectionately

Arthur Hardy

I sent eight shell parrotts (Budgerry Gars) by the Whites in hopes a pair at least would reach

alive for your mother – if however they proceed by the Royal Sheperdess I fear there is little

chance of their living as she will now go round Cape Horn –

[next is an unnumbered blank page]

[page 28]

No 14 pr Royal Shepherdess

Adelaide

27 July 1851

My dear Herbert Arrived [written across in ink]

My last No 13 of 26th May pr Rebecca Jane to Singapore since when I have received yours of 7 th

& 24 Jany on 21 June & I am much obliged for the accounts enclosed – My letters of 3d Jany, &

4th May requested you to procure from Ar Ley or Floyd the necessary legacy receipts for Alfred &

_____________________________________________________________________________________


myself or information if a power of Attorney is required & I expect shortly to hear from you on

that subject – I expect also to hear that you you are in funds for some of my commissions from

the Bank of Australasias draft I remitted & the Bill on Ravenshaw & proceeds of Woolmer draft

In executing the commissions in letter of 1 May 1850 you did not send Dickens 2d which is I

presume Household Words I should like to have them not Fashions Illustrated I find great labor

in wading thro’ the Times as they come to hand a month at a time – there is a condensed edition

of the leading articles of the Times, I forget the name would you ask Poulter at the club whether

he could send me that instead of the Times? I find all the gossip in the Observer & Illustrated –

The other orders not yet executed are in my letters of 15 July, 50 – 24 Septr 7 Nov – 7 April & 4th

May – When will Macauly publish 3 & 4 Vols? I hope you will lose no time in sending them to

me

[page 29]

I enclose you another small draft on Raveshaw with letter of advice Hy Prices draft on Mr Sale

for £33:6:8 with letter of advice which please collect & place the proceeds of both when received

to my credit – I had a letter from Caroline of 23 Feby on 17th inst in which she gives a very

satisfactory acct of my mothers recovery – by the bye did my letters from Torquay the Cape &

here to your mother arrive I have not heard from her or what she is doing since I left – All the

ships at this time of the year are making long passages out – Caroline appears to be very

unfortunate having broken the small bone of her leg last November – her accounts of Edwards

wife are very distressing – We have nothing very new here our Elections are just over & are

unsatisfactory as the \opposition to the/ Grant in aid of Religion has brought in many men who

are otherwise very unfit – I was asked by one or two constituencies to stand but declined

offering myself altho’ I said I would serve if elected but that I would not ask for a Vote – the

negotiation for the fr Sale of the sheep has gone off I will however advise you in good time as to

their worth [. . .] to all

Yours [. . .] affectly

Arthur Hardy

[page 30]

[added in pencil] Arrived

Netta Whites Letters

13/16/2/52

No 15 pr Ballengeich to Calcutta via Marseilles

Adelaide

13 Octr 1851

My dear Herbert

My last to you was on 27th July since when I received yours of 6 May on 1 Septr 21st May on 6

Septr & 19th April Overland on 6 October your letter to be despatched in Feby showing what

was coming to Alfred is not yet to hand – The day before yesterday Martha presented me with a

son – Please put the following notice in the Times Observer Spectator & Examiner – On 11th

October at Birksgate “near Adelaide South Australia the wife of Arthur Hardy Esq of a Son” –

Please open a policy on 70 bales Port Lincoln to Adelaide \by ship or ships/ at £17 pr bale I will

_____________________________________________________________________________________


write you as soon as I know the name of the vessels & also as to Insurance to London – I hope

you will have succeeded in effecting sales in Yorkshire & have sent out information of what

documents are required for the Birksgate legacies in May next – I have never received a line

from your mother but presume the letters I sent from Torbay the Cape & this place have arrived

– I shall write to her soon but at present have a great many letters to write for Martha & the Mail

closes today Martha unites with me in best wishes for her health & happiness & with the same

to yourself [. . .] [. . .] [. . .] yours Ever affectly

PS Please post the enclosed –

Arthur Hardy

[page 31]

No 16 Pr Reliance to Bombay via Marseilles

Adelaide 7 Dec 1851

My dear Herbert

My last No 15 was on 13 Oct since when I have received yours 7 July on 3d Novr 19July on 31

Octr & 5 Aug on 27 Novr – the goods pr Lady Flora have arrived but you appear to have forgotten

the order of 24th Septr /30 its receipt was acknowledged in yours of 7 Jany Yours of 5 Augt

enclosed statement shewing £18:13:7 due to Alfred This I have paid him & enclose receipt &

also receipt for rent charge paid 3 Novr –In your letter of 7 Jany you say a distribution will be

made in Feby no account has come to hand please let me know if there was any division then

that I may pay Alfred his share – I am anxious to hear if you have heard anything about the

Great Britain Office from Mr Irving or Dr Power – I cannot help thinking there has been some

underhand work thro’ Morphetts who are known to some of the Great Britain people – they are

losing a good business & at all events as a matter of business & courtesy ought to have

answered my letters – Will you enquire of Power? – I have written to Delmar & Wynne they

wanted a power signed by Fooks brother in law but whenever he came he was quite unfit to sign

anything – generally wandering sometimes half drunk I have now seen him cool & collected &

he refused to sign – The wool is beginning to come up & it will be shipped in the Benjamin Elkin

for London it is in very good condition 11 bales are up & the rest is expected by the “Bandicoot”

and “Emu” both good vessels – I expect 60 bales I shall draw £12 pr bale so the Bank will

ensure £12:12:- please make up Insurance to £17 pr bale from Adelaide you will have ensured

at £17 Port Lincoln to Adelaide in pursuance of my last letter – this wool will I think

[page 32]

come to a very good market as the wonderful discoveries of gold in Port Phillip have absorbed

an immense quantity of labour & they will not be able to wash & their shearing will be late in

addition to which the ships I am told have lost all their crews – so that if we are in time for the

May sales we shall do well this year – I ought to have received the necessary documents or

information by this for the Birksgate legacies due next May it is of more consequence to Alfred

than myself – Mr & Mrs Saml White went from here to Callao & intended staying in New York until

Novr it will be curious if you should have returned with them. I should like you to see them &

give him & his father a dinner at the Reform & let me pay the cost will you do this? Please send

_____________________________________________________________________________________


10 lbs Tartc Acid in Christals & 10lbs cream of Tartar each in 1lb bottles – Also one of Barlows

Syphon taps – I will write for some more Rhine Wine from our friend Corneilly’s – from a rough

calculation of what I have remitted since first of Jany you ought after charging goods pr Lady

Flora to have about £180 to my credit I shall be glad of the Massalla & Bass ale as also the

Stout &c ordered in my letter of 7 April via Callao & which is now very much wanted – All well

here. Martha unites in best love to all & Believe to be

Yours Ever affectly

Arthur Hardy

[page 33]

P.S. per Reliance 15th Decr 1851 –

We have up & in course of Shipping 36 Bales pr Benjn Elkin & I only hear of 12 more bales

coming forward. it is much less than I expected but have received no advice of the reason – We

have the goods pr Lady Flora all in good condition except the Olives which were badly packed &

most of them had the corks out & are utterly spoilt – there were two bottles short in the assorted

fruits not broken but short as I saw the case opened myself – we also found only 11 instead of

12 bott Chili Vinegar 4 instead of 6 bott Mustard & 7 instead of 14 packages gelatine we have

not however opened the tin case of Maccaroni & some may be in that – Please send 2 doz

quarts Salad oil 14 lbs White Coral Soap 24 cakes Honey soap 2 lbs Brown Windsor Soap – 1

doz ½ lb bott best Mustard 3 small bott Cayenne repetition of gelatine 2 doz small bottles

Anchovies & ½ doz Anchovy paste 4 bott essence of Anchovies 2 doz Sardines & Knife – 108

lbs candles as last – 12 lbs better candles White transparent long fours ½ doz Capers 1 doz

Olives French & good 12 tins herrings 24 \3 doz/ tins 2lb Salmon – 6 lbs Parmesan Cheese 1

small bott Essence of Vanilla 1 stick Vanilla 2 doz fruits as follows 6 BC Currants 4 Damson 6

Gooseberries 2 Rhubarb 2 Cherries & Currants – and from Lemans 2 tins each of rusks

Biscuits & tops & Bottoms – 10 Quires Queens Note paper & sufficient envelopes for same

paper & envelopes to have the Crest on – All well

[page 34]

Engl pr Benjamin Elkin [. . .] pr Pacific & Calentha

Adelaide 12 Jany 1852

My dear Herbert

I on New years day received your firms letter of 9th Septr with its enclosures – I wrote you last on

15 Decr per Reliance – I now enclose you dup receipts from Alfred for my fathers estate & rent

charge due in Novr last – I also enclose a letter to your mother whose address I do not know

which please forward – I have already shipped 34 Bales wool pr Benjamin Elkin & on 2d instt

drew on you at 60 days against Bill of Lading for £425 I have since shipped 15 bales more by

same vessel against which I shall draw at the same rate £187:10: – being at the rate the last

settled but I fully expect this will come to a better market as the wool from Port Phillip will be

short in quantity & inferior in quality & mine is far cleaner than last year or there would have

been at least 12 bales more of it – The Bank have insured £468 against the first parcel & will

insure a similar advance on the second please make up the Insurance to £17 a bale I took your

_____________________________________________________________________________________


account dates [?] pr Hydaspes to them & complained that the Bank charged insurance at 45s

whilst your charge was only 40s they say the Bank has always returned 5 pr ct on the 45s & 10

pr Ct on the balance making the net 38/6 pr c how is this? if their statement is correct there

should have been a considerable sum from time to time for this rebate carried to my credit – if

this is so should not your underwrting do the same? I have sold the greater part of my sheep

one parcel to a man named Hopkinson who had recd a letter from the Revd Hy Ward of Nhill

stating that he held about £500 for him & asking how it should be remitted & accompanied his

letter with a remittance of £50 on account – letters were

[page 35]

written to Mr Ward last October 12 months & last February requesting him to remit thro’ the

Union Bank of Australia but no advice of it has yet appeared. I have an order to receive it

should it be remitted but for fear of any mistake Hopkinson has drawn in my favor for £450

accompanying the draft by a letter from Mr Price in whose employ he has been & I enclose you

first of draft & letter for collection – if Mr Ward has remitted he will of course refuse to accept or

pay in which case do not incure the expense of protests – if the Bill is wholly or partially paid

remit to me thro’ the Bank of Australasia – If you are in funds from the Birksgate £100 rents or

enclosed bill send a quarter cask each of Sherry & Madeira & two of Port the same quality as the

lowest price I brought out & which has turned out the best – Will you order from Mr Conneilly of [.

. .] 20 doz Marslain [?] same price & quality as I had in 1849 I think 14/ or 16/- pr dozen – Please

order from Carberry one green mixed tweed shooting coat charged in his bill £2:16:6 & one

waistcoat of the same charge £1:- & let him repeat the order in Decr next I want the same Style

of coat for the Winter here but with a [. . .] pocket The competitors goods are up with the

exception of the beer Pellales [?] packed the glass dishes very carelessly one was broken &

the set is spoilt – We are in a state of great depression here caused by the wonderful gold

discoveries in Melbourne – Steam communication will be one result – I anticipate great distress

for about twelve months when I hope we shall get right again – all well Love to all yours ever

[?]Arthur Hardy

[page 36]

pr Glen Huntley to Java & Overland

Adelaide 11th August 1852

My dear Herbert

I recd on 14th July yours of yours of 25th Feby enclosing sundry accounts – There is an item in

the F Ward [?] papers pr I Hewitt [?] £1:11:3 & another in y next 6 Sept charges re

Richardson £1:11:3 both at my debit neither of which I can trace. In your letter of 6 th Sept/51

you say you have debited me £3:13:8 re Richardson but this amount does not appear to my

debit in the next Nor does the amount of £15:3:9 for Marsalla pr Sophia Moffatt on 18th Octr

appear to my debit please look into these claims & if errors or omissions correct them – I had

given an order on you for the specimens of gold ore from the Victoria Mine but it appears to

have been lost & I have accordingly [?] issued another order in [. . .] which will no doubt be

_____________________________________________________________________________________


presented to you That letter did not state whether you have made any further division out of the

balance of £201:3:2 in my fathers estate & I was therefore unable to pay

Alfred his proportion in future please make a point of advising on this subject Jons [?] account

with me shows two receipts from Firth but does not contain copy of his acct showing particulars

of rects payments & arrears please forward these from time to time as my accounts are kept

unbalanced until I have them From the rects pr Chusan Steamer via Melbourne I expect my

last years wool will realise considerably over the drafts against it & as the unrecorded [?] orders

will probably amount to £60 or £70 I have upwards of £100 to my credit in London to which

extent or part of which I shall probably send orders on you having some small amounts to remit

– I recd yours of 15th March pr Hy Tanner on 17 Ulto & yours of 23d April pr Coromandel in

[page 37]

Melbourne yesterday – in pursuance of your letter of 15th March I had prepared powers of

Attorney from Alfred to you for the Birksgate Legacy but to our astonishment the day before

yesterday arrived Legacy duty rects & remittances for both Alfred & myself pr Chusan Steamer

thro’ the Bank of Australasia but no letter; we signed the rects & obtained the money & I

supposed until your letter received yesterday that you had forwarded these amounts & that I

should hear from you pr Australian now overdue You state there are Januay dates in London I

am surprised that neither of mine of 7th or 15th Dec or 2d Jany all overland had not arrived – I

however expect that they & the arrival of the Benjamin Elkin will be acknowledged p r Australian

as also the result of Hopkinsons [. . .] on Ward for £500 – I will forward pr first Steamer origl rec

rent charge to 3 May 1852 & rects for £21:18:1 £19:19:1 to 10 th Feby /51 & 27 April respectively

from Alfred – We have been tolerably easy for labor these last three months but in another

month there will not a man to be hired in the place – I am however of the opinion that this

Season will be the last for the Diggers but from all accounts the gold will be produced in as large

if not larger quantities for a series of years but this must be by combination of Capital &

Machinery & then will be the time to obtain a fair Royalty for further improvements as Railways

&c & Emigration under present circumstances it would be impossible to collect a Royalty – I do

not doubt that the extraordinary accounts from these colonies will produce an enormous

emigration & that we shall have labor very

[page 38]

very low within eighteen months time & then for twelve months flour & other necessaries will be

high after which will be the time for me to work my silver mine – I am trying to buy a little gold to

ship to you for a spec & shall probably ship a few hundred to a thousand ounces which I shall

insure thro’ the Banks open policy & discount at £3:15: I finding the extra cost & discount here

the charges however on your note must be very moderate to leave a profit Please send me the

following [. . .] Pickering 2/6 Brays [. . .] 21/ [. . .] less disct – One [. . .] cleaning machine 6

holes one for Carver 12 whalebone long handled Brushes such as they sweep the crossings

with or one home for Stable use four moderate strand [?] open rope mats one chest really

good black tea one bag Mocha Coffee 12 doz pints Guiness Stout a small Keg of [. . .] 6 Mop

heads & (two sweeping \called Hair Brooms/ brushes) but without strips to either 2 hand

sweeping Brushes 2 carpet Brooms 2 black lead brushes 4 Scrubbing Brushes 2 plate Brushes

_____________________________________________________________________________________


4 boxes rouge plate powder 1 skin wash leather for plate 3 chamois skins for carriage 2 sets

horse nets against flies including Neck & ear pieces these are for saddle & one set for gig – &

one set shoe brushes All well Martha unites in best love to all with your [. . .] Arthur

Hardy

[page 39]

Pr Chusan Steamer via Marseilles

Adelaide

6 Septr 1852

My dear Herbert

I last wrote to you on 11th Augt pr Glen Huntley to Java Since then I have received yours of 2d

June pr Australian on 30th she having met with detention from her crew mutinying at every Port

she stopped at & from her supplies of coal having been deficient at her first stopping place – The

Chusan \P & O Steamer/ was expected to call for a mail to Singapore & I write you a few lines I

will send you a line by each steamer if only to say all well & shall be glad to receive the same

from you – I will make a copy of mine of 11th Augt on this as there are some things I require sent

out – Please also send 10 or 12 lbs of really genuine Arrow Root in small packages for our boy –

he was very ill a week ago caused by teething but is now better he is just a week of eleven

months old & has not yet a single tooth is he not lazy? Will you also procure & send me covers

to bind up the Illustrated News in? & also some back numbers – I will insert a list of the Nos of

the Volumes I have & also of the missing numbers. If the Punch Office issues covers for the

Volumes I will be glad to have them also & will send the numbers – I wish now that we have

Steamers to stop the Times If I can get the evening paper which gives the contents of the

Morning papers will you ask at the Club By the Australian I recd a letter from Bolton Merriman

& [. . .] of Austin [. . .] acknowledging their receipt – I will send you Alfreds receipts by the

Australian St expected here on 25th inst The prospects of wool season good indeed – I shall be

glad to receive Marthas [?] money but your last has made me easy on that subject – I do not

know when the Great Britain Office may have written I have never received even an

acknowledgment of my letters Gold has been discovered [remainder indecipherable]

[page 40 no handwritten page number]

pr Australian

Adelaide 28th Septr 1852

My dear Herbert

This vessel was due here on 25th but we heard she would not be here until 1 Octr & as I am

without clerks & worked off my legs I postponed writing but just as I got home this evening Alfred

saw the Steamer coming in & I suppose she will be off tomorrow & as I shall be in Court all day I

write a line to say all well I draw upon you at 60 days favor A H Dendy for £53:5:3 & Martha has

told her sister to apply to you for £23 for some things required –this will not absorb my balance

but is all I should draw – I have no news from you since 2d June unless the Australian may have

letters by the P & O Formosa to Melbourne direct I enclose a letter for your mother as I am not

_____________________________________________________________________________________


sure the address is right – I enclose rects from Alfred for rent charge to 3 May 1852 & to my

fathers Excrs £21:18:1 to 10 Feby 1851 & £19:19:1 to 27 April 1852 I sent some orders pr Glen

Huntley & pr Chusan Steamer which you will execute when in funds. I have not yet succeeded in

purchasing gold but still intend doing so – Should you be short of funds for me by any

miscalculation of mine or failure of payments to you, postpone the payment of the £23 to Miss

Price until you are in funds When you are -will copy my order pr Chusan but I doubt being able

to do so all well – believe to be yours ever

Arthur Hardy


2d Octr I have just purchased Ozs of gold which I send you by this steamer & draw on you

66/- pr oz at 30 ds agst it I wanted to send £200 to £300 to you to pay away [?] for me & thought

it better to buy to the extent the Bank will advance so as to insure the shipment & commission

to you I have paid 71s/6 for it & this with the discount on the draft 7 pr ct will leave but a shade of

profit on the transaction for me – You will be able to ascertain the usual commission charged in

London – In the accnt sales the Bank have recd here it is ⅛th per cent & much more would entail

a loss Let me know whether it answers your purpose & receive gold on Commission Enclosed

in the package is a bag of small parcels containing Nuggetts for your Mother my mother Mrs

Grenfell & my Aunt Alder which please forward except that to my Aunt which do not forward

unless I am able to enclose a letter to her in this if I have not time I will send by next merchant –

I have not time to


advise you what I wish done with the proceeds but will do so by next opportunity I have ensured

at £4 pr oz thro’ the Banks open policy & they will no doubt allow you a rebate on the prem if the

gold arrives safely – Please ensure 17 bales wool Port Lincoln to Adelaide \at £17 pr bale/ ship

or ships but not from Adelaide without further advice I shall forward my Aunt Alders letter to you

to send her with the nuggett parcel all well no news since 2d June

Yr Evr

Arthur Hardy

[on verso of page crosswise in pencil]

Not sent replaced by letter of 4th October

[page 43 handwritten page no. 40, previous letter not having been sent]

Pr Australian Steamer

Adelaide 4th Octr 1852

My dear Herbert

I last wrote to you pr Chusan Steamer via Marseilles on 6th Sepr since when I have not heard

from you – I have purchased a small lot of gold dust which I send to you by this Steamer – there

is 563 oz 2d by the buying [?] weight but it will probably weigh a trifle heavier when weighed in

_____________________________________________________________________________________


one lot by the Captn for Bill of Lading it is marked A11 & will be delivered into the Bullion office

in the Bank of England. There is also in the package a parcel containing small parcels of

Nuggetts for your mother for my mother (2) Mrs Grenfell & Aunt Alder please forward these as

directed with the enclosed letters – the weight of these is estimated at 8 or 10 oz The gold is

shipped by the Bank of Australasia thro’ whom I draw on 19:19:1you at 30 ds for £1850 & I have

found the odd £3 to £400 here – it has cost 71s/6 an oz with 7 pr ct disct on the Bills & will

therefore leave but a shade of profit on the Bills transaction especially as I could buy Bank drafts

here at 4½ disct but I have done it to see if it answered your purposes. The freight will be 6s½ I

believe & the Insurance & other charges at your side about 2 pr ct on £4 an oz or 1/7½. this is

judging from the account sales the Bank has received where the Commission is charged 1/8 [. .

.] pr ct & I which I believe is the usual commission on gold dust – Let me know whether this

transaction answers your purpose The Bank have insured £4 an oz on 570 oz thro’ their open

policy & they will no doubt allow a rebate on the premm if the gold arrives safely – Please insure

17 bales of wool at £17 a bale Port Lincoln to Adelaide by ship or ships but not on without further

advice [?]

[page 44 handwritten page no. 41

I have drawn on you at 60 ds on 25 Ulto favor N A Dendy for £53:5:3 – Also this day at 7 ds favor

J B White for £16:8:9 & Miss Price will apply to you for £23 for some things for Martha I shall not

draw on you for the balance pf the gold until I receive rect sales of last years wool when I shall

draw £200 or £300 according as my balance appears likely to be – I expect the gold to net betn

£350 to £400 I enclose letter for your mother as I am not quite sure of her address which

please forward to her. I have also enclosed letters to my mother & aunt to accompany their

nuggetts – I also enclose rects from Alfred for rent charge to 3d May 1852 & to my fathers Exors

£21:18:1 to 10 Feby /51 & £19:19:1 to 27 April /52 – with the first order you send me please

send a couple of reams of foreign post paper some Indian Sealing wax 2 or 3 lb & about 30

gross of best wine corks – none of the trash my uncle Joseph [?] sent out here – Get them from

someeone you can depend upon – All pretty well here – but I am without clerk or servants &

therfore much pressed in my correspondence but this state of things will soon rectify itselfYours

ever affectly

Arthur Hardy

[page 45 no handwritten number]

Pr Formosa via Marseilles

Adelaide 8th Novr 1852

My dear Herbert

I last wrote to you pr Australian S direct on 4th Octr & take advantage of a few minutes leisure to

write for the Formosa expected to call here this week. Since my last I have yours of 26 th June pr

Bank of Australasia on 15 Octr & yours of 31 July pr Sydney on 4th inst. the Steamer having

made the magnificent passage of 90 days – I have received by her the usual files of papers but

not the Quarterly or Westminster I hope these have been despatched as I wish to see our

Australia referred to in a letter from your mother The China has not yet arrived. I observe

_____________________________________________________________________________________


however by the Invoice of her shipment that you have sent one cask of Port and two of Marsalla

instead of two of Port & one of Madeira as ordered, you must think my consumption of Marsalla

great having sent me a pipe not twelve months before – I did not order any sparkling Hock but it

will do for a sample – you have also omitted to send the repetition of Gelatine from Ballys & 12lb

long fours White transparent candles – the former is the only article Martha cannot obtain here

please send 2 dozen Cox’s Gelatine 1/6d packages – Please also send from Cottam & Hallens,

2 wire dish covers, wire round the side but closed at top don’t forget this direction the wire over

the top are useless – two 1 ft 9 x 1 ft 4 and two 1 ft 6 x 1 ft 1 = Please also send 1 ton Bass ale

but in 6 barrells not in 4 hogsheads as I cannot get these latter into my cellar – I am now working

my Quarries extensively & I want you to forward to me without delay the following plant


for a tramway 12 tons of rails at 40 lbs to the yard which will give 336 running yards of way & will

I anticipate cost £6 to £7 free on board possibly Lpool may be cheapest Port to ship from but of

this you will judge. it is for a horse draught only & I am told that of if laid on wooden sleepers

three feet apart no chains will be required – this I leave to the person who executes the order &

they must be sent if considered advisable. Send sufficient spikes to secure the rails twice over

as I shall shift it a good deal – Also send two stone wagons complete to tip up at the end & with

wheels &c fillets [. . .] for the rails the waggons must have coupling hooks \I think they are called/

to drag them with – at each end The waggons may be taken to pieces if freight will be saved –

they must be calculated to carry four tons weight at least; also 100 yards of chain sufficiently

strong to take the waggons up an incline one going up & the other descending – Send also 2

pairs of extra wheels for loam waggons – also 100 extra linch pins – also 2 sets of points to

shunt. I will send a sketch of the line on the other side so that it will be seen by the maker what is

required – and one turn tableto suit the waggon – Also for Com Do not forget that the waggons

are to tip up & have the ratchet for the purpose – Also one Iron pulley for the chain to run thro’

something like this [small drawing]. I reckon the rails at abt £80 Waggons abt £15 each chain

£15 turn table £10 extras £20 together about £150 but I am told I am fully above the mark – I

however wish them shipped without delay


[small sketch of railway]

The shunting points you will perceive are required at A & B & the turntable at “C” in the Quarry.

The latter if my limit is exceeded I can best do without – The curves will be much sharper than

on the diagram please enquire & let me know how much wider than the wheels the rails should

be laid at the curves –

[written crosswise in brown ink on verso of page 46] Not sent

[page 47 handwritten page no. 42]

[at top of page in brown ink] acknowledged in letter of 9 Feby

_____________________________________________________________________________________


Pr Formosa via Marseilles

Adelaide

16th Novr 1852

My dear Herbert

I last wrote to you pr Australian Str direct on 4th Octr & write this expecting the Formosa hourly to

leave with a Mail for Singapore. Since my last I have yours of 26 th June pr Bank of Australasia

on 15th Octr & yours of 31 July pr Sydney Str on 4th instant the Steamer having made the

magnificent passage of 90 days – The “China” arrived on 11 instant I observe by the Invoice

you have sent one cask of Port & two of Marsala instead of two of Port & one of Madeira as

ordered. You must think my consumption of Marsala great having sent me a pipe this time

twelve months – I did not order any sparkling hock but it will do for a sample. You also omitted

the repetition of Gelatine & 12 lb long fours White transparent candles The former is the only

article Martha cannot obtain here. Please send the Candles & 2 dozen 1/6d packages Coxs

gelatine – Also from Cottam & Hallens 2 wire dish covers wire round the sides but closed at top

do not forget this direction, those with wire over the top are useless One [?] 1 ft 9 Inc by I ft 4 &

two others 1 ft 6 x 1 ft 1 Inc Also one tone Bass ale but in 6 barrels not in four hogsheads as I

cannot get the latter into my cellar – I am now working my quarries extensively & I wish you to

forward to me without delay the plant mentioned on the first side for a tramway The rails will I

anticipate cost about £6 a ton free on board possibly Lpool may be the cheapest Port to ship

from – of this you will judge it is for horse draught only & to be laid on Angular [?] line [?] wooden

sleepers The Waggons may be taken to pieces if freight will be saved

[page 48 handwritten page no 43]

They are to be of wood & I wish them to be complete to serve as patterns for the remainder to

be made here – you will observe I say guage 3 ft 6 to 4 ft I would prefer the smaller but I give a

margin to allow the order to be speedily executed I should not mind a trifle under 3 ft 6 – I

estimate the rails at about £80 Waggons under £10 each as I see second hand waggons

advertisedd in the Morning Journal in good condition at £4 10 each. Switches & crossings about

£9 pr set screws about £7 (or £30 a ton) I take the prices from those paid by this Government

for the goolwa Railway plant but do not limit you to them. I expect the plant will cost aboout

£150 – I wish them shipped without the slightest delay as it will make a great difference if they

arrive before the wet season say the end of May or the beginning of June – as in that case I load

stone to the Port which pays for the goods up [?] & labor is at its cheapest at that time –

According to my calculations I shall have at my credit when you receive this about £380 to £400

including Gold pr Australian but exclusive of amounts received from Alfred & my Yorkshire

property & I suppose the orders in this letter will not amount to more than £180 – I am

endeavouring to buy more gold but it is scarce & dear I have by me about 120 oz. I hope to

obtain sufficient to be worth making a shipment before the Sydney arrives I am glad I noticed

the question of the rebate on premiums it is always more satisfactory to have these things

distinctly understood & explained at once [?] Nothing new – all well – Yours very affectly Arthur

Hardy

_____________________________________________________________________________________



pr Sydney Steamer

Adelaide

10 Decr 1852

My dear Herbert

I have but little to add to my letter pr Formosa ship above since when I have not heard from you

– I estimate my credit with you at over £200 after executing the Commissions enclosed in it I

send by this vessel to you 120 oz gold agst which I have drawn £100 for the sake of insuring & it

will I hope net £360 – I enclose a letter to Mr Winter which please post when you have the

proceeds of the gold & pay him the amount mentioned in accompanying letter taking receipt &c

I enclose dup Alfreds rects for £21:18:1 & £19:19:1 for amt received from my fathers Executors

dated respectively 2d & 10th Augt We hear the “Formosa” was detained at King Georges Sound

& would miss the Dec Mail. No news all well Martha unites in best love to your mother & all at

home wish yours

Arthur Hardy

[written in ink on verso of page 49] Quarts [. . .] & bottled [. . .] white soap


Pr “Melbourne” Steamer

Adelaide 23 Feby 1853

[in brown ink] dup pr geelong

My dear Herbert

I wrote to you last pr Chusan Str via Marseilles on 10 Jany since when I have no letters from you

I have shipped to you pr Geelong 12 bales wool A11 1 to 12 [added in brown ink] \weighs

gross 4219 lbs/ freight P & S pr [some unreadable words] to insure £20 a bale I have not drawn

against this through thro’ the Bank but shall draw several small amounts against it – I draw by

this opportunity favor J B White £36:17 at 30 days Martha writes by this post to Miss Price to

purchase some [. . .] Will you send her £22 – I shall draw by the Geelong £56:19 favor A H

Dendy & in favor of Mr Wooding about £30 – & as I expect the wool to sell very well I expect

there will be a surplus of about £70 I enclose a letter to Cottam & Hallen Spithead please retain

a copy & forward to them I have told them to let you know the coast of the Iron Trellise before

making it there will be about one ton [. . .] one ton or iron wire & the cost should not be more

than £7 to £10 a ton but I would not care for a pound or two & if galvanized will [. . .] more than

£2 a ton extra plain will do. – I send a list of Sundries on the other side which will absorb the

balance all well Martha sends her love to all Yours [. . .]Arthur Hardy


Pr Shanghaie & Overland via Marseilles

Adelaide

14th May 1853

_____________________________________________________________________________________


[pencil note written crosswise at right]

Caught mail at Singapore for end of

July in London

Answered 10 August

My dear Herbert

I wrote to you last on 23 Feby since when I have received yours of 9th Feby on 4th inst I send a

note enclose of goods I wish shipped the iron goods without any delay. I suppose from all

accounts Rails will not be much less than £10 to £12 a ton you must however do the best you

can for me especially in regard to freight for which an agreement may possibly be made

including the waggons as dead weight – have the waggons taken to pieces if freight will be

saved thereby – I require the quantity I now send for at once so I hope you will advise me by

Steamer of 3rd August that they are agreed for shipment –Rails screw & wagons or links of a

similar description to those I wrote for in November except the guage to be 5 ft 4 Inc they are for

moving rubbish & stone in a Quarry & knowing what they are for you must use your own

discretion if the instructions are sufficiently ample or if you think you can do better in regard to

sending wagons – I hope you insured our box Pr “Australian” which has not yet arrived always

send a pro forma Invoice with [. . .] boxes Miss Price sends for us eg “One case wearing apparel

£23” – the so doing obviates trouble & delay at our Custom House in opening &c – Will you call

on Carberr [?] & select the dress waistcoat pattern [. . .] [. . .] if still fashionable the Tweed

trousers very warm & of a dark shade & the “Summer” trousers you know my shade – tell him

the last shooting coat is ⅜ of an inch too long in the sleeves All well love to all in which Martha

joins Yours ever affect in haste

Arthur Hardy


Pr Shanghaie via Marseilles

Adelaide

4 June 1853

[Pencil note written crosswise at right] Answered

My dear Herbert

10 Aug

I have already written to you by this Mail but the Shangaie has not yet come in altho’ due here

on 26th May – we have no letters since I last wrote – I enclose you Alfreds receipt for rent charge

to 3rd May & also for division under my fathers estate to 2nd Feby last \13 Septr 1852/ for

£12:15:2 I also send on for a small order to Cottam & Hallens which please tear off & forward to

them All well Yours ever

Arthur Hardy

Messs Cottam & Hallen

Adelaide

4 June 1853

_____________________________________________________________________________________


Please send me to care of Messs D Taylor Sons 76 Mark Lane \who will pay for same/ Twelve

(12) pairs of Cottage casements [?] cast iron size about 3 ft 6 x 1 ft 7 – panes diamond shape

hinges formed by prolongation of one side working into iron [?] socket top & bottom – also half

as much more glass as will be sufficient to glaze them & one glazing [?] diamond – they had

better be packed in tough wood casing

& oblige Yours ever

Arthur Hardy

[pencil sketch of cross hatched double window frame] NB the sketch is not supposed to be

drawn to scale


Pr Chusan via Marseilles

Adelaide

8th August 1853

My dear Herbert

I wrote to you via Marseilles on 4th June since when I have received yours pr Argo of 3 May on

1s. instant via Marseilles \or Trieste/is a better opportunity for Adelaide – In the first place Martha

& myself sincerely congratulate you & Mrs Herbert (for you have not enlightened us as to her

Christian name) on your marriage & wish you every happiness & prosperity –I also have a little

news to communicate, on the 20th of last month Martha presented me with a daughter both of

them I am happy to say are doing well; we propose calling the little one Mabel – I will thank you

have the following inserted at once in the Times Observer Spectator Examiner & Home News

“On the 20th.July at Birksgate near Adelaide South Australia “the wife of Arthur Hardy Esq of a

daughter” – I have sold the last spring sheep & shall not therefore require insurance on wool this

year –I am glad to find the price of rails is falling & hope before you receive this you will have

shipped some to me – should you not have shipped any “points & crossings” please to send me

three pairs Guage 5 ft 3 instead of 5 ft 4 and Radius one chain – I enclose an order for Carberry

[?] which please forward to him I hope Cottam & Hallen have forwarded the iron casements – as

I am building the cottages & shall be waiting their arrival –


No Reviews have come to hand since those for last October will you enquire how this is ? We

have no news of the Box from Miss Price shipped pr Australian Steamer nor have I received the

Bill of Lading from you – I draw upon you by this Mail \via Southampton/ favor Thos Weeding at

30 ds for £46:6:6

Yours ever affectly

Arthur Hardy

Adelaide

8th. August 1853

_____________________________________________________________________________________


Mr. Hardy will feel obliged by Mr Carberry forwarding for him to the care of Mr Taylor a drab

double milled cloth great coat very warm he had in 1849 – Breast pockets inside on both sides –

ticket [?] pocket & two outside pockets in skirts Also one pair thick warm tweed trowsers Mixture

[?] & darkish – & one waistcoat to match – Trowsers with pockets – If despatched in December

will be in time -

[paper inset in brown ink] [filed in Hardy Papers PRG 101/2/100d]

3 Mops

2 sweeping brushes.

–––––––––

These & the mops without sticks .

2 Hand sweeping brush.

2 Carpet brooms.

2 black lead brushes.

4 scrubbing do.

2 Plate brushes .

×

a thin[?] wash leather

× a set shoe brushes

[on the reverse – arithmetical notations]

[page 55 no handwritten page no]

Pr Madrass

Adelaide

28 Janry 1854

My dear Herbert

I received pr Lady Nugent your Invoice & BL of […] by that vessel – The

Overland Mail of 8 Novr. arrived on 14th inst & I fully expected to hear from you as to the

Rails &c – I have fortunately supplied myself here with a lot of rails waggons &c which

came out for one of the Mining Companies at lower than cost I am anxious to know if

you have shipped those ordered as I would now sell them to the Government If from

any cause the order should not be executed before you receive this do not purchase them If

they should arrive I shall be able to sell or use them – I also hoped to have to heard accounts of

the work by the Overland Mail –All well Martha sends her love to all with Yours ever

affectlyArthur Hardy


Pr Australian Steamer

Adelaide

_____________________________________________________________________________________


14 Feby 1854

My dear Herbert

I last wrote to you on 28 Ulto pr Overland Mail since when I have not heard from you I enclose

dup of Alfreds rect 2 Febry 53 to my fathers Exors for £12:15:2 & of 3d May/53 for rent charges to

3 Novr 53 – Roberts Mortgage becomes due in Novr 1856 please write to Floyd & ascertain

definitively if they will be willing to extend the loan & if so for what term & at what interest &

please send me the result in duplicate – if advantageous terms are not offered I shall place you

in funds in due time – We have but little news here – The reported discovery near Callao

[?]where men are said to obtain 14 lbs a days weight each has already taken some thousand

from Melbourne The effect upon us has to be seen All well Martha unites in best love to Mrs

Herbert yourself & all at home with yours ever affectionately

Arthur Hardy


pr Chusan via Southampton

Adelaide

28th March 1854

My dear Herbert

I wrote you on Jany Jany pr Madrass telling you if the rails &c were not concluded for to stop the

order as I have supplied myself here – I also wrote to you pr Australian on 14th Ulto since when I

have received yours of 19th Novr on 14th instant pr Mariner & from that letter I am glad to see that

you have not purchased the rails &c – The Overland Mail is the best opportunity for letters from

England the Steamer waiting at Singapore for the outward mails – I received letters of 8 Jany on

10th instant – I received a letter from my mother two days since dated in Dec in which she gives

an account of your mothers serious illness at [. . .] but says she was better I hope soon to hear

better accounts of her – I send \with/ this [. . .] of deeds & a draft of a proposed deed which I

wish settled by Mr Cooke [?] or some other permanent [?] conveyancer [?] – I wrote fully on the

subject to Mr Chas Wilde & beg him to return [?] you the documents to be forwarded to me by

return P & O Mail & I request him to forward his charges which I will thank you to pay –I look for

a statement of our account [?] shortly – The Reviews came by the Mariner but the P & O Coy will

bring parcels as cheaply – My object in getting the Lotts [?] to carry in dup was to be sure of

getting one of them not both in one parcel & I also


2)

wished them shipped as soon as published so as to get them before the end of the year I find

they have now an Agent here & will therefore not trouble you to forward the [. . .] again – I have

been most unfortunate in my packages of Clothes &c lately. White sent us out a case by the

Australian containing pocket handkerchiefs and other clothes socks &c but on arrival it was

discovered that it had been broken open & the whole of the contents abstracted I however

succeeded in obtaining the cost from the Captain of the Steamer Since then the Lady Nugent”

brought out the box from Carberry but it had also been opened, the whole of the contents

_____________________________________________________________________________________


extracted & nothing in it but a box with E.& W. I.D.C. stamped on it was inside – your invoice did

not state the contents fortunately & so the Customs opened it & discovered what had taken

place before it was landed. I of course refused to receive it but the Captn relies on the stamp on

his B of L “weight & contents unknown” this I fear throws the burden of proof of the contents on

us & I have therefore protested against him & the Dock people &c & send you a copy of the

protest enclosed to see what you can do in the Matter – the Captn also denies that delivery to

the Docks is delivery to the Ship – There was a case by the same vessel for Mr Fisher of

Adelaide served in the same way – both cases were “addressed” & it seems safer to mark &

number them in future perhaps put “glass with care” or something of that sort on the box


3

Please direct Carberry to repeat the order & send you the box not addressed – On enquiring I

am told that the Lady Nugent succeeded the Australian at the same berth for loading it is

therefore probable that the same persons committed both the larcenies – the Dock people

should put the Detectives on the alert – I am much annoyed with Cottam & Hallen the standards

& uprights are sent as ordered but the wire to connect them instead of being in coils so as to

extend from one end of the Trellise to the other are in short lengths & entirely useless for any

other purpose here I also asked them to send me by post design & estimate for a pair of

Carriage gates which they have not done please communicate with them & let me know whether

they intend forwarding what I want or not – the iron casements also appear of a very inferior

description for the price & have very slight hinges swetted to them instead of burning [?] on a

prolongation of the one end as is desired [?] under my order – We are all pretty well Martha

unites with me in love to all our family [. . .]

Yours ever affectly

Arthur Hardy


Pr Madrass via Marseilles

Adelaide

30th May 1854

My dear Kingston

I received your letter of the 25th Feby from Paris on the 13th instant & congratulate you on the

happy idea of the different coloured inks but even with their assistance I think the thin paper

makes your letter more illegible than mine – With regard to Cox it is entirely at his option when

he purchases & I shall probably hear nothing further of his intentions until next October – Mrs

Kingston & yourself must have greatly enjoyed your stay in Paris; your account of it makes us

long for something more rational than gold or even [. . .] quarries & tramways; when we shall be

able to revisit Europe & hear some music is most uncertain one never knows ones movements

long beforehand or what a few months may bring forth – If the next mail brings news of a

declaration of war our Legislative Council will be called together for a Militia Act & I shall apply

for an act for making a Railway from this place to town & as the government are favourable to

_____________________________________________________________________________________


the plan as are also the non official M L C’s I shall probably obtain it – the distance is four miles

– I do not contemplate making it for locomotive power but to be worked by animal power or

gravity, the fall is about 370 feet in the whole distance – I believe it will be a very profitable

operation – I supply the bulk of the stone used in Adelaide one of my Quarries burrowing [?] out

building stone very superior to any other Quarry yet discovered and I am at the nearest point to

town from which any stone can be supplied I am only limited now by the want of [. . .] – the

governor


Is prepared to guarantee a minimum dividend on the Capital required probably Six per cent &

possibly may advance half the Capital but this latter is uncertain –I am offered all I want by one

of the Banks on Security of the Act when obtained – I do not anticipate the total cost including

rolling stock at more than £14,000 to £15,000 but I intend to take powers for £20,000 and also

power to extend the line to join the Port Railway if that should be found profitable – the line as at

present projected will carry all the fuel & timber for Building now carted from the hills into

Adelaide as well as the whole of the farming produce from the Mount Barker district I have one

near horse stable [?] supply of stone which can be carried whenever the line is not more

profitably engaged – I shall possibly after obtaining the Act form a Company for making &

working the line either in London or here & lease them the Quarry at a small Royalty probably of

a ton binding them to raise a certain quantity annually – you can now form your own opinion as

to whether you would like to embark on it, but whether you do or do not let me know your

determination without the loss of a Mail as I shall probably have obtained my act before I can

hear from you & should you be inclined to join state to what extent as I intend to retain an

interest of one fourth at least In the speculation If I get my act on satisfactory terms I shall go

to London by the next mail afterwards to purchase the plant


plant – & could arrange personally with you for any interest you may wish to take in it – & I might

form a company there if favorable terms were offered – at all events write your views without

delay in case of anything occurring to prevent my going – I have entered this fully into the

question because you refer to the spec in your letter which is very flattering as to your

willingness to enter into a joint spec with me & this makes me more cautious in advising you

than I would otherwise be – I have said nothing as to the rate of profit to be expected, time

alone will prove I think it will be very good, but the government guarantee of a minimum dividend

makes it quite safe to my mind If on consideration you decide that you would like to embark in it

let your letter be precise as to the amount and as to when & where the money would be

forthcoming do not however sell out or remit money here without further advice I am quite in

the dark as to the amount you would like to invest – With regards to the rates of interest here on

loans on Mortgage when I last wrote I could not find good securities as 6 pr ct since then the

rates here have risen slightly & I am told that £8 & even higher has been obtained on undoubted

security – I have money to lay out for persons & have not succeeded in obtaining such an

investment & I think with the present high price of land it is difficult to say what is a good real

_____________________________________________________________________________________


security – I have many letters to write & must conclude Mrs Hardy unites with me in kindest

regards to Mrs Kingston & yourself and Yours ever sincerely

Arthur Hardy


pr Madrass via Marseilles

Adelaide

30th May 1854

My dear Herbert

My last from you of 19th Novr. pr sailing ship only came to hand on 10 inst the same day as I recd

tres44 of 8th March I have only time to write a few lines to execute an order for Sundries for

Martha which please to have executed & forwarded without delay – Also please send –

One quarter cask Madeira

One do Port

Two do Marsalla (good quality)

Since I last wrote I have received the goods pr. Jacoba Helena – the Case No 26 which was to

have contained samples of Lobsters Jugged Hare &c had nothing but half pounds of Mustard of

which there were four dozen & of which article we had an ample supply –

In my letter of 8th Augt (acknowledged in yr last I enclosed an order to Carberry for a great Coat

but I have not heard of it from him & it leaves me in great doubt as to ordering one here where

they will charge about £8:8 for it & possibly the other may arrive

Martha unites in fond regards to Annie & yourself

With Yours ever

Arthur Hardy

P S. All well here


Pr P & O. Mona via Marseilles

Adelaide

25. July 1854

My dear Herbert

I last wrote to you on 30th May since when I have no letter from you I am anxious to receive

statement of accounts both with yourself & the firm – The December Quarterly parcel only

arrived last week the vessel by which it came sailing in March – the March quarters are not yet

to hand will you get them despatched with more promptness – the P & O Coy take small parcels

from Aus [?] to Southampton for 5 fr will they not bring reviews out ? Alfred heard from Caroline

that you have a Son we congratulate you sincerely on the event – Our little boy is now quite a

companion riding the horses every morning &c & has taught himself his letters which is tolerably

early for three months under three years – Mabel who was twelve months old on 20 inst. is

44

‘ Tre’ or’ tres’ was a Hardy abbreviation for ‘letter’.

_____________________________________________________________________________________


nearly walking – all well with kindest regards to Annie & your little one in which Martha joins

Believe to be

Yours ever affectly

Pr. P & O Steamer “Mona” via Marseilles

Adelaide

25 July 1854


Pr P & O steamer “Mona” via Marseilles

Adelaide

25 July 1854

My dear Kingston

I wrote you a long letter on 30 May pr Overland Mail since when I have not received any letters

from you I wrote to you very fully in that letter What I thought of doing about making a tramway

from Glen Osmond to Adelaide four miles – since then Our Legislative Council has been

summoned for the 20 Proximo & I have accordingly given my notice & prepared a Bill for a letter

from the Colonial Secretary that “The Govt will “support the present undertaking if the Legislature

should “be of opinion that it will be of public advantage” – of this I entertain no doubt & have

nothing now to fear except the jealousy with which everything is looked upon in a small

community – If I get all I go for in my act I shall probably come to England by the Novr. Mail &

shall have no doubt heard from you in reply to my last by the Mail which leaves in Septr. I have

nothing now to tell you but thought it right to keep you advised of what is doing in the matter I am

as usual over head in work & letters . Martha unites in kindest regards to Mrs. Kingston &

yourself

With yours ever sincerely

Arthur Hardy


Pr. P. & O. Steamer “Madrass”via Marseilles

Adelaide

20th November 1854

Mr. Arthur Hardy’s Compls to Mr Carberry & will feel obliged by his making without delay the

undermentioned articles – which must be sent to Mr Herbert Taylor in time to be despatched by

the Steamer which leaves Southampton on the 4th Feby

One black Cashmere frock coat with silk skirtings

One Supfine [?] dark blue frock coat silk skirtings

One green mixed Tweed \grey mixed Angold [?]/ shooting coat not so loose

in the sleeve at the wrist as the last – Breast pockets on both sides – & […] pocket –

One waistcoat & trowsers of similar material the trowsers with pockets.

Two pairs light summer trowsers shades drabs or fawns good wearing colours –

_____________________________________________________________________________________


Four fancy Quilting waistcoats silk collars. –

One White dress waistcoat silk or satin according to fashion –

Please be particular in having them packed

in tin and the case marked [Star of D avid symbol with AH in the centre] and not addressed

Mr. Carberry will please write by Overland Mail advising the despatch of the box –


Pr Madrass via Marseilles


20th November 1854

My dear Sir

One day when talking with you in the Smoking room at the Reform Club you were kind enough

to say that when I required any of your excellent bitter beer you would if I wrote to you take care

to despatch what I required in good order & I take advantage of your offer because the last ton I

had out arrived in casks full of old spike holes & the whole six barrels were sour – I do not know

whether it was shipped in casks that had been previously used or whether it had been broached

on the voyage, but I am inclined to think the former as the casks were fairly full – I enclose this in

a letter to Mr Herbert Taylor who will pay for what I require viz [?] One ton in Six barrels not

hogsheads as the latter will not go down into my cellar conveniently & the barrels hold out good

better than larger quantities. There is a good deal of irritation here at the appointment of Mr

Lawley – as Governor – we have heard that the appointment is cancelled but do not know who


we are to have in place of him – the Colony of South Australia much regret the loss of Sir Hy

Young I forgot to say that the beer I have been in the habit of having is the pale light & very bitter

beer I must apologise for troubling you with so small a commission but at so great a distance it is

very uncertain whether I would suit myself & therefore I think it best to go ahead[?] regardless [?]

at once – I can assure you that many a tankard of the ale has met with the most respectful

consideration from a good field [?] before throwing [?] off with the hounds after a Kangaroo or

Native dog. Hoping to be in the land where it is brewed in a year or two

Believe me to be


Arthur Hardy

M. Bass Esq

Reform Club Pall Mall


Pr. Madrass via Marseilles

Adelaide

20th November 1854

_____________________________________________________________________________________


My dear Herbert

I last wrote to you on 6th Septr. by which post I returned the Conveyce of the Marshall [?] Passage

property, since then I have nothing from you – I write by this post to Carberry for some clothes &

have directed him to forward the box to you in time for the Steamer of 4 th Feby via Melbourne – I

enclose a letter to Mr Bass which please give or send to him – my reason is that the last ton on

arrival was found to be sour – the barrels were full of spike holes apparently old casks –

Roberts Mortgage Please obtain from Mr. Floyd a formal extension or renewal of the last seven

years & forward me a copy of it

Please send sundries as per enclosed list at early convenience –

All well – Martha unites in kindest regards to Mrs Herbert & Master Herbert John [?] Our children

are I am thankful to say quite well – We have taken a house at the sea side for a twelve month &

so shall go there occasionally for change – My Railway Bill is withdrawn for the present session`

Yours ever sincerely

Arthur Hardy

12 doz Guiness Stout in Pints

10 doz Rhine wine Messlem [?] } Corneilly

6 “ sparkling hock }

2 half chests best Souchong tea.


2d 30/3/57 –

I wrote to you on 10th. instt from here & was fearful I should not be able to get a remittance off to

you by that Port but the Manager of The Bank who forwarded my letters tells me he forwarded

you first of drt for £100 dated 11th March & I now enclose you second of that drt to meet the

small matters we want shipped In the last I enclosed a list of things Martha required cost

estimated about £50 but she has retained no copy & for [. . .] non-arrival she mentions as

particularly required A Chest of good congon tea abour 2/– pr lb and 112 lb Candles Belmont

Sperm similar quality to previous order I enclose an order for Carberry which will I suppose cost

about £25 and also will you forward without delay one ton in six (6) Barrels not in hogsheads

cost about £20:– Can you procure for me a some of the Nursery Tales set to music \ Pianoforte/

some as Solos & some in parts – I have heard some very nice ones here & think them good to

encourage a musical taste in our little ones – I have one more commission 2 (two) Rolls

parchment Printed “Indentures”& ruled If around [?] \in Triple lines [?]/ will supply what I want

one 28 × 23 the other 29 × 26 =

We have had very cold weather up here these few days past thermometer at noon today 43o it is

of course much warmer on the Plains –

Our oldest boy reads well & Mabel begins to read, both count well Arthur has a great Interest

that way I think – Our youngest is a lively good […] little fellow & cut two teeth the day \week/he

was five months old – Martha & the Children unite in love & kind regards to Anne & your little

boy with yours [?]

Ever to be

Arthur Hardy

_____________________________________________________________________________________



pr European

Adelaide

8th June 1857

My dear Herbert

I expect my letters of Janry & 10th March will have come to hand together thanks to the […] of

the Steamers – I hope the remittance of £100 arrive safely to hand with the list of articles

required – I now want you to send the following 2 Two Quarter Casks Marsalla best quality as

before at about £18 to £20 pr pipe – 20 \Twenty/ gallons Pale Brandy from […] & Brooks in the

Colonade same quality as I brought out & as is used in the Smoking room at the Club – to be

shipped in bond –1 One Quarter Cask genuine Madeira All the Casks to be cased in […] Casks

– I will enclose a draft for £25 – The Madeira I want shipped at once the Brandy & Madeira also

if in funds if not they may wait a while –

We shall have the Telegraph open to Melbourne Sydney & England [?] this year – We have

built & lighted two lighthouses for Kangaroo Island & are building a third at the West end

of the Mail to […] there it would only make the Melbourne letters 12 hours later but all the

Colonies would get Telegraph news two days sooner, urge [?] this view on a [… …] the Mail

some what have place. I send this letter because there ought to be a Mail on the 13th but I do

not expect there will be

[page 71 This has no page number and is blank. It is the last remaining page in the letter book.]

[on verso of back cover]

1854

54 May 30 S. K Kingston 54

[following are some loose pages dated 1855]

[page 1A]

Pr Bosphorus S*teamer via Marseilles

Adelaide

25th June 1855

My dear Kingston

I received yours of the 24th Feby on 21st Ulto . We were very glad to hear that you were so much

better South Australia is just now suffering, in addition to the irregularity of the postal services

caused by the War (the present being only a chance opportunity of writing) from the effects of

last years dry season. I am indeed glad that you & Mrs Kingston were not hear it was fearfully

hot. So tho’ our crops were less than one half of an average

_____________________________________________________________________________________


we raised nearly twice as much corn as sufficed for our consumption but the hungry diggers in

Victoria have taken so much of our flour that we shall have I expect to import before next

Harvest This has sent flour up to between £40 & £50 a ton equal to about 140º/ a quarter & of

course with such prices no one can commence expensive improvements. I have quite given up

the idea of making the tramway single handed altho’ I am satisfied it would pay well. There is an

immense breadth of wheat sown & so far the prospect of a firstrate crop & but for the demand

which will continue from Victoria it would I think be down by 20/- to 24º/- per quarter. I do not

however expect to see it below 50/- to 60/- per quarter this next Season a couple of good

seasons however would bring it down & then will be the time to expend on large works. The

Banks are drawing in their horns

[page 2A]

they should give me for my interest in the business a blank for them to fill up, however on

consideration they refused to give anything I was therefore forced to go to work again & with

was never better – We had a visit from Mr S. F. White ( who married M rs Hardys sister) during

the summer & I took a trip to Melbourne with him; if you are in London you will find him at his

office Dangleish [?] White & Hankey Great S. Helens Bishopsgate & he will give you more

detailed accounts of the Children Mount Lofty & all my plans – I think of writing to Mr Charles

Wilde that I would be open to take a working partner who could command a few thousand

pounds for a share in the business & I to undertake to retire in his favor at the end of a few

years. you will hear from me in September with the interest of your investment & I could make it

worth my while to pay 6 per cent net of all charges in London for a reasonable amount say a few

thousand pounds, of course I see my way to put it out at a better rate than that or it would not

answer my purpose to give it – I expect Mr Hankey will send some money for investments – he

accompanied White out here in the summer & he introduced to their correspondents he is a son

of the Banker –- Mrs Hardy unites in the kindest regards to Mrs Kingston & yourself with [. . .]

Yours sincerely

Arthur Hardy

[page 3A]

pr Bosshorns Steamer via Marseilles

Adelaide

25th June 1855

My dear Herbert

I have your letters of 30 Jany & 1 Feby the former enclosing an Invoice of sundries pr Magdalena

but no Bill of Lading came by the vessel or otherwise & the ship had already sailed from this

some weeks before I had any intimation of the goods having been shipped. I however found

them in the Bonded Stores but had some difficulty in obtaining them for want of Bill of Lading –

you do not state what arrears there are in the Yorkshire rents will you write to Firth to send a list

of the rents with the dates to which they were paid & showing what the arrears are & send me a

copy – I enclose a draft on the Bank of Australasia for £200 favor of D Taylor & Sons due receipt

of which please acknowledge & this will leave you in funds in in your account about £60

_____________________________________________________________________________________


irrespective of what you may receive from Firth & for Alfred is this not so? – I had no idea

Caroline was against me or I would have placed you in funds earlier – I did not look particularly

into your accounts I observe however – on referring that the wool for Geelong netted about

£100 less than I had calculated & the goods for Lady Bruce & Lady Nugent cost nearly £100

more than I had expected.

Do not deliver to Colton & Bass or execute the orders in my letter of 20 th Nov until you hear

further and the season is past for [. . .] I wrote in March to Mr Hammond Law stationer [. . .]

Lane for Stationary Parchment &c I require those things very much and & shall be obliged by

your getting them forwarded without delay. If not despatched ask him to find out the last Smiths

Compendium of Mercantile Law \32º/ & Davidsons Precedents in Conveyancing 9º/ 10/6 all

three latest editions & bound in Law calf. –I do not know whether Carberry executed my order

which arrived on 27 Jany if he did please pay him when in Funds – I enclose Alfreds recipts [?]

for rent charge for 3 May £55 & for £38:12:10 from my fathers Exrs to 5 th August 1854 to

[page 4A]

& have to send specie for flour, this will only last for six months I think. A new gold field has

been discovered near my property at [?] Mount Lofty. it is called “Stony Creek” & gold has been

found diffused near the surface of my land – do not however run away with the idea that I have

only to take up drays & load them with root of all evil – I am not sanguine of their proving

productive – if they do whether on my land or not will not much signify it seems reasonable

however to anticipate where \we/ find small quantities of gold so generally diffused through the

vallies that some day or another the source may be discovered in the hills – I do not anticipate it

but should not be surprised any day to find it in remunerative quantities if so I would sell off &

retire to the old country – We have much envied [?] you & Mrs Kingston your delightful tour

through Europe. I do not entirely forego the hope of joining you in another some of these fine

days – at all events we purpose going to England as soon as the children are old enough for

School they are both thank God strong healthy intelligent & sweet tempered children – I am

again hard at work at law business having dissolved my partnership with the intention of retiring

– I left the amount

[These are followed by three indecipherable loose pages, page nos 1B, 2B 3B. Obviously some

of the tissue pages are missing. These loose pages, 1A to 3B, have been placed inside the back

cover of the letter book.]

[Letters and lists of things to be ordered, which have been transcribed in PRG-101/2/100, may

have been included originally in this letter book.]

_____________________________________________________________________________________


PRG 101/2/10

Letter from Henry Fox Young to Arthur Hardy. September 23rd 1857. Photocopy

[envelope]

Arthur Hardy Esq

Adelaide

H E F Young45

[postmark] Hobart Town

[Two indecipherable words have been written in pencil crosswise below the postmark.]

[lpage 1]

Govt He Hobart Town

Sep 23/57

Dear Mr Hardy

Enclosed is a letter from Mr Pitcairn, Lady Franklins solicitor, enclosing all the information he

possesses upon the subject of your enquiry.

I have taken a great interest in the travails of the “responsibles” in Adelaide & am surprised to

find that there has been no greater stability there than here; yet I feel confident that the exercise

of the franchise will be used with better appreciation of its value & with more discrimination than

in the other .

[page 2]

Australian colonies; but in all, the new system, has such an inherent efficiency for the remedy of

follies & abuses, that after a time it will prove itself more efficient for good government, And

certainly more popular than it was possible for the old Constitution to be made.

I think however that there bids fair before long to be a surfeit of “Kissing the blarney stone”– a

taste which is never long in the ascendant with unpoetic John Bull & canny Scot.

Lady Young & the little ones are all, thank God, quite well. We have a fancy ball on the 1st &

soon after begin to move into a part of the new Govt House; but even in it we do not count on

being housed with the children until December & propose leaving them at the Gov t Cottage at

New Norfolk & making excursions ourselves to the North until our new quarters are ready for us

in Hobart Town. The new House & Grounds, when finished & furnished, will be really quite

charming & even in their present incomplete state are much admired. Lady Young unites with

me in Kind regards to Mrs Hardy & I am Very truly Yours

H E F Young

45 Sir Henry Edward Fox Young KCMG (1803-1870) was the fifth Governor of South Australia 1848 to 1854. He then

became the first Governor of Tasmania, from 1855 to 1861.

_____________________________________________________________________________________


PRG 101/2/11

Letter from John Richardson to Arthur Hardy. 14th December 1857, followed by a

scribbled draft of a reply by Arthur Hardy. The letter is torn in places.

Hull

14th December 1857

My dear Sir/.

My Grandson Edward S Richardson [has l]eft Home entirely on account of being threatened with

consumption. Dr Sandwith thought a Voyage, and residence in a South Climate was the most

likely means of sparing his Life, therefore his Father, determined to send him to South Australia,

he has been upwards of three years with Mr I. T. Tenney, a respectable Conveyancer, to whom

he gave perfect satisfaction. I am happy to add that he is a pious and intellegent young Man.

should it be in your power, to render him any service, provided he survives the Voyage, I I shall

consider it a great favour. He was named after your Uncle Edward.

It affords me pleasure to inform you, that your Aunt Alder, although still very weak, is as well as

she was twelve Months ago. With Kind regards, to yourself and Family, and please present the

same to your Brother. I remain

My dear Sir/

Yours very truly

John Richardson

To Arthur Hardy Esqr

[Scribbled across the bottom of this page over Hardy’s name, and on the verso, is a draft of a

letter from Hardy to Mr Richardson ]

My dear Sir

Adel

11 March 1858

Yr Grandson Ed arrived in Adel & called on me abt a fortnight before I recd yr tre of 14th Decr –

After a little Conversation I fod he desired to qualify himself for practising his profession here &

before yr tre arrived I had offered to take him into my office for a sufft time to enable him to

obtain admission to practice in the Supert here & he had gladly accepted the offer: at the same

time from the progress he had made in England I feel justified in offering him an allowce wch will

support him well & as he seemed leave him a surplus – I am happy to say that since he has

been with me he has given perfect satisfaction & provided he does not work too hard & his

health continues as good as at present I think he has fair prospects. I am glad to hear such

satisfactory accounts of my Aunt Alders health as well as yr own. give her my best love & say

that the Salver she gave me has been much admired

_____________________________________________________________________________________


[page 2]

& tends from the inscription on it to enhance the consideration for her surname it bears; a

consideration which will be always maintained I trust as favorably as it has hitherto been in

South Australia – \Ed had no news of my Aunt Booth & I am happy to consider no news as good

news/ I am glad to hear from Ed that my Uncle Joseph & his family are well – he will be shocked

to hear of the death by a fall from horse of Mr Birks to whom he gave introduction to me – poor

man he was much respected – My wife desires me her kind regards to my Aunts \Mr Booth/ my

uncle & yourself. \is not [. . .]. I am happy to say Alfred & his family are well as you are well/

believe to be yours very truly

AH

John Richardson Esq

Mrs Alder

[. . .] Street Hull.

_____________________________________________________________________________________


PRG 101/2/12

Letter from John Richardson to Arthur Hardy 13th May 1858. A four page folio.

[page 1]

Hull

15th May 1858

My dear Sir/.

I consider it would be the basest ingratitude, were I to let a post \pass/ without thanking you for

the great kindness and generosity you have shewn towards my Grandson. I feel at a loss for

language to express my obligation, however I trust I may indulge the hope, that Edward will lay

himself out as much as possible, to promote your welfare, I hope you will not only find him

attentive to business but a youn Man of good natural ability.

I am sorry that I omitted, in my last Letter to mention Mrs. Booth, I believe she and Mr Booth are

as well as usual, for some time past Mrs. B has been very rhe\u/matic, and some years ago Mr. B

had a stroke which particulally laid him aside, but you will be surprised to hear at his age, that he

lately attended Mrs. Topham in her confinement of a third Son. I am sorry to inform you, that

Mrs Coulson has been bereaved of her only Daughter, a lovely Girl, and her Mama, does not

appear as if she could rise above it, they have only one Son left.

Mrs. Alder although in a very weak state still survives, lately she has suffered much from a sore

[page 2]

throat , she purposes going to Ferriby shortly for the Summer, please present my kind regards to

your Family, and also to Mr & Mrs Alfred an Family.

Should you favour me with any more letters, if you direct Corn Merchant Hull England, will be

sufficient, as I am well known at the Post Office, allow me to remain.

My dear Sir./.

Yours very truly

John Richardson

[page 3 blank]

[page 4]

[written crosswise in centre of page]

Arthur Hardy Esqr

_____________________________________________________________________________________


PRG 101/2/13

Letter from John Richardson to Alfred Hardy, Arthur Hardy’s brother, 15th May 1858. A

four page folio.

[page 1]

Hull

15th May 1858

My dear Sir,

Your kind Letter of the 10th March has given Mrs R & myself the liveliest gratification

such conduct towards a Comparative Stranger exceeding even our hopes

When my Son left England the state of his health was such as to occasion his friends serious

apprehensions We were afraid he might not survive the Voyage so melancholy a result a

merciful Providence has averted

Edwards own source of anxiety was as to his future prospects He feared that he

should find himself precluded from following up a profession to which he was devoted and

in which he hoped eventually to distinguish himself. His misgivings on this score thanks to the

Kindness of yourself & Mrs. Arthur have not been realized & moreover from the liberal salary he

is to receive tho’ he must to some extent feel the loss of domestic comfort & home –associations

yet he will not suffer those privations & sorrows so frequently experienced

by the youthful imigrant

I congratulate myself on his having already become acquainted with your Son

[page 2]

your wish that their friendship may be mutually beneficial I heartily reciprocate & doubt not

that in all their intercourse Edward will prove himself in a religious as well as business

sense a friend to be esteemed and loved

I am sorry to say that Mrs Alder is only poorly having had the Influenza a few Weeks ago the

Wind has been Easterly which on this Coast is very tying to invalids as soon as she is able to be

removed Mrs A with Miss Dyson are going to Ferriby which is a sheltered situation 7 miles to the

West of this place for a few Weeks –

Referring again to your Kindness to my Son I am sure he deeply feels & will constantly strive to

requite to the utmost of his power the consideration you have manifested for him & as far as in

him lies give practical expressions to his gratitude

Mrs R unites with me in Kind regards to yourself & Family

I remain

My Dear Sir

I forwarded your } Yours very respectfully

Letter to Mr Hardy} John. S. Richardson

Manchester }

_____________________________________________________________________________________


To Alfred Hardy Esqr

Adelaide

[page 3 blank]

[page 4]


Alfred Hardy Esqr

Adelaide

South Australia

_____________________________________________________________________________________


PRG 101/2/14

Letter from John Richardson to Arthur Hardy 15th May 1858. A four page folio.

[page 1]

Hull 15 May 1858

My Dear Sir,

By this Post I have written to Mr. Alfred Hardy thanking him for the

interest he takes in the Welfare of my Son Edward. I cannot however abstain from

expressing my obligations to you also for – the very Cordial reception you have given

him Your Letter to my father was the first to announce that under your care he would

be able to complete his Articles & from Edwards Letter received about a Week subsequently

informed us of the extremely liberal terms on which he had engaged to serve you,

faithfully. I am sure; he felt it was his duty to his former employer Mr. Tunny [?] that prompted his

exertions he will now have an additional stimulas in his gratitude for your well timed kindness

That his health has been mercifully restored is a matter to us of devout thanksgiving for we

feared he might not be spared to reach Australia

As he will now be enabled to continue his Profession for the sucessful successful practice of

which his Mental powers are peculiarly fitted is a matter of grateful pleasure especially as we

know that your kindness has relieved our Sons mind of the gravest

foreboding by which he was oppressed in leaving England

The hospitality of yourself –

[page 2]

and Brother & your endeavours to dispel the feeling of loneliness he must to some extent

necessarily experience commends itself to our parental feelings

I doubt not Edward will constantly endeavour to give practical expression to his gratitude in a

diligent attention to your interests & should a continued health be Vouchsafed will be able I trust

to satisfy your highest expectations

I am sorry to say that Mrs Alder for some weeks has been suffering from an attack of influenza

the Weather has been very cold & piercing with an Easterly Wind but she intends going into the

Country to a more sheltered situation as soon as she is able to be removed

Mrs R Unites with me in kind regards to yourself & Family

I remain

My Dear Sir

Yours very respectfully

John. S. Richardson

To Arthur Hardy Esqr

Adelaide

[page 3 blank]

[page 4]


Arthur Hardy Esqr


_____________________________________________________________________________________


PRG 101/2/15

[This appears to be a draft of a letter Arthur Hardy wished to send to John Richardson

regarding Edward’s state of health.]

[page 1]

My dear Sir

Adel,

16 Febry 1860

I hardly know whether I ought to write \ I feel that I ought not to abstain informing you of \writing

to you on/ the state of your son Edwards health: towards the end of last winter he was as you

have doubtless been acquainted \informed/ laid up with a severe attack of Rheumatic fever wch

reduced him very greatly; he however seemed to pick up after he had recovered from the attack

but \during/ the last few weeks he has become exceedingly \very/ thin; so much so as to attract

the attention of Dr Woodforde our Medical man who chanced to meet him a few days since &

asked him to call upon him that he might examine him more closely: the result of that

examination Dr Woodforde tells me he considers very unfavourable & advises his removing to

the sea side & taking Cod liver oil : Edward dislikes the removal to the sea side because hes \he

is now/ in very comfortable Lodgings & it wd be impossible for him to get anything approaching

to comfort at the Sea \Bay/ & I a he dislikes the place & would get low spirits, for want of

congeni \in this I agree with him/ but I have advised him to take a trip in one of the Coasting

Steamers to Port Lincoln & Port Augusta, wch Dr Woodforde thinks will \likely to/ be of even

more service than Lodgings at the Bay

[page 2 written upside down]

This idea of mine fortunately agrees with his own wish to see these places , I he proposes

leaving on Saturday I & \& he/ will be away for 10 days to I a fortnight = I hope & believe the trip

will do him good but Dr Woodforde thinks \fears/the improvement will only be temporary&

strongly advises his returning a voyage back to Europe : I have not mentd. this to Edwd yet & will

await the result of the trip to Port Augusta \before doing so/; for I feel it will \would/ be a great

disappointment to him , as his articles will expire in a few months & I have told him of my

intention of giving him a share of my business: he himself when I made him the offer\ as to the

ptrship/ a short time back sd he should like a trip somewhere when his \after his/ \admission/ to

the Sup Cr. to set him up Arb & I am quite of opinion that \I fear/ his only chance of recovering is

taking \a long voyage/ the trip& that it is right to prepare you for the possibility of his taking the

\trip/ home at once: I feel great pain in being compelled to write such sad \sadening/ news to you

for he has endeared himself to us by his straightforward & kindly feelings & intelligence\ I assure

you/ We will do whatever the best advice may recommend for him & having done that can only

leave the case [?] in His Hands with whom are the […] of Life & death with resignation \who

orders/all things for the best with resignation to his will Mrs Hardy unites in kind regards to

yourself & your family with kind remembrances to uncle Joseph & Mr Booth I am \very/my dear

Sir most sincerely yours

[written upside down on top of page]

P.S .I do not think Edwd supposes Edward’s thinks so badly of his case as the Doctor evidently

does I therefore leave it to your discretion to mention \this letter/ to him or not that I have written

to you –

_____________________________________________________________________________________


PRG 10/2/16

[Letter from Edward Richardson to his Uncle Arthur Hardy. A small folio.]

[page 1]

Randwick near Sydney

April 9th 1860

My dear Sir,

I have not heard from you since I received your note enclosing the […] of letters. – I suppose by

this time you will be about forwarding those delivered in Adelaide by this months mail but they

will scarcely reach me before I leave Sydney if I am not detained longer than I intend to stay. –

You will be sorry to hear that I feel little or no benefit from my journey and the doctors efforts. –

Indeed the doctor seems puzzled. – I have been taking what he says is the best remedy he

knows for diarrhoea & fever and yet my pulse will persist

[page 2]

in beating above 100 per minute and if I move about at all the diarrhoea continues to trouble me.

– Of course I have seen but little of Sydney or its neighbourhood – I have not even been able to

get to see the famous new university or the law courts and indeed I have been quite put into low

spirits by this continuing illness. – The flies here are a perpetual nuisance in the daytime and the

mosquitoes at night are far worse than in Adelaide Mr Alfred will have expected to have

heard from me about his Allotments but I have in truth put off making Enquiries from day to day

hoping that I should be somewhat better and I know no more about them now than when I last

wrote – Before I leave however I will try to learn their

[page 3]

value

I see that the Wonga Wonga is about to take troops to New Zealand from Melbourne so that I

shall have to come leave this place by the Mail Steamer for Kangaroo Island or by the City of

Sydney when she makes her next trip to Melbourne which will be I expect about the beginning

PRG 101/2/17

Letter from John Richardson to Arthur Hardy 11 April 1860. A four page folio.

Richardson [in another hand]

Hull 11 April 1860

[in pencil] Arrd

18 June 1860

_____________________________________________________________________________________


[page 1]

My dear Sir

Your kind & sympathetic Letter has as you anticipated occasioned us considerable anxiety for

our Dear Son Edwards state of health, our concern so greatly in his behalf, is also

considerably – lessened by the entire Confidence we have in that Providence to whose care at

the time he left home we committed him & in those kind friends amongst whom he was so

Providentially placed, yet we cannot but feel how soon he may be taken from us – & how each

succeeding Post may destroy those cherished hopes we had formed for his future life having no

doubt of his attaining celebrity in that Profession to which he is so peculiarly attatched &

naturally fitted for.

You will also please to accept our united thanks for the handsome proposals – made to Edward

which you so kindly mention as likely to be entered into at the expiration of his Articles is so

satisfactory not only as reliable evidence to us of the estimation in which you hold his

Professional capabilities but that his Personal character & conduct are in all respects such as we

should wish them to be & in accordance with his Religious professions. You know how anxious

Parents always must be for their children’s well being the development of the principles instilled

in early youth, Edwards whole –


career has hitherto been calculated to convey but one impression that if his health be continued

& length of days be granted he will not only be a credit to us but also a useful & influential

member of general Society while praying that our wishes may in this respect be gratified we

would not forget that – every suitable & available means must be used on our part. I have as

well as his Mother written Edward urging him not to be sparing in his diet to take what exercise &

relaxation he may find desireable Of course he will be reluctant to take a Voyage to England

both on Acct. of the Expense & also the time it would necessarily consume but still if needful he

must undertake it – Yet perhaps a voyage to Sydney to see his friends the Coates there & if

requisite to prolong the voyage to Aukland New Zealand to pay his uncle the Revd. Saml.

Blackburn who has lately arrived and as Principle of the College a short visit might possibly

prove sufficient to restore his strength, Then on his return to keep a Horse & take regular

exercise being careful not to overwork either mind or body he might find himself gradually if

slowly recovering his constitutional weakness – but I fear if he is not careful the little accession

of strength he may obtain & putting forth fresh effort to counteract the improvement as I know he

is very anxious to give

[page 3]

fulfill every duty that devolves upon him in a satisfactory manner I cannot refrain from my

expressing to Almighty God for raising up for him so many kind friends in your distant Land I do

hope for your sake he will live to – requite the kindness th he has recd at your hands & also from

Mr. Alfred. for indeed when he left home he went out not knowing whither he went. & had it not

been for the kind reception you gave him he might ere this have finished his course, I know his

_____________________________________________________________________________________


anxiety on this point & would not like to rest from his labours till he had paid every debt of

gratitude & earned Sufficient to meet his every pecuniary liability. I trust that he may still be

spared for many long & useful years – Yet I would not presume by dictating to Him who only

knows what the best for us. If Life health & prosperity be given we shall be grateful indeed if not

I shall endeavour to say Thy will be done. We were in high expectation that the fine Weather in

Summer would have perfectly restored his health after the Affliction last Autumn, by this Post I

have a Letter from Edward who writes in much better Spirits than usual after remarking upon

your kind offer– he looks forward to the expiration of his Articles with pleasure & thinks with

Horse exercise he shall be more improved than going to the Sea Side or a Coasting Voyage. I

have written him by this Mail but have nor alluded at all to Mr Woodruffes unfavourable opinion

of his case – but merely alluded to you having written to me on his future prospects & that you

had remarked that a relaxation would be beneficial. Your kind remembrances to Mr Hardy & Mr

Booth shall be communicated.

Mrs Richardson unites with me in kind regards to yourself & [overwritten vertically on the left

hand side of the page] Mrs. Hardy & also to Mr. & Mrs. Alfred to whom I beg you will express our

united thanks for their kindness & attention to Edward – I am happy to say my Father who is

quite well & active also desires to be remembered to you & Mr. Al – I would further add that I

shall consider it a favour if you see any particular change either for the better or worse

Symptoms in Edwards state of health to inform me as soon as convenient

I remain My Dear Sir

Yours much obliged

John. S Richardson

Arthur Hardy Esqr

Adelaide

[page 4]

Via Southampton

[post mark inside a circle]

E HULL

AP 11 60

Arthur Hardy Esqr

Solicitor

South Australia

With kind regards to Mrs Hardy and the little ones

I remain

faithfully yours

Edw. S Richardson

Arthur Hardy Esq

Adelaide

[page 4 blank]

_____________________________________________________________________________________


PRG 101/2/17

Letter from John Richardson to Arthur Hardy 11 April 1860. A four page folio.

Richardson [in another hand]

Hull

11 April 1860

[in pencil] Arrd 18 June 1860

[page 1]

My dear Sir

Your kind & sympathetic Letter has as you anticipated occasioned us considerable anxiety for

our Dear Son Edwards state of health, our concern so greatly in his behalf, is also

considerably – lessened by the entire Confidence we have in that Providence to whose care at

the time he left home we committed him & in those kind friends amongst whom he was so

Providentially placed, yet we cannot but feel how soon he may be taken from us – & how each

succeeding Post may destroy those cherished hopes we had formed for his future life having no

doubt of his attaining celebrity in that Profession to which he is so peculiarly attatched &

naturally fitted for.

You will also please to accept our united thanks for the handsome proposals – made to Edward

which you so kindly mention as likely to be entered into at the expiration of his Articles is so

satisfactory not only as reliable evidence to us of the estimation in which you hold his

Professional capabilities but that his Personal character & conduct are in all respects such as we

should wish them to be & in accordance with his Religious professions. You know how anxious

Parents always must be for their children’s well being the development of the principles instilled

in early youth, Edwards whole –


career has hitherto been calculated to convey but one impression that if his health be continued

& length of days be granted he will not only be a credit to us but also a useful & influential

member of general Society while praying that our wishes may in this respect be gratified we

would not forget that – every suitable & available means must be used on our part. I have as

well as his Mother written Edward urging him not to be sparing in his diet to take what exercise &

relaxation he may find desireable Of course he will be reluctant to take a Voyage to England

both on Acct. of the Expense & also the time it would necessarily consume but still if needful he

must undertake it – Yet perhaps a voyage to Sydney to see his friends the Coates there & if

requisite to prolong the voyage to Aukland New Zealand to pay his uncle the Revd. Saml.

Blackburn who has lately arrived and as Principle of the College a short visit might possibly

prove sufficient to restore his strength, Then on his return to keep a Horse & take regular

exercise being careful not to overwork either mind or body he might find himself gradually if

slowly recovering his constitutional weakness – but I fear if he is not careful the little accession

of strength he may obtain & putting forth fresh effort to counteract the improvement as I know he

is very anxious to give

_____________________________________________________________________________________


[page 3]

fulfill every duty that devolves upon him in a satisfactory manner

I cannot refrain from my expressing to Almighty God for raising up for him so many kind friends

in your distant Land I do hope for your sake he will live to – requite the kindness th he has recd

at your hands & also from Mr. Alfred. for indeed when he left home he went out not knowing

whither he went. & had it not been for the kind reception you gave him he might ere this have

finished his course, I know his anxiety on this point & would not like to rest from his labours till

he had paid every debt of gratitude & earned Sufficient to meet his every pecuniary liability. I

trust that he may still be spared for many long & useful years – Yet I would not presume by

dictating to Him who only knows what

the best for us. If Life health & prosperity be given we shall be grateful indeed if not I shall

endeavour to say Thy will be done. We were in high expectation that the fine Weather in

Summer would have perfectly restored his health after the Affliction last Autumn, by this Post I

have a Letter from Edward who writes in much better Spirits than usual after remarking upon

your kind offer– he looks forward to the expiration of his Articles with pleasure & thinks with

Horse exercise he shall be more improved than going to the Sea Side or a Coasting Voyage. I

have written him by this Mail but have nor alluded at all to Mr Woodruffes unfavourable opinion

of his case – but merely alluded to you having written to me on his future prospects & that you

had remarked that a relaxation would be beneficial. Your kind remembrances to Mr Hardy & Mr

Booth shall be communicated.

Mrs Richardson unites with me in kind regards to yourself & [overwritten vertically on the left

hand side of the page] Mrs. Hardy & also to Mr. & Mrs. Alfred to whom I beg you will express our

united thanks for their kindness & attention to Edward – I am happy to say my Father who is

quite well & active also desires to be remembered to you & Mr. Al – I would further add that I

shall consider it a favour if you see any particular change either for the better or worse

Symptoms in Edwards state of health to inform me as soon as convenient I remain My Dear

Sir

Yours much obliged

John. S Richardson

Arthur Hardy Esqr

Adelaide

[page 4]

Via Southampton

[post mark inside a circle]

E HULL

AP 11 60

Arthur Hardy Esqr

Solicitor

Adelaide

South Australia

_____________________________________________________________________________________


PRG 101/2/18

Letter from Edward Richardson to Arthur Hardy 10 May 1860

P.S. The deeds can be signed at the Port if you bring them down

10 May 1860

Dr Sir,

I cannot wait longer as I have to complete packing up & go down by the 1.40 train

I leave on your desk £9.1/ – amount of Court fees as per Mr Chapmans a/c – I cannot take my

passage to England till I reach Melbourne as I have left the choice of ships to Mr Hayward who

is there and is going with me – I find I ought not to take less than £70 for I cannot foresee what

Expenses I may have in Melbourne. Will you be so good as to bring that sum down with you in

gold with a few extra sovereigns to change any notes I may have left. – I do not know whether it

escaped your memory that I had not received my monthly allowance for March & April (together

£25) or whether you thought that as I was sick & absent from business I was not Entitled to it – If

the latter I do not wish to press for it but if it had only slipped your memory I just remind you

because it is not at all pleasant to me to draw more heavily upon my brothers kindness than I

can help

faithfully Yrs

Edwd S. Richardson

_____________________________________________________________________________________


PRG 101/2/19

Letter from Edward Richardson to Arthur Hardy 10th May 1860 Small folio.

[page 1]

Steamer Omeo

Port Adelaide

10th May 1860

My dear Sir,

I had so little time with you to-day that I forgot to mention one or two matters that occurred to me

and therefore I avail myself of Mrs Alsops kindness to forward you this note – The first is as to

Letters arriving for me from home or elsewhere I wished to ask you to be so good as to post

them to my Father whose address is

Mr J. S Richardson

Corn Merchant

Parliament Street

Hull England

The other is a matter of more moment and I wonder that I forgot it – It is

[page 2 on verso of page 1]]

this viz that as the ship in which I shall sail ought to be arriving in England about the same time

as the June mail from Australia, it would be a great comfort to my father and mother to hear from

you by that mail supposing that I do not succeed in reaching home – If I do get there your letter

will still be welcome but if not it would be peculiarly acceptable and I have not much faith in the

success of my voyage as my strength is so thoroughly used up

I shall write home by this months mail posting my Letter in Melbourne please let Mr Alsop have

any Hull Newspapers which may come addressed to me – They interest him as he comes from

Hull –

Farewell – May God bless you and yours –

faithfully yrs

Edw.d S. Richardson

[page 3 blank]

[page 4 in centre]

Arthur Hardy Esq

_____________________________________________________________________________________


PRG 101/2/20

Letter from Mrs M. H. Alsop to Arthur Hardy small folio

[page 1]

May 25th 1860 .

My dear Sir .

Mr Richardson did not leave me his address in Melbourne – Neither do I know Mr. Hayward’s –

doubtless Mrs Selway [?] may know Mr. Hayward’s. –

Truly Your’s

Marg. H. Alsop

[pages 2,3 and 4 blank]

_____________________________________________________________________________________


PRG 101/2/21

Letter from Edward Richardson to Arthur Hardy 16th May 1860 Small folio

[page 1]

St Kilda near Melbourne

16th May 1860

Dear Sir,

As the Omeo returns tomorrow I write to say that I had a very good trip round among here

on Sunday Morning and have found Mr Hayward resolved to sail by the “Yorkshire” and to go in

the

same cabin with me

This is is a most satisfactory arrangement for he will be a great comfort to me on the voyage

I feel about as well as when I left you and am anxious to get to see whatever may be the result –

If it please God I hope to get home but can scarcely


look for a cure – I hear that the Yorkshire is a very comfortable vessel, one of the most so on the

line and as Hayward will be with me I shall sail under the most favourable circumstances

possible – Allow me to thank you for your Kindness to me while in Adelaide and more

particularly for the promptness with which you presented my Admission as an Attorney & Notary

Please tell Mrs Alfred Hardy that I received and am much obliged to her for her kind note which

she sent me on the day of my departure and give my kind remembrances to all my Adelaide

friends Excuse more

[page 3]

at present as I am very poorly & tired – If I get safe to England you may of course expect to hear

from me

Farewell for the present

Yours faithfully

Edwd S. Richardson

A Hardy Esq

Adelaide

[page 4 blank]

_____________________________________________________________________________________


PRG 101/2/22

A draft of a letter to Mr Richardson from Arthur Hardy on a Government Proclamation

form with a list of town and country sections

[page 1]

Yorkshire

Adel

18 June 1860

via Marseilles

My dear Sir

I recd by this Mail yr tre of 11th April : I did not write to you by last Mail because Edwd. wrote

himself & had however intended to write you a few lines by this Mail had I not recd yr. request to

do so: In Feby I hardly knew wher I was acting wisely in writing as I did \to you/knowing the

certain anxiety it wd cost you & Mrs Richardson I however am now quite satisfied that I did was

right in doing so: you will have heard that the trip to Sydney did him no service, on his return he

did not appear to think himself in so dangerous a state as Mr Woodforde considd to be the case,

& the change \for the worse/ even to a non professional \medical/ person was very great for I

fear I cannot hold out any hopes to you of any permanent improvement in his health: Mr

Woodforde was decidedly of opinion that if he stayed here unable as he was from weakness to

study \occupy himself with business/ that he would could not have lived many months: he

however thought it possible that a voyage was the best chance way of prolonging his life

coupled with \especially as/ the anticipation of seeing his friends would tend to keep up his

spirits: under those circes I advised him to take a passage for England without waiting \even the

month or two/ for the expiration of his articles; I fd that the not getting admitted after working so

long told on his spirits & I therefore made it a point with the three judges to allow him to be

examined & admitted before his departure from Sa Aus & to this they consented & he was

accordingly admitted as Barrister &c and also as a Notary & Proctor: the he was particularly

anxious to be admitted as a Notary, because he thought if his life shd be spared for a few years

he might thro’ his brothers interest in the Bank & amongst these able men get some Notarial

business wch \is highly profitable in a seaport town & cod/. be well managed by a clerk: In all

This his success raised his spirits & he left this for Melbourne to take a passage in the Yorkshire

with a friend named Haywood a Medical Man who was returning to England & I learn that they

engaged a

[page 2]

cabin between them; this wod prove satisfactory to Edward not only because he was a Medical

Man but because his friend is described to me as an excellent Christian man I regret to say I

learned from our mutual friend Mr Alsop that Edwd was very ill indeed the first day the ship

sailed from Melbourne but was rather better at the time of the last advice \pilot/ left the ship ; I

think it right to put you in full possession of his state at the last; that you may be prepared if it

pleases our heavenly father to take him on his Voyage home. [… …] &

_____________________________________________________________________________________


I can add but little to the Consolation you all & his Mrs Richardson already possess in the

knowledge that you have done your duty by him in bringing him up in the way he should go,

beyond saying that since he came to Australia, he has\consistently/ followed out the [… …]

\course/ so well commenced – made and

Mrs. Hardy unites with me in kindest sympathies to Mrs Richardson & yourself and trusting in the

full [trust] confidence that whatever He does is for the best & that whatever be the result we may

feel enabled to say cheerfully Thy will be done

Believe me to

With kind regards to my uncles

Believe me to be

Yours sincerely

A H.

_____________________________________________________________________________________


PRG 101/2/23

Letter from I S Richardson, Edward Richardson’s brother, to Arthur Hardy, 15th

September 1860. A small black bordered folio.

recd 10 Nov 1860

ans 16 “ “

Yorkshire Banking C.

Hull

15 Sep 1860

Dear Sir

You will receive intelligence from my Father by this Mail of the sad loss we have been called

upon to sustain.` I did hope my dear Brother would have been spared to us especially after the

considerable improvement he at first experienced from the change of climate.

Tho’ prepared by your letter & those received from other of our Colonial Friends so far as to fear

he might not survive the voyage we were yet unwilling to realize to ourselves the probability


of the melancholy event we now have to deplore. That however he was not unprepared we have

the fullest & most satisfactory evidence. The first sight of his photograph very much shocked me

– the worn and haggard look so different to his former appearance led me to wonder at his

medical advisers even permitting him to undertake so long a voyage, but I can understand how

anxiously he would cling to the hope of once more seeing his home and English friends.

[page 3]

Respecting the £200 I sent to my brother in Nov. 1859 the receipt of which together with the

power of Attorney accompanying it he acknowledged to me in his letter of the 14 January, I have

to ask you to do the best you can for my interests. I understand from his letter of the 16 May that

£120 was lent abt that time to a Mr Wm Rains for a term of three years at 10 per cent in the

security of some land in the


vicinity of Adelaide – that abt £35 remained for investment.

As this is an amount you will not like to be troubled with, you can, if you please , return it to me,

together with any interest that may have accrued. If however it is already fixed, I do not wish to

have it disturbed, provided you are willing to oblige me by looking after it on my acct. I am ,

Dear Sir, Yours respectfully,

I. S. Richardson […]

To

Arthur Hardy

Esquire

_____________________________________________________________________________________


PRG 101/2/24

Letter from John Richardson to Arthur Hardy 18th September 1860 A small black

bordered folio.

recd 10 Novr 1860

ans 16 “ “

Hull

18 Sepr 1860

My dear Sir

It now becomes my painful duty to inform you of the death My Dear Son Edward who died on

the 19 June at Sea & was buried by Capt Reynell on the following morning 20 June

Latitude 52 – 7 South Longitude 146 – 47 West according to the form of the Church of

England, this information we recd from a young Gentn a Mr Hayward who was a fellow

Passenger with my Son on board the Yorkshire & was sometime at the same Lodgings in

Adelaide with him at Mrs Selways this young Gent went out in the same Ship from England

with your nephew Mr Louis Ley – last Sepr ``he left home in search of health – being a Medical

Student & as he intended returning while at Melbourne he wrote to Edward to know if he should

also return if so he would wait for him so that they might go in the same Ship – Edward in his

Letters to us of the 11 May says what pleasure he should have in having


so respectable a Companion & in the weakly state that he was in he considered it Providential

that he should have such a kind friend in this Letter he writes in good Spirits & was glad to

inform us the Yorkshire was a remarkably easy & well managed Ship with a good Captain &

efficient Surgeon, the voyage is a formidable undertaking but I feel desirous to start & how glad I

shall be to see you all again if God permits if he see’s good to spare me to arrive I think I shall

be much stronger for the voyage & shall start with every advantage being in the best Cabin & in

one of the best ships afloat, only built last year, & with a good friend who is half a Doctor to

accompany me – & as God has been pleased to make my way very plain I do hope to see you

all in about 3 Mos

The above is from the last Letter he wrote prior to leaving – Melbourne & the last we have recd

from him. I now give you an extract from a Letter recd from Mr Hayward

dated Ship Yorkshire off Portsmouth 24 Augt 1860 –

On the 19 June at Sea your Son Mr. Edward S Richardson died in perfect peace & I trust he is

now

[ ]

in the presence of him as he told me only a day or two before his death he had looked upon as

his Saviour eversince he was a School Boy – He suffered much from exhaustion from the day of

our embarkation untill his death & took to his Bed altogether after the first few days, when I wrote

you from Melbourne 22 May – I did not make sufficient – allowance I think for the effect which

_____________________________________________________________________________________


Rest & quiet whilst there had upon him the immediate cause of his dissolution was an

inflamation of the left Lung the first Sympton of which appeared 5 or 6 days before his death – I

am glad to say that except during those few days his disease was unattended with actual pain

his sufferings while on board Ship was chiefly from shortness of breath & difficulty in swallowing

& great weariness On the day Evening of the day on which we took our final departure from

Port Phillip Heads – Sunday 27 May – a head gale sprang up & continued for several days

obliging us to go through Bas’s Straits & after this


we were hampered by head winds between Tasmania & New Zealand the motion of the Ship

was a source of discomfort to him but he bore it with much patience passing the greater portion

of the day in a drowsy Semi-Conscious state & slept pretty well at night his mind remained clear

to the last & he passed away while a sleep without a struggle – He kept a Copy Book under his

Pillow for a fortnight before his death with the intention of writing in it if he at any time should feel

strong – enough & the weather should improve but he did not use it – .

The above sad intelligence we did not receive here untill the 27 Augt which prevented me

writing earlier as the Mail had left & now My Dear Sir I have given you the whole of the

melancholy information we have recd knowing that you would expect to hear Some Account of

my late dear Son

I beg that you will accept of mine & Mrs Richardsons warmest thanks for the great kindness

shown to our Dear Edwd from the first & deeply regret that you have been so soon deprived of

his services at the time when he would have been useful [overwritten crosswise on the left hand

side of the page] but we acknowledge the hand of God in his early removal from this life & would

bow with reverence to His Almighty Will it is a great Consolation to us to know that he not only

lived well but that he has gone to an Eternal Rest I am happy to say we are all well & my Dear

Father is enjoying a good state of health at the advanced age of 80 being still active & attending

to business

With kind regards to Mrs Hardy& yourself in which Mrs Richardson joins

I remain

My Dear Sir

To Arthur Hardy Esq

Yours truly

Adelaide

John S. Richardson

_____________________________________________________________________________________


PRG 101/2/25

Draft, on scrap paper, of a letter to John Richardson from Arthur Hardy, 16th November

1860

via Marseilles

Adel

16 Nov 1860

My dear Sir

Altho’ grieved I was not very much surprised at the tenor of yr letter of 18th Sept. My letter to you

of 18th June must have prepared you all for the result The Surgeon who attended him \yr poor

son/ considd it improbable he should have lived many weeks here if he had remained here & on

the whole thought there was a possibility of his life being prolonged by a \the/voyage to England

to enable him to reach England \He was most anxious to go &/ I paid him his Saly for the two

months he had been away in Sydney & offered him what \further/ money he might require, but

he said he had authty from his brother to use money in his hands for the purpose – We you have

the satisfaction of knowing that everything was practicable was done for his [a table of Country

Sections with price and locations occupies the right hand space] comfort & that he \it/ appears

he had comparatively little actual suffering – With our warmest [?] kind regards to my Uncle & to

Mrs Richardson & all yr family I remain my dear S

yours […]

AH

_____________________________________________________________________________________


PRG 101/2/26

Arthur Hardy and Edward Richardson: Balance sheet 8th May 1860

Arthur Hardy in account with Ed S. Richardson

To 20 Shares Glen Osmond Quarries £30–:–

“ Law Books to ask [?] Roscoe & Chilty 6 :16 : –

“ Saddle & Bridle 5 : – :

“ Whitingtons acceptance 23 : – :–

“ Balhannah Lots 5 :10 :

£70 : 6 : –

By Cash . £20 : – : –

“ draft on Mr Hardy 20 : – :

“ Cash balance 30 : 6 :

70 : – :6

Received balance in cash this day

Thirty pds 6/– 8 May 1860 .

[signed] Edw. S. Richardson

_____________________________________________________________________________________


PRG 101/2/27

Banknote 14th April 1860

[circular bank stamp] BANK OF AUSTRALASIA SYDNEY No. 1/20195

SYDNEY

£20 14th April 1860.

At after sight of this First of Exchange (Second

– of the same tenor and date being unpaid) pay to the Order of The Bank

of Australasia Twenty pounds

Sterling, value received.

in terms of BofA credit No 659.

To Arthur Hardy Esq [signed] Edw.S. Richardson

Adelaide S.A.

_____________________________________________________________________________________


PRG 101/2/28

Bank draft 10th May 1860

Adelaide

10th May 1860.

Alfred Hardy Esq

Please pay to bearer forty five pounds stg –

J.S.Richardson Jr.

by his Attorney

£45: –

Edw . S. Richardson

_____________________________________________________________________________________


PRG 101/2/29

Letter from Arthur Hardy to Algernon Taylor, his nephew, 24th January 1864. This letter is

a photocopy, stamped ‘British Library Political and Economic Science’.

Mount Lofty

24th. Jary 1864

My dear Algernon *

The Mail which brought your letter & the others announcing poor Caroline’s46 death was a great

shock to us, it was so wholly unexpected: I often have anxious thoughts of what the news of my

mother may be a few days before the arrival of the Mail, but I drive them away, remembering

that each Mail gives much the same account, that altho’ feeble as may be expected at her age,

her intellects are clear & that she is in good spirits Poor Louis I feel most for the blow it will be

to him & regret he is not here that we might in some measure soften it; he is at Geelong, I wrote

to him by the first opportunity the day after the arrival of the Mail here, but he will have received

his letters before he can get mine – We get our Mail by a Branch Steamer which waits at King

Georges Sound & comes in whilst the large Steamer is coaling & from the shorter distance, we

get the news & Telegraph to Melbourne generally a couple of days before they

[footnote in pencil] *Son of John & Harriet (nee Hardy) Taylor47 .

[page 2]

receive their letters – Herbert wrote to us full particulars of the funeral for of Annie & Rose; he

seems most kind to have arranged their affairs for the for the immediate present

With reference to Ellens & your wish that your Aunt & myself should stand as sponsors, we will

most willingly do so. during the lives of the parents look upon it as a mere form; but do not

consider it so if the misfortune which has happened to little Rose should happen to your child : at

this distance [?] how much practically could we perform [?] of that we promise to do ? What

might be in our power be assured we would do under any circumstances

Thank you both for your kind expressions with regard to seeing Arty during his holidays – I am

sure he will be very glad to pay you a visit for a few days when it may be convenient to Ellen to

receive him He will be for the present under the charge of his Uncle The Rev Ed Price The

Philberds about two miles from Maidenhead; \Mrs Price is Marthas sister & Ed Price her cousin/

so that the times of his

[page 3]

visits must be arranged with Mr Price

I have looked in the […] Socty atlas for Tetsworth but do not find it, in what direction is it from

Oxford? Is it towards Blemheim & Woodstock – ? he will probably have an opportunity when

with you of seeing Oxford & the neighbourhood

46 Caroline Ley, née Hardy, was Arthur Hardy’s younger sister. 47 Later Harriet Taylor Mill.

_____________________________________________________________________________________


Mr Price has established a school for preparing boys for the Public schools principally for

Marlborough, we think of sending Arthur there after about twelve months – Dr Bradley the Head

Master is an old friend of Martha’s he having been one of the Masters at Rugby at the same time

that Bonamy Price was there. Another of the Masters at Marlborough is a first cousin of Arty’s.

& he was also educated at Rugby I consider Rugby so bleak & exposed as to be undesirable

for a boy from a warm climate. Marlborough I understand is in a more genial climate

Another matter has weighed with us. Edward Price is a very clever man & I believe a very

successful [?] teacher Several of his own sons are in his school & will go on to Marlborough so

that when

[page 4]

Arty goes up he will probably be not only accompanied by schoolfellows but find old

schoolfellows established there before him – On the whole he goes away from us under as

favourable circumstances as possible – the passengers by the […] being a nice lot of people &

most of them known to us & inclined to be kind to a little boy alone in the world. It was a terrible

pang parting with him, but I am sure it is for his good & that we are doing our duty by him – Mere

school education can be got here but most of the boys turn out either very badly or the minority

puffed with conceit, the latter arising from the want of knocking about with well brought up

gentlemanly boys & \not/ being used to orderly households. I need hardly say that a letter to

him shortly after his arrival would tend to cheer him up with the feeling of having friends about

him altho’ as yet formally unknown to them – Aunt Martha joins me in love to Ellen yourself and

the children Believe me dear [?] Algernon to be yours very affectionately

Arthur Hardy

[footnote] Presented by Miss M. P. Hardy

_____________________________________________________________________________________


PRG 101/2/30

Letter from Henry Price, Arthur Hardy’s partner in Port Lincoln, to Hardy, May 28th 1847.

Small folio.

[on top of page one, written upside down]

I forgot to say that neither Hawker nor I wish to have any shares allotted to us – except they

be free

Port Lincoln

May 28 1847 [?]

My dear Hardy –

I arrived here last Tuesday morning after a fine but long passage of 4 days – I found all well at

home – The weather is most lovely – a rare thing for our lambing – Hawker tells me that the

sheep are doing exceedingly well but several of your old ewes cannot stand lambing and die – I

go out to the station on Sunday – until then I can say nothing about the number of wethers &c –

but I will write by the first opportunity – We go to him at the Station – finally – at the end of next

week – .

I enclose Mr. Smith’s agreement with Hawker – a copy – He can easily evade [?] it if he pleases

but I think they will allow something – you will remark in the sort of Postscript that the Interest

which he now seems to think reward enough is provided for in addition to the share of Land


As a matter of justice we certainly ought to get our share but we shall be contented with any

thing – if no free shares then full payment of our expenses – I leave it entirely with you As poor

men we shall be thankful even for a little – I send you Porter’s [?] account of last year bearing

his receipt in full of all demands to Janry. 14th. after his delivering the lambs in Adelaide – After

all his outrageous charges – considering that the expense of £2 –12 \per week/ was still

continuing – and that he was one of the \2/ shepherds for whom he demands payments during

all his stay from home at that time. I cannot see why we should pay extra for driving 300 lambs

to Town – If he had a little harder work for two days he had a fortnight’s holiday afterwards on

his own business – I certainly should not pay him anything but what we are compelled to do for

he has robbed us infamously – and ruined the sheep after all – .

[page 3]

– on my arrival here I of course discovered that I had left something behind – This happened to

be a music book – and one piece of loose music belonging to Miss Gower & entrusted to me by

Mrs. Anstey I remember laying it down on the chair nearest the Piano and there I suppose it

now lies – If you would have the kindness to make a parcel of it leaving it at Lewis’ [?] for some

opportunity you would much oblige me – Miss Gower tells me that you promised her some

Guitar instructions – if you like you can put them into the parcel – I am sorry to say that I can get

_____________________________________________________________________________________


no tidings of Isabella’s music – which once was at Mrs Hart’s – Gower brought Isabella48 only

your Concert papers [?] and no other music at all – Gower says you gave him none Hart says

they were sent to you and I think you told me that you gave them to Gower – Will you be kind

enough to attend to this for us – The musick belongs almost entirely to Francis Dutton


who as you know is now on his way out – Macdonald is here – I think that we shall get all in work

including the Salt Creek – at least he admits the part of our occupancy before Tenant – He

seems very happy at this place [?] but indulges in most wonderful late hours – Isabella will

herself thank you for the oranges – the apples did not arrive at all – I am indeed glad to be back

– I feel very much annoyed at working so long and sometimes so hard for nothing or worse than

nothing – We have this year cleared for certain . 2 Flocks 200 [?] […] –all the scabby lambs

belonging to the Establishment this [?] for certain – and I believe – yours & […] – The last

arrived flock of yours is I am told in splendid order – with very little scab – This I call good but

unfortunately expensive work – however It is a long lane that has no turning –

Ever yours

H. Price

48

Isabella Young had married Henry Price in 1846.

_____________________________________________________________________________________


PRG 101/2/31

Letter from Henry Price to Arthur Hardy 18th April 1852. One folio and one loose page.

[impressed mark showing three master sailing ship and the words – COMMERCIAL POST

1851]

Port Lincoln

April 18 1852.

My dear Arthur –

By the Bandicoot direct Isa and my little ones arrived in safety – You may imagine how shocked

I was at poor Georgie’s death – Neither of the others had ever been half so much cared for at so

early an age

By the same vessel I received your letter of March 30th Hopkinsons’ matter I will strictly attend

to – There can be no earthly occasion for interference at present – Swaffer [?] is carrying on

Hopkinson – of course with a full knowledge of the circumstances – The sheep are being well

cared for indeed they have nothing to sell – and a lambing will soon be got out of them – They

are with all the others perfectly and undoubtedly clean. I shall do nothing whilst things are going

on as they now are and I do most sincerely trust that they will at all events put an end to all this

wretched suspense

I did not expect you to pay Isabella’s interest before hand certainly not the second £10 at all

events. I am really thankful for it. You need fear no repetition – I am by this time fully aware how

utterly useless it is attempting to earn a livelihood by means

[page 2]

of others and I have now everything I want until after shearing excepting perhaps a little sugar –

a bag of which lasts me upwards of two months – and under no circumstances will I trouble you

any more. Whatever may happen to myself personally and some of the Adelaide people are very

pressing and even threatening – I can easily provide for the safety of the sheep – and after

shearing there will be funds ample to pay the little labour employed by me this year only 12/– a

week my share – and to leave a large and handsome surplus besides –

Your sheep stand simply thus – There were after deducting the number I have rented upwards

of 1700 – this is too large a number for one flock in this country – whilst out of my 1500 – only

924 were ewes – and the remainder at lambing time at all events ought to go into another flock –

I now have the 924 Ewes in one flock – 1320 all four tooth sheep are with the Coolie – and the

remaining flock is composed of the weaned lambs with a few culled ewes for killing and are

shepherded by a black – All the wages you will be liable for from the 28th of January & at all It

events the 8th October when the Coolie’s time will be up will be 12/- a week – certainly

[page 3]

little enough to pay for the shepherding & hutkeeping [?] of 1700 sheep in these times – but the

man was hired before we heard of the gold Mania – From the 3rd of December 1850 – to

January 28th 1851 (when I arrived and got rid of the men) there were 2 men with your sheep – a

_____________________________________________________________________________________


shepherd at 12/- a hutkeeper [?] at 8/ – in all £1 per Week – For this amount it was that I drew

the orders which I wrote to you about last time as being numbered – For Sutcliffe £5. For Riddell

£3. in all £8. Then as a loan I wanted Smiths £17 – and Riddell again £4 odd – The two latter

were last year’s wages – but I was quite satisfied with the list of orders you paid for me after

shearing and I determined to settle these at all events myself – When I was in Adelaide [?] I

made sure that I could do this – and it was only when I made the attempt down here that I found

I could sell nothing – and then I asked the loan although most unwillingly – I am sorry that you

should have any annoyance but this matter will now do very well – and I again assure you that

until after shearing you will not again see my handwriting to an order. After you get my wool I

shall be able to ask you for money as my own – I mean of course for wages – supplies &c and

until then you need dread no more trouble – I am now amply supplied until after the shearing

with everything except Woolpacks [?] and as I said before a little sugar

[page 4]

If in July you can conveniently pay the £8 I have alluded to above – it would be a convenience to

me. if not why I must do the best I can – The Rations will be somewhat more to you than the

mere 2 rations – the proportion we can easily settle at any time – of course you will not object to

bear a share of the food consumed by those employed about the place – That the whole amount

will not be very heavy you can believe when I tell you that a bag of flour lasts us all at the station

a month – other things in like proportion – No one can be more economical than I am – The

sheep are all perfectly clean and in good condition with every promise of a good clip of wool – as

Fenton [?] culled them last shearing – and the \sheep with/ the light and bad fleeces have been

disposed of or are now being killed – They are all on the run at Port Lincoln Proper close under

our eyes – and leaving Strawberry Hill vacant if I can only find a purchaser. Two […] persons –

a Mr Pulteney Malcolm – and M’Neil (the man who I thought would buy all the sheep but now

declines buying any until after next shearing) are thinking of it – and if I possibly can I will sell it

and if I do send you every sixpence of the money – But you must not count on this – To

conclude if you do not sell any sheep this year there is at all events the almost absolute benifety

certainty that from this little lot of sheep – taking them as one – there will be a surplus of £200 –

allowing only 30 bales of wool at 10d for this and this at all events is a most happy change –

This is a mere rough guess – I have had a satisfactory letter from Sale of Rugby – He expresses

great surprise that my draft in your favour should only have been presented Nov 29th He writes

to me to say that he has written to his son in the Union Bank

[page 5]

to facilitate the transaction this time – but he says that he knows of no better means than my

putting the bill into the Union Bank and getting it discounted now as there can be no reason why

under present circumstances you should have any trouble in this matter if it can be possibly

managed otherwise. I have written to John [?] Sale mentioning what his Father told me and

asking him to let me know by return of Post how the thing can be best done – the proceeds to be

applied as I should advise him – There is some great mistake about Smiths order – I only gave

him one and that is now in Drews hand – from Bishop here – Robinson must have got some of

the small orders from Smith taken by him I suppose in exchange for the large one – and hence

_____________________________________________________________________________________


the mistake. It will come back here – Bonamy tried to get the money from Mr. Sale (as he

informs me) – and even insisted upon his dishonouring my draft in your favour – Mr. Sale

however writes to me that this was [?] not business and that of course he refused – and shall

always pay the money to any one and in any way I may appoint – without any reference to him.

I have also had a very handsome joint letter from Edward and Annie – most satisfactory to my

feelings at all events – Ed says distinctly that I owe no money to the Servants but to the Estate –

That the other was an arrangement of Bon’s own making which cannot be tolerated – I must

expect Bons uttermost wrath now – but if I can only manage to keep as I am until after shearing

– I must try and free myself from them all – I should then have a little money to do it with. Mrs.

Irwin [?] goes up to Adelaide with Moorhouse this time for a short visit. I think you know her –

and her history How far you may think this an impediment to seeing her I do not know – She

has certainly done ample penance for her sins – and Mrs. Hale and the other people here all

know and visit her – If you can conveniently show her a little attention – I shall be glad The twins

were very kind to Netta – and to Isa at her confinement and only supposing it does not put you

out attention would be charitable and gratefully

[page 6]

received – I have made enquiries about the Mineral discovery which I knew nothing of – Peter

has not yet seen it – but started yesterday in search of it – It is a long way from here – some 60

or 70 miles beyond Franklin Harbour but as there is no shipping place near – and if it be as they

say really a great discovery – it will certainly make everything connected with Port Lincoln

valuable.

[written crosswise in centre of page] 4

Arthur Hardy Esquire

King William Street

Adelaide

[black wax seal showing coat-of-arms]

[post mark showing a crown and the words POST OFFICE PORT SA 19]

[post mark showing the words AP 1852 SOUTH AUSTRALIA]

Edward is with a Mr. Haigh as overseer – getting £40 a year and giving every satisfaction – For

this I am not a little thankful –

Give my best love to Martha – I am glad to hear that she and her little one are thriving and

believe me

Very affect – yours

Henry Price

_____________________________________________________________________________________


PRG 101/1/32

Letter from Henry Price to Arthur Hardy, 20th September 1852. A four page folio with

overwriting.

Port Lincoln Sept 20 1852

My dear Arthur

I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 9 th of August with a flour sack full of much

esteemed newspapers – Since I last wrote to you I am sorry to say that a very serious

misfortune has happened to us in the sheep breaking out with scab after having been clean for

months – I can only attribute this to the sheep getting infection from my neighbour Borthwick –

the sheep of your’s I sold him – At this time in the year I could not attempt to check the disease

whilst the wool was on – especially circumstanced as I am with no one to help me If I let the

sheep go on the scab would have been frightful and the loss of the wool enormous – I therefore

worked resolved on shearing immediately and I am now half done with them – after they are

shorn I have fully made up my mind get rid of now the one or two men I had before. And going to

work solely with blacks & Mr Sale – I have tried and shall try to dispose of them – but I am

without any hope of success – Every soul is of for the diggins[?] and Mr Manning is giving his

overseers – and they are very poor ones – £150 a year It is of no use


discounting upon misfortune – I am very sorry for it for your sake but how much more serious is

it to me whose very bread depends upon it – I can only say – and for the truth of this I can

appeal to Peter or any one that this year at all events I have[?] deserved very different results. I

am not dreaming of applying to you for any assistance I require none – the money due to Martha

in Janry. \next/ will pay one 6 months rent for the sheep. the other will be made up by the rations

& woolpacks – the £8 [?] I paid from Decer. to the end of Janry. less what I have advanced this

year to your men both in money & things In fact I can readily pay every farthing which on

settling this years account[?] may appear to be due from the 8th year [?] – If you send me down

100. lbs of Arsenic – between [?] yourself and me [?] at once by return of vessel [?] – I have

great hope of boiling down a great many of your sheep in January still They were getting fat fast

and the scab is not yet bad. but without medicine it soon will be so Your first and most natural

feeling will be that these sheep must

[page 3]

be got rid of at all events – I so far agree with you in this that I am unwilling to spend a sixpence

upon them – and therefore I propose shepherding them solely with rations – I shall not try to

breed from the ewes I got from you until the scab is cured if ever arsenic is the only medicine I

can venture upon – for its price – and all this will entail – greater hardships than some in diggins

[?] endure – with now no hope of corresponding reward, whilst really stupid useless people are

getting £150. a year I should be delighted to get rid of the sheep – but there is no hope & the

next best thing is to consider about keeping them From you after shearing I shall need flour tea

_____________________________________________________________________________________


and sugar with a very few lb of (if you like) damaged tobacco [?] for the blacks – and strange as

the request may appear. some of your old clothes old clothes I too have some I have all this

year kept the natives supplied with mine – They must have have some thing and buying slops

for them out of the question As far as I can judge at present – about 8 bags of Flour ½. Chest of

Tea. 2 Bags of Sugar 10 lb of Tobacco and these old clothes


with say 50. lbs of Arsenic on your own acct – half this 100 I want you to send will pay your

expenses if you have a flock to keep – I hope you understand that I have derived and can derive

no benefit from having your sheep with those I have rented from you – and that I am equally

anxious with yourself to get rid of them – but if the scab gets bad I cannot take them to the

boiling down place & keep them I must – I am paying 25/– a hundred! for shearing & yet your

shearing will not be very expensive – Sale cooks – I & a black picking up fleeces screening

packing &c – not an odd man of any description fair down-right slaving for us – Don’t imagine

that I am grumbling but I have a fair right to say what I am doing – and you will remember that all

this you used to pay for I had great trouble in getting shearers – some of the people here will

not I think get their sheep shorn at all – I have drawn one order upon you for £8.7 in favour of

William Mann [?] – a man who has stayed with me


shearing until the vessels sailing – Only in this way could I get them done at all. This order I

need not say I fully hope and expect you to meet at once – It is your own solely and of course I

have no means of paying them except by drawing upon you. Your shepherd I shall get rid of as

soon as this report goes – and I must then draw upon you for his wages – It is of no earthly use

trying to keep him now When he goes and the shearing paid for then will there be no more

drawing upon you – I shall never again attempt getting any thing upon credit. I shall arrange

with Bishop so that my wool may be sold in Adelaide by Elder paying him \Bishop/ as much as I

can of his account and


securing through him food at all events for next year – I am driven to this for Frazer [?] would

neither take up my wool nor bring me stores from Adelaide even if I had them there Your wool

will have to go in Elders depot [?] for Frazer [?] would certainly not take it up – This is indeed a

most miserable harassing and degrading life of constant debts and poverty one thing I am

certainly determined upon into no more debt will I go at all events. – I am not quite certain but I

think about £50 including this £.8.7. is all you will have to pay me this at all events will be the

outside you will have to provide.


I enclose a letter from Ed Price Maria has made a great mistake poor thing about my friendship

with the Bishop – I have talked to the Archdeacon – and he thinks with me that there is but small

_____________________________________________________________________________________


hope of his doing anything at present Perhaps Martha would say something to Anne on the

subject , With best love to all –

Your affectionate Brother ,

Henry Price.

By the way. Hopkinson with your sheep has occupied that Run I told this to Irwin [?] who has

been written to on the subject and it seems to be all he wanted – It seems that McKecknie [?]

wants it and I suppose that Hopkinson will gladly keep it . If runs are any use – these will some

day sell pretty well

[page 8 written crosswise and upside down over page 4]

Captain Bishop is closing accounts with that man Guthrie He intends taking the sheep

immediately after this shearing as Guthrie is hopelessly in his debt – Will you please send him

by return of Post the Bill of Sale with your account in order that he may settle it and charge it to

Guthrie He wants the Bill of Sale to seize [?] the sheep & worth.

_____________________________________________________________________________________


PRG 101/2/33

Letter from Henry Price to Arthur Hardy, 16th November 1853.

26 .4

£25 13 6 [written across corner]

Camp Ballarrat

Nov 16 – [in pencil] [1853]

Dear Arthur

I write in terrible haste to tell you that I am acting as Astt. Gold Com. at the above place – A

week ago I was offered this by Wright – unsought for – My friends said take it – It will show

willingness to work until the [. . .] pass and anxiety to gain experience Salary £400 – servant .

forage . tent & rations – I hope to hold it only 6 weeks & I shall be out of pocket

[page 2 on the verso of page 1]

I was off in 48 hours & could not write – from Melbourne – The work is terrible – Deciding [?]

disputes all day amongst diggers – in the middle of a crowd of hundreds of ruffians all talking

shouting quarrelling & almost fighting before you – They have paid me the compliment of giving

me a sick Commissioner’s district in addition to my own – I do my own on foot from 8 till 12 –

when an orderly arrives with a list of the disputes from Eureka the other place – I mount my

horse

[page 3]

at 1 & with him do the other until night – There are about 6000 to 8000 diggers to my lot – I am

quite well – & have a tent & establishment at Canadian Gulley – –. I really can write no more just

now – I have been fagged in every way – at night I have to do the office work – Love to all –

show this to George Young & believe me ever aff yours

Henry Price

I will write again immediately – My address still. Montefiore Graham & Co49 – The Appoint – was

a great Compliment It was so totally unsought for –

I hope Isa’s50 money £25. I sent is all right

[page 4 on the verso of page 3. Envelope page]

[post mark in black ink] BALLARAT 17 1853 VICTORIA

[post mark in black ink] MELBOURNE 19 1853 TORIA

[post mark in black ink] G P O NO 23 1853 SOUTH

Arthur Hardy Esq.

Exchange Chambers

Adelaide S.A.

49 Robert Graham and Jacob Montefiore were partners. 50 Isabella Price, Henry’s wife.

_____________________________________________________________________________________


PRG 101/2/34

Letter from Henry Price to Arthur Hardy, 3 March 1854. Small cream folio.

Brighton nr. Melbourne

March 3. 1854

My dear Arthur

I wrote to you this week already but as \I have/ some thing definite to anounce I hasten to give

you the good news. My health suffered so severely at Ballarat that I am only now really

convalescent and in that state that I dare take an appointment – However the day before

yesterday I was evidently so well that my friends determined upon again trying – on that day

my late com –


manding officer Wright with my old friends Sturt51 and Powlett52 saw the Colonial Secretary and

Attorney General and represented to them my claims upon Government and the hardship of

making me suffer from my health having been impaired in their service. They have fully

recognized this and the Colonial Secretary promised that in a few days I should receive a letter

from the Govt informing me that I was to be appointed to the first vacant Police Magistracy which

should also be a Country one – I

[page 3]

have been most fortunate – If I had not had such excellent friends the justice of my Cause would

have availed me very little – whilst on

the other hand [the centre of the page has been cut out] had not been

very char to my service

so good I have assisted me

I required life [?] and Police [?]

Magistracy and under [ ]

circumstances of for a […]

again to get This being thrown

out of Emp [?] a very serious

matter – but as the Pay & allowances – all in money – of a Country Police Magistracy are £900

a year whilst he can live almost as he likes – I may be

51 Evelyn Sturt, brother of Charles Sturt (1816-1885), Superintendent of Police in Melbourne 1849-1878. 52 Frederick Armand Powlett (1811-1865), Chief Commisioner of Crown Lands.

_____________________________________________________________________________________



better off yet than I should have been at the Diggings when I certainly should have been kept –

Did I write to you about Isa’s trust money – I am quite willing that you should invest her £430.

with the Interest due Jan 17. & which she will not now need in hand –

[the middle of the page both sides of the excision is blank]

& keep it at compound Interest as you may think best only arrange it with her and I hope you will

let me know – for I am very anxious as I every day feel more and more how precarious my

health & life are Love to Martha & the Children – Why does she not write

Yrs aff. H. Price

_____________________________________________________________________________________


PRG 101/2/35

Letter from Henry Price to Arthur Hardy, 19 March 1854. A small cream folio.

Brighton

March 19th. 1854

My dear Arthur –

I have great pleasure in announcing to you that I have […] the appointment I ex – pected

although not in the way I anticipated. It is of no use my trying for a Country place they will not

give me one – The Attorney General says plainly that I must look up and not down which taking

a sinecure Country place certainly is – New diggings have been recently established at

Tarrangower 11 miles from Castelmaine. There are collected there about 20,000 people – There

has been no Police Magistrate there yet – there is


no Office nor Clerk at present – nor will there be any of any experience . An old donkey of a Mr.

Smith has been appointed a Pol. Mag. some six weeks and more – in reward of service as a

Clerk. in some other department. All this time he never was sent any where but was allowed to

remain in Town learning his business at the City Courts – A week ago he was appointed to

Maldon as the head quarters at Tarrangower are called – I then made sure of the quiet Country

place he was before appointed to – but on Friday I

was sent for and told that Mr. Smith would not do – and that I must go or give up the expectation

of a Police Magistracy perhaps for months – The At–

[page 3]

torney General told me I was the only man he had to organize the New Branch – and held out

some hopes of removing me when the work was done but he would promise nothing – The

Appointment is a Digging Police Mag: £500 per Annum – with tents tent– keeper – forage for a

horse rations and Medical attendance The pay is certainly good – but there is no hope of having

my family with me – It is a notable opportunity of gaining credit or as the Attorney General says –

‘showing what sort of a man I am made of – I could not have accepted the appointment if the

summer were not over


as I could not have risked the tents. – The Police work is what I know & like There is no

standing in the Sun nor the Excitement . I am very happy & grateful – I am ordered off at once

– and shall leave on Tuesday please God – so you will not hear from me any more at present.

Direct my letters to the care of Messrs Montefiore Graham & Co. as before –I hope you will

arrange about Isa’s Settlement and let me hear – The equipment for these Situations and my

two months illness have thrown me terribly behind [?] but I hope soon to pick it up – Could you

send me a weekly Adelaide paper – I know you take the ‘Observer’ and address it to Henry Price

Police Magistrate – Maldon – Tarrangower Diggings Victoria

[written as a superscript upside down on page one] I like to hear of the old place – Love to

Martha & believe me Aff yr.

Henry Price

_____________________________________________________________________________________


PRG 101/2/36

Letter from Henry Price to Arthur Hardy, 24 March 1854

Melbourne March 24, 1854

My dear Arthur

I wrote to you the other day that I had been appointed P. M. at Maldon – Tarrangower Diggings

– There is much to please and disappoint in the Appointment –

– one thing is settled – a Country appointment either on the Murray I certainly shall never get. I

must look forward to a P.M. at some of the more important Diggings where there are good

houses – and eventually to

[page 2]

a Police Magistracy either in Melbourne or the neighbourhood – This Government is too badly

served for a man of any reputation for efficiency to hope for one of the quiet sinecure Country

appointments. That I can do my work there is no question – if my health stands – but another

breakdown would be fatal and the Doctors agree in pronouncing me for some months liable to

relapses from any excitement – All my friends Sturt Powlett Wright – and Matt Price insist upon

the absolute necessity of my wife’s immediately joining me – at all risks & under all

circumstances – Indeed it is only on these conditions

[page 3]

that they sanction my taking an appointment even at quiet Diggings like Tarrangower – I have

secured an excellent Camp equipment. two tents for my own use each 20x12 feet – well lined

with boarded floors & oil cloths – 2. cedar tables chairs & wash stand – My servant could cook

for us and Isa would only need one girl to look after the Child & wash some of the small things –

In fact we should be perfectly comfortable – I propose that the 2 elder children should remain at

Port Lincoln in Mrs. Young’s and Annie’s care for the present . I allowing Mrs. Young – a

quarterly sum such as she & Isa may agree on for their support &c – The books furniture &c to

remain there as at present – Isa only bringing

[page 4]

clothes and linen – She might return about Christmas – either to remain during the summer or to

bring the children away as circumstances may then seem best. By that time I should be settled

at all events – Isa would come here by Steamer writing first as I have given her full directions to

Matt. […] Campbell & Montefiore – one of whom will meet her on board – and take care of her. I

of course shall remain at my post until I hear of her arrival – It is of the greatest consequence

that she should be here by the middle of May at the very latest – so that we may be settled

before winter commences – I can declare before God that in this arrangement – much as I

naturally long to see my poor [wife?] I am acting without the least selfishness – & if I could only

make sure of my health I should not dream of asking her to come now – but it is a question

between prosperity and absolute beggary – and the risk must not be run . After this work I shall

_____________________________________________________________________________________


address my letters to Isabella to your care – and I want you to be guided by the sailing of the

Bandicoot as to the forwarding them to P.L. or not – I have told her to leave so as to be here in

the

[continued upside down across the top of page one]

*

Middle of May – I think she will come by the first vessel to Adelaide after she receives my letters

which go by the same post as this does. Love to Martha . Yr. Aff. H.Price

_____________________________________________________________________________________


PRG 101/2/37

Letter from Henry Price to Arthur Hardy, 1st April 1854

[in red ink] Melbourne

April 1. 1854

[in black ink]

My dear Arthur.

I was sworn in today Police Magistrate for Maldon – Tarrangower Diggings & I am now on the

point of starting for my Post: I have written to Isa urgently to come at once – but certainly [?] not

from any selfish motives but as a simple act of duty. to

[page 2]

her as well as me – By this same vessel you will receive a letter from Sturt asking you to get

him some Malachite – I hope you will for my sake do all you can for his kindness has indeed

been very great – and although I do not doubt your own willingness to oblige him for old times’

sake yet I think too you are thankful to him for his kindness to

[page 3]]

Me – He tells me that after paying for the Malachite he has asked you to pay any money you

may have of his to Isabella – This is like his kindness & will be most acceptable – He has also

asked her to stay with him on her arrival. – but I suppose she will go to Matt. Price – I am sure

you will do all you can in helping her as she passes through on her way here – I am sending

[page 4]

for her most unwillingly but all my friends insist upon it – and I think they are right – As the

Attorney General told me today – I am going where my exact [?] merits will be known – He said

he would make allowance for my want of […] & […] All the credit would be my own – He says

that I shall require great firmness with forbearance & moderation – and ended by expressing his

earnest hope

[page 5 written in red ink crosswise across page one.]

and belief that I would do well – no officer ever had a higher character for zeal and

efficiency – God grant I may only equal their expectations – Love to Martha

Yr. aff Brother

Henry Price

_____________________________________________________________________________________


PRG 101/2/38

Letter from Henry Price to Arthur Hardy, 13th February [1855?] A small folio and a loose

sheet.

Melbourne Feb 13.

My dear Arthur

It is an age since I have heard from or written to you. This silence on my part has arisen solely

from the wish of having something certain to communicate – You will have heard of my having

left Ballarat under the orders of the medical man there who


told me that either my life or reason would go if I attempted to remain at a place of such

excitement as a Digging after my second attack of congestion of the brain – As I knew that this

illness had been brought on solely by my zeal in the performance of my duties and the fearful

heat of the tents I asked Mr. Wright the Chief Commissioner who happened to be going up to

Ballarat \to examine into the circumstances/ This was solely because my head

[page 3]

was affected – he did so and wrote Sturt a letter to be shown – speaking highly of me and

recommending me to the Government for employment in a quiet place This I shall get – I have

been under the command of two different Resident Commissioners there – one Mr. Close [?] I

wrote to you reported me as ‘an officer of the highest efficiency and ability’. The other a Mr Bury

who was in Charge during both my illnesses has


at my request written to me a letter in which he says that my ill health arose solely from my very

arduous duties – and he goes on to say. ‘I do not hesitate to say as Commissioner in charge of

these Gold Fields that the Service has sustained a serious loss from the compelled resignation

of an officer who always displayed so much zeal and efficiency in the performance of his duties’

– This letter is now being made use of by my friends – I will by and bye send it to Adelaide to

you. I know the imputations I may

[page 5]

otherwise be under most unjustly for a more abstemious and honest man never was in the

Service and this has been triumphantly proved of course at a mess like they have at the

Diggings every man’s habits must be known – I certainly am not fit for Gold Commissioners duty

– and that mine is not a solitary instance is proved by the Commissioner whom I relieved at the

Canadian Camp having been obliged to go on long sick leave – whilst another poor

_____________________________________________________________________________________


[page 6 on the verso of page 5]]

fellow named Dr Salis [?] was in the Hospital at the same time with myself at deaths door with

brain fever and will also have to resign – This is my simple statement – All my friends here are

quite satisfied – I would not even go to Ballarat to attend the Investigation I had asked Wright to

hold – I hope Martha and the Chicks are well – I envy you all the Comfort of Adelaide life – This

is a disgusting place in summer Give my best love to dearest Martha. I hope she will write to

me to the care as before of Montefiore Graham & Co.

Yrs. aff. Henry Price

_____________________________________________________________________________________


PRG 101/2/39

Letter from Henry Price to Arthur Hardy, 27th October [185?]. Two small folios.

Folio 1.

Melbourne .

Oct 27

My dear Arthur

I today received your letter by the Sydney – the Osmanti [?] has not yet made her appearance –

I gather from your letter that you have been seriously ill. I am sincerely glad that you are now

better – By the West Wind a couple of days ago I received a letter from my poor wife – She tells

me that Esther leaves her almost immediately and yet she has taken more pupils – although she

will now have the cooking and house work to do – Mrs Pinkerton too has been unable or

unwilling to pay her for her children’s last quarter’s schooling – Under all these circumstances I

consider I am only doing my duty in accepting some small por –


tion of the money my friends here are constantly pressing upon me – I therefore enclose a draft

on the Bank Australasia Adelaide for £25. – and I want you to have the kindness to let Isabella

draw upon you for what money she may need to that amount. and to let her know by the first

opportunity that she \you/ will do so – I do this from no false pride either on her account or my

own but because I know she is working herself to death and I can see no reason for writing until

I am absolutely appointed to do this – I should not hesitate considering it a gift should any thing

prevent my being able to repay it – Will you please acknowledge the receipt of the draft at once

as they declined at the Bank

[page 3]

giving it to me in duplicate – I have written to Isabella to give up teaching – I am quite tired

waiting for the Estimates and yet weeks may pass before I am actually posted any where – The

Commissioner of Police distinctly told me that even if the new appointments were disallowed he

could give me an Inspectorship – but he will fill up no vacancies until he sees which means and

men the Council will allow him The Government have a decided majority I should immensely

prefer the district promised me to any thing else – but of course I will gladly take a P. Magistracy

any where – or an Inspectorship of Police – These appointments are equal in pay & standing –

The P.M. acts as


Judge The Inspector of Police is responsible for the peace of the District with almost unlimited

power. He buys forage horses and arms – discharges his men below the rank of Sub Inspector

at will – builds quarters houses &c buys and employs drays [?] with men – and has the

uncontrolled expenditure of large sums – one of them at the Diggings as much sometimes as

_____________________________________________________________________________________


£30,000 – This man has easily 500 men under him – Matthew Price53 has 238 – . no small

command – I do not think this system right – nor do I like the thought of it still it will give you

some idea of the position Inspectors hold – There are in all ten of them – all independent of each

other – Whatever my original appointment may be I still look to getting a Police Magistracy in

some nice country

Folio 2

[page 5]

district as soon as I can. I am still in great hopes of getting Barrow’s Inn & Maiden’s Punt54 – If it

passes the Council I am certain of it – and I know of nothing to damp my hopes since I last wrote

but on the contrary the chance of any determined opposition in the Council to the Government

scheme becomes less – still I should be sorry to have to depend only upon this – in the mean

time I must wait – I have lately been staying with Sturt whose kindness seems to increase if

possible – I am leading a very gay life as far as constant dinner parties go – I decline balls – one

a fancy dress one tonight –on account of the expense – Dal Campbell’s house is of course a

home to me and I see a great deal of Mr. Barker the Clark of the Council – To him Bonsey55


altogether owes his appointment as P. M. at Geelong with £1200 a year – Bonsey did not even

know that he was here – He was then in a miserable state of uncertainty & indeed depression

and had he not fallen in with Barker would have been in a very serious predicament – Barker

spoke to his friend Stawell the Attorney General & Bonsey received this excellent appointment

without having been introduced to a soul – The situation which White’s correspondent got for

\gave/ Matthew was that of Wharfinger56 on their own wharf at £1 per day – this appointment

Matt held until through the then Aide de Camp he got his present post. He now has £700 a

year with quarters rations servants – houses – travelling expenses and medical attendance – in

all his pay & allowances are worth at least £1200 – He bears the reputation of a very smart

[page 7]

officer – but at the same time that of a tartar amongst his men – I have thought it best to remain

in Melbourne chiefly – and I have not seen very much of the Bonseys – Monti I constantly see –

I shall be glad if you will convey my thanks to Sir H. Young for his letter – From the previous

remarks I believe it was a good one – and my having had such a thing has been a great point for

my friends to urge upon the different heads of departments with whom the real Patronage rests

– In this way it has I believe been of use – but an interest with either the Col. Secretary Attorney

53 Matthew Price (1818-1883) was Henry Price’s cousin.

54 At Moama, near Echuca.

55 William Henry Bonsey was Police Magistrate for Geelong (1853-1869). 56 ‘Wharfinger’ is an achaic term for the owner or keeper of a wharf.

_____________________________________________________________________________________


General or Commissioner of Police would under all circumstances be far better than anything

with the prison [?] – They are all responsible for their departments & select the men they like &


who are likely to give them the least trouble – Efficient people they are anxious to have – They

know that their present officers are in many instances trash – and there is always a constant

carping both in the Council & Papers at the conduct of even a poor clerk – ‘Our Correspondents’

are all over the country & certainly do not spare the officials – There is a fearful amount of crime

– murder &c now going on – and I do not think they dare attempt to reduce the Police. Still the

Expenditure of more than 3¼ millions is an enormous one & there is no question but that money

has been most fearfully lavished –still there was no machinery ready for so unexpected an

increase of population – I have written to George Young to ask all particulars about the Murray

Steamer if I get this Maiden’s Punt – People do not live here as well or comfortably as near

Adelaide – There is no general society. Love to Martha & kind remembrances to all friends –

Ever aff yrs.

Henry Price

[written crosswise across page 1]

Will you send Isabella a cask of good English bottled ale – paying for it out of this money – I

know she absolutely requires it – but will not get it –

_____________________________________________________________________________________


PRG 101/2/40

Letter from Isabella Price to Arthur Hardy, 22nd June 1845. Two small folios.

Folio1

Port Lincoln

22nd. June [1854]

My dear Arthur –

I am much obliged to you for your kind note which I received by the last Bandicoot – also for

your kind attention in sending me what I require – If you will send me the account – by the next

vessel of what – I am due you, I shall remit the money by return of vessel and the twelve months

interest due next month I should like you very much to put to the


principal and if I can’t possibly make up the sum to £500 yearly that would insure me £50 yearly–

and if interest – ever should rise it would increase my poor income – If you will let me know how

much it will still require to make £500 I shall see what I can do & in the mean time I shall keep

Miss Bishops which will give me £30 value out of Capt Bishops store and the £50 I have in

Bishops hands I shall keep here so that I may not

[page 3]

be penniless during the next 12 months – I intend in every possible way to keep myself and

children from being a burden to Mama – this I can manage to do as the house is hers I only

paying part of the provisions, for all other things such as clothes &c I do not

fear but we shall be provided You will much oblige me by giving at any time your time and much

prized advice either concerning my small


money matters or investments And now you will perceive that I write to you as if I had no

husband, his last letters prove that he is worse than ever, he therein confesses his drunkenness

and that he never even, from that awful vice, was able to reach his place of destination, I mean

the Maldon Diggings where he was appointed Police Magistrate – he drank on the road and his

place has been filled – he now says what a mercy it is that

Folio 2

[page 5]

that I did not go. My dear Arthur I knew from all I had witnessed down here that he was

unreclaimable, it is a disease , and he never will do good, and never be able to do any thing for

_____________________________________________________________________________________


his family – I have made up my mind now that from him we never shall have a sixpence and I

must fight and struggle in the best way I can – His letters are like the letters of a madman , and a


madman he certainly was for 8 months before he left Port Lincoln – Oh it is fearful to think of the

state he is in Would no expostulation from you or Martha be of any avail? I fear not – as he

says that he is in such a state of mind that I must write no more to him – except once to tell him

that if he gets cured of his

[page 7]

vice – I may again return to him – he says he will try and earn a livelihood in any way – so there

is no hope from Govt any more – he still denies that drink was the cause of the Ballarat illness,

but still I know well enough, it helped, as he cannot keep from it – Give my love to Martha. I

hope she will excuse my writing to her this time as this subject lays me up with many headaches


We are much obliged to her for her kindness in executing the commissions Every \thing/ was as

usual very nice I felt so glad to think that you had lent Edward a helping hand God grant that he

keep from that disgusting of all vices! –Speak very plainly to him about it, if he dreads you it will

be all the better for him –his unfortunate brother is living with Matthew Price at Brighton –

Believe me

Yours most sincerely

Isabella Price

[written crosswise over page 5]

Mama and Annie join me in kind regards to Martha & yourself Many thanks for the papers which

I always duly [?] receive we are glad of them as we get no others . –

_____________________________________________________________________________________


PRG 101/2/41

Letter from Isabella Price to Arthur Hardy, 28th May 1847. Small cream folio with small

envelope attached.

Port Lincoln

28th. May.1847

My dear Sir

Mr. Price arrived on the 24th. and brought with him a another mark of your kindness and

attention – The oranges I look upon as quite a treat and we shall find them doubly so in the Bush

where I expect to be in a week from this date

[page 2 written across pages 2 and 3 of the folio]

We have commenced packing up, so at last it looks like reality – Mr. McDonald has been our

visitor lately, and the gaiety of Port Lincoln seems to increase every day what with dinner parties

evening parties & projected picnics !! &c &c I long for the quiet of a Bush life – I hope upon your

return from England you will again pay us a visit and by that time surely we shall be able to

supply you with fruit from our garden and in some small measure, endeavour to repay you for

your kindness to Mr. Price during his stay in Adelaide, by giving you the “kindest of welcomes” to

our humble Cottage Mr. Price has enjoyed himself very much indeed and speaks most warmly

of the hospitable manner in which he has been entertained – I have never yet thanked you for

Novello’s Concert Masters. I have tried some of them over

[page 3]

and admire them much but unfortunately there is no English translation, Latin I dare not attempt

– Mr. Price says he left some music for Miss Gower at your house –

Accept again of my best thanks for all your kindness and attention and Believe me

My dear Sir

Ever your [. . .]

Isabella Price

[envelope]

Arthur Hardy Esq

King William St

_____________________________________________________________________________________


PRG 101/2/42

Letter from Isabella Price to Arthur Hardy, 26th April 1854. Small folio. This letter was

enclosed in the following letter by Isabella to Martha Hardy.

Port Lincoln

April 26th. 1854

My dear Arthur –

Capt Bishop goes up by this Bandicoot, he is to ask you when there is a prospect of a Piano for

him, I hear Mr Elder has sent out a Harmonium for our Church so I thought perhaps the Piano

might arrive about the same time – By Martha’s letter I perceive that Mr. Sturt has kindly offered

me a sum of money in your hands – I decidedly object to take it, and will on no account hear of

Mr. Price running into debt on my account, as I plainly


perceive the money is borrowed – You will of course read my letter to Martha and […] my

decision – the interest money I will not touch until I am compelled – I may never receive a

sixpence of his Salary but as he is now receiving his pay, you have the power to get it from him,

or to get a part – I know he will do all he can to punish me, he will be incensed beyond every

thing to think after having been so foolishly pliable for so many years, I have at last rebelled – I

suppose you are

[page 3]

aware he is due Mama £30 given to him just before you came from England – she has no

receipt to prove it – and in event of anything happening to him she would get nothing Could you

possibly secure the wretched portion of furniture that there is here, upon her so that it can be

proved to be hers if you can do this I shall feel much obliged to you –

I never have heard a word about the Beer, I hope you have not paid for it – if you have not then

you need not trouble yourself about it at all, as I suppose the Capt & Newman will settle it


I should wish you to send me 3 bags of flour by return of the vessel – and as I owe Owen a small

Bill I shall give him an order on you – and by the time I get all I wish for I hope I shall not be in

your debt – I scarcely think so as Martha says there is about £15 – I am The house now has

become Mama’s, she pays the rent from the time of her arrival in fact I am now only a guest of

course paying for my own things washing &c – I am sorry you have been an invalid, but I trust

that you are better and with best regards and thanks for all your kindness

Believe me Yours very sincy

Isabella Price

[written vertically on page four over the previous writing]

remember I feel much indebted to Mr. Sturt it is prudence not pride that makes me refuse this

money

_____________________________________________________________________________________


PRG 101/2/42A

Letter from Isabella Price to Martha Hardy, April [26th] 1854. Small folio.

Port Lincoln

April 1854

My dear Martha

I received your letter by the Bandicoot, and was sorry the warm things had not been sent as we

have no winter clothing of any description and had I been going up in the vessel this time I

should not have known what to do – however the boys & I will do as we best can until the return

of the Bandicoot – when I hope you will be kind enough to send them – and now dear Martha

touching my own matters which are painful indeed – the same post that brought your


letter brought me intelligence direct from Balarat that your brother had still been pursuing his

wretched habit of intemperance, and that the testimonials of good character were given him at

his own request – the authority is undoubted – and it is fully corroborated by a letter from

Matthew Price to me begging of me to join my husband as he fears much he will not keep his

situation if I am absent from him – he mentions the frequent fits of despondency he is subject to

– Ah Martha well do I know about those fits they came on nearly every month and ended in

drunkeness – My influence

[page 3]

at such times has not the slightest effect & I am perfectly satisfied from nearly eight years

suffering that he is subject to temporary fits of insanity, such being the case and knowing that

Even Under Providence I can and have done no good, I decidedly object to join him even

supposing I could live in a tent, which I know right well I have not health to do My health was

much undermined during my 12 months teaching, nursing an infant and constant distraction of

mind endeavouring to conceal him and the fearful disgrace

he brought upon us from my


my dear boys and the girls I had boarding in the house and now he swears before his Maker he

has not a selfish wish in commanding me to join him and yet he says bring one child, leave 2

and come and live during the wet winter in a tent at the diggings – Oh would I not go to the

world’s end with a man I honored & respected, or even more than I have already done for him if I

could do good, but it is hopeless – and now I commit him to God let him do with him as he sees

fit – and I commit myself to God and look to him for my future support for I have no hopes for

your brother I shall enclose a few lines to Arthur

_____________________________________________________________________________________


[written vertically on page four over the previous writing]

and a list to yourself to get me a few things if you will be kind enough – I am glad to hear you

and your children are well I often envy you your happiness – With love from

Mama Annie and myself

Believe me dear Martha

Your afft Sister

Isabella Price

Edward goes up by this vessel he has been stopping with Mama & us for a fortnight – he is

perfectly sober & much improved he never was half so much to blame as Henry

PRG 101_2_43 Letter from Harriet Hardy to her son, Arthur Hardy, 18th February 1850.

[written on black bordered notepaper]

My dearest Arthur Bideford Febry18th 1850 I cannot resist writing one line tho’ it seems such a mere chance that it will reach you; yet being fixed in this tantalising position it must look as if you were forgotten if the attempt is not made. I hope Edwards1 letter has reached you. It was enclosed in a very affectionate one to me, hoping I was still at Birksgate & inviting me to remain there. He is evidently quite unprepared for the state of things he will find. What will he do with an unfurnished house & no one to welcome him – I long to see him alone, before he gets there & hear all particulars from his own lips, but how this could be managed I don’t know. I wish I could contrive to get a letter to him before he lands, but I suppose this could not be done unless Herbert could point out some way to me. Caroline is laid by again with a hurt she got in London while packing, having knelt upon the padlock of her box & in some way injured her well knee, from which she is after all this time suffering acutely. She is truly unfortunate, for she was just beginning to walk a little in the street, the bad foot being greatly better. I hope this will be but temporary. How weary you must all be of this situation; precluded as you are from seeing your friends, I am ready in imagination to start off to Torquay, but ought to hope that you may be far away before I could reach you. Caroline joins with her husband in kind love to you & Martha & regards to Miss Price

with your Ever affectionate mother Harriet Hardy

P S If this is the last you get be sure of my prayers for you) [page 2 envelope page. Two one penny maroon adhesive postage stamps showing a queen’s head affixed]

Arthur Hardy Esqr

Care of Captain Darke Barque “Mary Ann” for Adelaide supposed off Brixham [?] Torbay [post mark] FE 18

1850 A

[upside down, above address]

If the “Mary Ann” has sailed please return it to Arthur Ley Esq Bideford

1 Arthur’s older brother Edward was the heir to Birksgate but he had not yet returned to England after his

father’s death in 1849.

_____________________________________________________________________________________


PRG 101/2/44

Letter from Arthur Hardy’s eldest son Arthur Marmaduke to his young brother Herbert. A

small folio.

[page 1. The folio has a printed letterhead: a Crest in blue with the words]

Maison d’Evegrement

Neuville, Dieppe.

Hardi Ni Temeraire

St. Mary’s

Aylesbury

May 31st. 1868

Dear Herbert

I am so glad to hear that you have at last gone to school and I hope you will enjoy it as much as

I do. I can assure you there is no place so jolly because you are wanting play fellows at your age

and you don’t know enough about the world to care for it yet. And besides a fellow becomes

such a milksop who always has a governess and can’t stick up for himself or punch a fellows

head who is cheeky. I should advise you if ever you have quarrels with fellows not to talk or

squabble or call names at all but if he calls you any name hit him at once in the face. Don’t be

afraid of hurting him. That is his look out nor yours. I have


acted on that plan and the consequence is that fellows respect me and very rarely are cheeky. If

any one sneers at your family [ ] [ ] sneers because ours is a very good family and some of

your cousins in England are Lords and Dukes and are influential men, and besides a fellow who

sneers as rarely as a rule has the pluck to defend himself. I have been at school 8 years and

know all about these things. I wish you could come to school with me it would be a great

advantage as I could explain all these things better and give you advice. I hope you will like the

College. If ever Mr Farr57 speaks to you about me tell him that I remember him very kindly and I

hope shall

[page 3]

always do so. I wish had been more in his class as I should have learnt more than I did. He only

once heard me a lesson and I shall never forget the kind way he spoke to us all and quite won

our hearts. You are starting exactly in the same form as I did. Is Mr. May still a Master? One

master [?] whose form was next the highest [?] [. . .] was kind to me. He was an Irishman I think

and had a red face but I forget his name. Please write and tell all about the skloo school and

your own doings and the names of all the Masters and what forms each one takes. Are the two

57

George Henry Farr (1819-1904) was Headmaster of the Collegiate School of St Peter in Adelaide.

_____________________________________________________________________________________


Waterhouse’s there still? If they are go and talk to them about me. I used to walk to N. Adelaide

with them every day.

Please give my best love to Aunt Isabella and all my cousins. I am sure you will like them very

much as they are all so kind. I must now stop so with best love to all my friends and many happy

returns of your approaching birthday believe me ever

your affectionate Brother

Arthur M Hardy

[page 4 on verso of page 3 address]

H. M .Hardy Esq

Care of Mrs. Price

Strangways Terrace

N. Adelaide

_____________________________________________________________________________________


PRG 101/2/45

Letter from Port Darwin to Arthur Hardy from Wentworth Marmaduke Hardy, son of

Arthur’s older brother Edward. 17th February 1869. Small folio

[page 1 printed Crest in red with the words] – Hardi Ni Temeraire

Port Darwin.

17th.February 169

My dear Uncle Arthur

We have arrived here at last & very glad I assure you \we/ were to get ashore alltho’ we have

been very happy all things considered during the passage. Yet she was very crowded both

below & on deck not room to swing a cat We made a very good passage of 40 days arriving

here on the 5th February in the afternoon & I got the Surveyor General to let me row him ashore.

& Mitchell & I were ashore first He first & I second, amongst the officers, though third in reality.

You will be glad to hear that I have succeeded in gaining his – approbation during the passage &

on arriving here two surveyors who are working together Mr. Mc. Minn & Mc. Lachlan applied to

have me in their party as Draughtsman. which seemed to please him very much

You must not expect to get


a very long letter this time as we are to start immediately the Lea Ripple comes in & she is

expected immediately \every/ minute so I’ll defer any lengthy descriptions of the place till next

mail when I shall be settled down in camp

I amused \myself/ drawing on the voyage caricaturing & sketching and Mr G [?] was so pleased

with some of them that he got me to copy them.

I also got up a paper on board & I was made printer of the “Moonta Herald & N T Gazette” & had

to copy out his copy & illustrate it – however I have managed to be capital friends with him & two

of the surveyors I am going with are relations of his namely a first class & one second class

surveyor. Mr. Lachlan & L. Smith. The other two are Mc. Minn & Daly & all seem to think me

very fortunate. I hope to see my salary up to £180 a year before I come back I shall try hard for

it & the surveyors I am with will try for me I know, in fact they have given me to understand they

will do their best.

This is really a beautiful place no mosquitoes at present very like Sydney. The harbor is a first

class one. & the township

[page 3]

here will be very pretty indeed it is formed on a Table land safe above the sea . – The streets

run at right angles with one another open to the sea air and are named after the officers of the

expedition (the survey portion ) including the draughtsman) Our name figures in a very

conspicuous place. Hardy St.. . – It is a little paradise to look at & if the rest of the place is

equally good as the “heads” seem to think it is we shall have a splendid place here some day.

Mr G. has not let the grass grow under his feet The Township is under Survey (about 700 acres

in half acre allotments). Mitchell has gone to the Adelaide River & is on his way back now & we

_____________________________________________________________________________________


(our party are ready packed up to start the survey of sections about 15 miles down the harbor

from here.

He is very strict in his orders being obeyed he forbade swearing on voyage and the Accountant

Postmaster [. . .] was disrated for breaking his rule to the rank of Laborer but was reinstated on

his arrival here. since which Mr. Mills a second class Surveyor has lost his posting & £240 a

year from the same cause but we don’t know yet whether he is Cadet or Laborer or whether he

returns in the ship

For my own part I am well as hopeful & happy as I can be here but I miss Norwood I can assure

you dear

[page 4 blank except for seven final words]

[page 5 written vertically upside down on page 1 over the previous writing]

Uncle & I get Homesick occasionally our parting was not very satisfactory as I suppose she

thought I had no business here I daresay she does not care for me & has been making a fool

of me all along as you once told me you thought was the case. I shall stick to my colours for her

sake & try to win them however black the chances look

You will glad to hear I sold my Revolver for £7 I got also £.3 5.8 for the rest of December of that

I enclose your £9 £8.14 in cheques made payable only to you & the balance in stamps I

thought it better to sell the Revolver as I had no occasion to use it

[page 6 written vertically on page 2 over the previous writing]

there being plenty of Westley Richards in the Camps. 12 fowling pieces a fire arm of some sort

at any rate.

Will you kindly send me a Lett’s Diary Uncle one of the green backed ones & a large sized

drawing book about 12 by 9 inches if the postage is the same as it is in South Australia They tell

me here it is the 2nd postage still [?] & that The Govt. will make arrangements with the Timorese

post office for the surplus

I must now close dear Uncle Hoping that this Letter will find you all well at home I am writing


direct for England so I don’t enclose my Father’s letter . With love to all at Home Aunt Mabel

Ethel Herbert – \kind regards to/ Miss Barton

Beleive me dear Uncle

Yr affectionate & grateful nephew

Wentworth Hardy

By our account I seem to stand credited still £2/16/10. That is right is it not? I suppose that is

exclusive of the £5 in the bank? however the £9 will make £12 in yr hands which I leave to you

to use as you think best Goodbye

With Best Love

Yr. affectionate nephew

WH

_____________________________________________________________________________________


p.s. I shall like the Drawing Paper to be rather smart with rough [?] covers as I will have it

rebound when I get back. I don’t like sketching blocks. Mrs. Goyders [?] desires to be kindly

remembered to you

Will you order two sketch books as Msr Dale

[page 8 written vertically across page 4]

will like to have one too.. goodbye

[This letter is accompanied by a very small black-bordered envelope]

Wentworth Hardy Esq

Adelaide

_____________________________________________________________________________________


PRG 101/2/46

Draft of Wentworth Hardy’s appointment as a Draftsman. 30th May 1870. Foolscap sized

folio.

831

70

Surveyor Generals Office

Adelaide

30 May 1870

Sir,

I have the honor to inform you that His Excellency the Governor has been pleased to approve of

your being appointed a Draftsman – 5th – Class in this Department at a Salary of £120 – per

Annum – Vice E. P. Laurie promoted. –

I have the honor to be, Sir,

1062/70

Your obedient Servant

Surveyor General

GW Goyder

Mr.Wentworth Hardy

Adelaide

P.S. Your appointment to date from 12 April 1870 inclusive. –

_____________________________________________________________________________________


PRG 101/2/47

Letter from T E Hardy to Arthur M Hardy about the death of their cousin Edward Hardy,

Arthur Hardy’s older brother, 9th March 1869. Small black-bordered folio.

32 Bridge Road West

Battersea

London 9: Mch: 1869

S.W

My dear Cousin;

I am indeed greatly shocked, and grieved beyond expression, at the very sad & mournful

intelligence which your note of yesterday conveys to me of the death of my dear Cousin Edward.

[page 2]

It is to me a matter of deep regret that I had not an opportunity of seeing him previous to his

decease. To my dear Cousins, Emily and Edith58, the loss they have suffered must be

overwhelming. I pray, however, that their Heavenly Father, may sustain and Comfort them in this

the heaviest bereavement of their lives. I write to Emily, by this post, expressing

[page 3]

my condolence & sympathy. If you will inform me, at your earliest convenience, when the funeral

takes place, I shall certainly endeavour to be present to pay a last tribute of respect & affection,

for him towards whom I always entertained the greatest regard and attachment. I am sorry to

say my dear Wife & little ones have been very far from well lately,

[page 4]

and I have myself been very ill. Hoping my dear Cousins & yourself are as well as, under the

circumstances, can be expected, with our united love to them & kindest regards to yourself,

believe me, with every expression of sympathy and sorrow,

Your affectionate Cousin

T: Edw: [?] Hardy

A.M. Hardy Esq.

P.S. Can I be of any service to you or my Cousins – if so, let me know.

[This letter is accompanied by a small black-bordered envelope]. T.E.Hardy [has been written

crosswise in pencil]

Arthur M. Hardy

St. Mary’s Villa Aylesbury

PRG 101/2/48

58

Emily and Edith were Edward Hardy’s daughters.

_____________________________________________________________________________________


Letter from T. E. Hardy to Arthur M. Hardy, 31st March 1869, about circumstances

following the death of their cousin Edward Hardy. Small black-bordered folio.

[Printed Crest with the words] Maison d’Evegrement

Neuville, Dieppe. [above]

Hardi Ni Teneraire [below]

London 31st March 1869

My dear Arthur

I went down to Aylesbury again on Thursday last, and returned on Monday, on my arrival my

wife handed me your note of 28th. inst. also the enclosed. The one from Marlboro’ College she

opened in mistake.

If Herbert Taylor raises any obstacles with regards to the rents due at the


time of your Uncles death, and will not even assist the poor girls himself, I am afraid it will be

useless writing to the tenants, & I must continue to do the best I can for them.

You will be pleased to learn that through the kind assistance of Mr Jelf [?]59 & Miss Crowley, I

have succeeded in placing Edith into School, with a Miss Dyson a friend of Miss Crowley’s and

who resides at Church

[page 3]

Cookham, near Farnham. This I think, is the very best thing that could happen for Edith, and she

will have the advantage of being [near?] Mr Jelf who will reside in the adjoining parish. Edith

leaves Aylesbury to-day, with Mr Jelf & Miss Crowley. Emily came with me to London, and is

now staying with Miss Newton; Next week she will be with me.

On Saturday last Mr Corfe’s Mother visited Aylesbury, and sought an interview with me, in the

presence of Mr Jelf, Dr Fiskes & Mrs Stichman, when without any previous preparation,


she suddenly & in the most abrupt manner informed me that her son entertained an affection for

Emily, & on his behalf, asked me to give my consent to their marriage. You can scarcely imagine

how this surprised me, & her importunate manner was most painful to me. I told her that I

thought this was scarcely a subject to discuss so very soon after the death of Emily’s father (it

seemed to me indecent & to show a want of proper respect for his Memory) – and that it was a

matter that wd require more most careful & serious consideration, & could not be


59

There were a number of clergymen named Jelf in England at this time.

_____________________________________________________________________________________


decided off hand as she seemed to desire and entreat; and that I wd. take an opportunity to see

her on my return to London – In this Mr Jelf perfectly agreed with me. I am told that Mrs Corfe

leaves town to-day & will not be back before Thursday, when I shall try & see her – I will let you

know the result – I wrote again to your Father from Aylesbury,

informing him of their Edith.


Emily has had your note handed to her –

I was exceedingly surprised to be informed by Eliza last night that Emily had told her that while

they were at Dr Forbes’s, she had rcd a Telegram from her Uncle Alfred – I cannot believe this –

there must surely be some mistake – I shall question Emily about it – I am informed that Mr

Vincent, during his stay at Aylesbury, enquired [?] about all sorts


of reports & hinted that it wd. be as well to enquire who is the Mother of the girls, I feel quite

fagged, & almost over powered with anxiety –

Fanny unites with me in best love & wishes, and believe me

Your affectionate Cousin

T: Edw: Hardy

I fancy one of the enclosed letters is from Beiver [?] – if so, let me know what he says –

_____________________________________________________________________________________


PRG 101/2/49

Letter from Robert Barr Smith to Arthur Hardy. 5th April 1873. Three small folios and a

single page.

[letter one]

Venice

April 5 1873

Dear Hardy

You were good enough to express a wish that I should write you on my arrival in England and as

I have no faith in myself as a correspondent I begin before I arrive, in anticipation making

atonement for future idleness – We had a most vexatious succession of delays. The Baroda

broke down and we at one time seemed likely to be a month at King George’s Sound, than

which death were a thousand times preferable. When


at a snail’s pace we reached Galle, we were sent on to Bombay involving another 10 days loss

– This however we could not so much regret as Bombay is well worthy of a visit and we shd.

have been sorry to have missed it now. It has it’s drawbacks no doubt, one chief one the

intolerable smells which assail you making you wish a thousand wishes that you had no nose

and welcoming as you do most heartily any tendency to cold in your

[page 3]

head, that man being most greatly blessed who most nearly approaches a total stoppage.

I did not know until I went to Bombay that it is absolutely the second city in the Empire larger

than Manchester or Glasgow – and as almost all the inhabitants are natives and all the men go

about as nearly as possible naked you may guess how picturesque a place it is

The streets are as crowded as Cornhill or Poultry, this is no exaggeration,


and as you drive about through this shouting, reeking human mass you may imagine what a

fresh sensation it is in one sense, and what a stale one in another.

There are some good things to be got in Bombay in the shape of boxes & ornaments . A Parsee

“Cursetzee” by name waited upon me (and upon others) daily at the hotel (kept also by a

Parsee) – Cursetzee had £10.000 of rings in his pocket and lived in a house as good as Briers .

Just fancy my having to look up my business

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[folio 2 page 5]

daily at the York or Globe upon the arrival of the Melbourne steamer waiting in the lobby for the

Passengers. I am told Bombay is in a very bad way but I saw no signs of it. I dined at one

Bungalow and got a very good dinner with apparently every kind of fulness [?]

We got to Suez as per order slowly, not to overtake the preceding Steamer, and with our usual

luck a train ran off the line and stuck us up in the desert in the


middle of the night. Now was the time to prove the advantage of having a man servant with you

– whoever was wrong I was right .

Brewster however had made up his mind at Suez that although I was forwarding my packages

by luggage train he would not lose sight of his so he appeared on the platform with two heavy

bags coupled by a strong strap. When we were stopped in the sand, in the dark, it

[page 7]

was hard to say in an instant what it was best to do especially as we were to be told that if we

walked on a bit we should get some means of proceeding, however imperfect. I therefore left

Brewster (of whose intelligence I began to entertain some doubts) to take charge of the women

& children and went forward in person to reconnoitre, it all. ended in my carrying my man’s two

big bags through the sand the whole distance – Brewster


accompanying my wife with her shawls.

I was not able to get any communication in Egypt with Betts Bey and as Mrs Hardy’s kind letter

was something more than an introduction I posted it to its address and wrote a note to Betts Bey

expressing a hope that he would permit me to recal [?] myself to his memory as introduced when

I next visit Egypt.

We only came off at Brindisi and took a short drive in the environs – there is not much to see

[folio 3 page 9]

This place Venice is most lovely and we have been able to spend a week in sight seeing, of

course it is then only half done as the pictures alone demand years of looking at them if you

could give it – We have been to all the Chief Churches which, whether they are good

architecture or not, are very grand structures with wonderful mosaics & marbles.

But what would have most delighted Mrs. Hardy I believe was a sight I had of Prince Giovanellis


Palace. I went there to see what a private residence of the first Class is like – I never saw

anything approaching it in magnificence and in good taste – the Royal Palace here is nothing to

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it. If ever you should visit Venice see this Palace it is one of the best sights going though not

noticed in the books. Of course we have looked up the Armenian Convent for Lord Byron’s

Father and have seen his table and his seat in the garden The Venetians still remember him

with affection

[page 11]

The Italians are the most irascible race I have ever come across

I have seen a man here on trifling provocation express more rage in his face and eyes than I

could have thought possible. He looked more like a hooded Cobra about to strike than anything

human. A Captain Agnew was stabbed (and killed) by an Italian at Suez the day before we

arrived, and after seeing the Italian in his habitat I am not astonished at the occurrence.

They are a good looking


race – I have seen many a mangy rogue on the wharf here for whose nose I would have given a

thousand pounds and my own proboscis, if it had been possible to effect an exchange.

The Gondolas are very ugly – Mark Twain correctly describes them as a kind of floating coffins

and your Gondolier is a lugubrious dog who never sings .

We see by the papers that Sir James has married Miss Richman, we heard something of Sir

James as we came

[page13 single sheet]

along. He seems to have given himself some airs.

Hughes heard of Stirling’s death60 on his way home, and the Chief Engineer of the

“Poonah” declared [?] was so much affected thereby “he was obliged to come off at Ancona”.

I have been puzzling myself ever since as to the sources of relief from “coming off at Ancona”

but no one in these parts seems to be able to enlighten me – and I have given it up as

[page 14 on verso of single sheet]

one of the unsolvable problems which occasionally present themselves to you in life

We start from this on Monday for Milan and expect to be in Paris and to meet Jane and George

Elder on the 12th of this month.

Joanna is well but wearying for her children – Mabel & Mora [?] enjoy themselves vastly.

With our united best love to dear Mrs Hardy to Mabel Arthur Ethel & Herbert

I am dear Hardy Yours very truly R. Barr Smith

60 Sir Edward Stirling (1804-1873), banker and politician, arrived South Australia 1839, father of Sir Edward Charles

Stirling (1848-1919) and Sir John Lancelot Stirling (1849-1932).

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PRG 101/2/50

Letter from Robert Barr Smith to Arthur Hardy, 11th May 1873. Two small folios and two

loose sheets. [letter two]

[folio 1 page 1]

London May 11. 1873

Dear Hardy

Long before you get this – nay ere I write it – you know that we had two days ago the startling

intelligence of the death of Mr J. Stuart Mill.61

He has been living at Avignon, and I had been thinking how I should best approach him – as the

two visits I have made to Scotland have much occupied my time hitherto – when the startling

news came of his deadly illness to be followed by the speedy announcement of his death. All I

shall now know of him


therefore is in his works.

I post you a few papers with the notices of him – that you may see how public estimation went.

I was particularly disgusted with the cold and insufficient recognition of the “Times”.

I look upon J.S.Mill as having no superior, if any equal, amongst the thinkers of his time – and I

felt that a comparison between him & that unprincipled charlatan “Bob Lowe” 62 was a public

insult to the great dead.

Since I wrote you, we have, in anticipation of the arrival of the “St. Vincent”,

[page 3]

shifted our quarters, from the “Grosvenor” to Sydenham – but the St. Vincent keeps out and we

are beginning to weary for her.

I have also taken another step, by taking a “shooting”, and a house large enough for us all in

Argyllshire63 – Knockdow \Knockdow/ by Toward point \Toward Point/ is the address. We mean

to go there by the 1st of June, and if cold & wet permit, to remain till the end of October. There

is a moor large enough for my friends & me, none of us gluttons for Sport – and there is a great

variety of Sport \game/, (besides grouse) including Roe & Woodcock. The sea is


61

John Stuart Mill (1806-1873), famous British philosopher and political theorist, had been married to Harriet

Taylor MilL, Arthur Hardy’s sister, who had died in 1848. 62

Robert Lowe,1st

Viscount Sherbrooke, (1811-1892) was a controversial British and Australian statesman and

politician. He was a particular opponent of J. S. Mill. He lived in New South Wales from 1841 to 1850. 63 Argyleshire, Scotland.

_____________________________________________________________________________________


within a mile of the house, the land goes down to the shore, and the scenery is very fine – if it

only keeps tolerable weather I think we cannot fail to enjoy ourselves. But Oh! The dreary Cold

& Wet. I have not been without a cough since I landed – that I have now got used to, as well as

to swelled throat and chronic tightness in my chest; of these I would never complain. But when

you add – Cold in the head, with it’s unpleasant concomitants – pains of a rheumatic nature

running down the bones of your legs & arms – an acute stitch in the ribs – and shooting pains in

the

[folio 2 page 5]

2

small of your back, gumboils, toothache, fulness of the head, apparently incipient softening of

the brain, and a threatening of general permanent general all overishness – it begins to be

uncomfortable, and you lose heart a little, and, at all events, feel the sense of keen enjoyment of

life dulled. Thank God, I think I saw upon the main road to-day a little cloud of dust. I hope my

longing eyes did not deceive me.

But before I go further into purely personal matters I had better thank you for your kindly sending

me letters to Mr.White & Mr Wilde – the former I shall present as


soon as I can, the latter should I have occasion; I understand it to be purely professional

I have only seen Donald Stirling, but my wife has been to the house and speaks most highly of

the daughters. Stirling did, as you know, make a will after yours [?] – and strangely enough he

employed two lawyers in his business, and being of apparently a secretive nature, the family did

not know of his dealings with the second man at all The wife I understand is left only £1000 a

year and is not at all satisfied with the dear

[page 7]

deceased, as when told of the provision she said she would not believe it. She is not even lef t

the house & furniture, which is the usual solatium64, to a wife of long standing, for your going

away. I have always maintained that a man should leave his wife as much as will enable her to

live in the same style as she has been accustomed to – and with this in view it is prudent not to

accustom her to too much grandeur. The best way of all I feel is, to arrange before your death

with your wife & friends \other/ relatives what you are to do with your money;


let them discuss freely how much of you each of them ought to have, and if possible come to an

amicable settlement during your life, of the just partition of you after death. Why should we

hesitate to go into these matters with our next of kin. On this Subject, do you know I am

beginning to doubt the justice of my own will as respects my children, and you must not be

surprised if you find a Codicil.

Touching the manner of E.Stirlings death – there is no doubt, I fear that it was

[page 9 single sheet]]

64

Compensation or consolation.

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3

as you say the result of the fatal telegram. Of course it is a blunder to be so sensitive in love

matters as to allow your son’s disappointment, to carry you off – bad enough to die of your own

affair – and till now I had supposed that only possible with a very young man.

I have seen Mrs Tinline & her son & two daughters but not George65, who has been as usual

suddenly seized with some unaccountable disorder baffling the skill of Physicians. Of course on

any known physical laws he ought to have died in agonies at least a dozen times. I do not doubt

I shall see him next week


in the city

Hawker and his wife & 2 daughters I also saw at Mr […]. Hawker looked a little puffy but was

quite sober, at least as long as I saw him. His wife, old looking and as grey as a rat. The

daughters by no means beauties – the second one very small and not unlike Mrs. Hamilton

without her good looks .

There were a lot of young Australians besides, whom I did not discover, till next

morning I was told of their presence – a very fat daughter of Paxton’s about six feet high and

18 stones weight could not be unobserved anywhere.

[page 11 single sheet]

4

My wife after being at the aforesaid party (at which I saw valse [?] belles) desires to state her

unhesitating opinion – that for looks and style the Adelaide girls are infinitely superior.

Joe O’Halloran was there and displayed some skill, as I thought, in picking out the least ugly as

his partners . Colonial experience no doubt.

Joanna is not writing to Mrs. Hardy by this mail but promises to do so by next with all the gossip

– what that means I do not know –but I do know that women have a fatal facility in


collecting that article where it is to be found; a still more fatal faculty of making it where it is not.

So I do not despair for Mrs Hardy. How much better are men. With our united kind regards to

you and Mrs Hardy and to Mabel Ethel & the boys I am

Yours vy truly

R. Barr Smith

65 George Tinline (1815-1895), banker and pastoralist, migrated to Australia in 1838. He had great successes but

also vicissitudes. He bought land on Mt Lofty Summit just north of Arthur Hardy’s house and began to build but was

forced to return to England. The house, ultimately ‘Arthur’s Seat’, was completed by Gavin Young.

prg 101/2/1-50 letters of arthur hardy and family ... from edward hardy (1811-1869) to his younger...

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